USA Rainbow Rock

Parking lot #3 in Valley of Fire State Park primarily serves the Fire Wave trailhead. Very few visitors venture down the drainage on the southwest side of the lot. This area is a large expanse of sandstone of every color in the rainbow. One large slab of sandstone is aptly named “Rainbow Rock” or “Crazy Hill”. One could spend hours wandering around the labyrinthine maze of colorful rocks. If you visit during the summer (not recommended) be sure to bring plenty of water. While you’re not very far from a road, it’s easy to become disoriented and lose your way. Getting lost here, even if just for a few hours, could have serious consequences if you’re unprepared when temperatures exceed well above 100° F (38° C).

Early morning or late afternoon. Cloudy days are great. I was lucky to be there on this day just before, during, and after a heavy rain which really enhanced the colors of the sandstone. After rushing to take shelter in my car during the downpour, it was a good day after the storm moved past.

From the Valley of Fire Visitor Center drive 13 miles (21km) to the Fire Wave parking area (parking area #3). There is parking on both side of the road. From the parking area on the west side of the road, find the drainage at the north end of the lot. Work your way down the drainage until it opens up and forks after a couple of minutes. If you take the left fork, you’ll see the multi-colored rock feature called “Rainbow Rock” after a couple more minutes.