Nevada’s rainbow-colored wonderland park in the Mojave Desert.
Sunrise is amazing almost anywhere, but over Valley of Fire, Nevada’s vast landscape of red desert sandstone in the Mojave Desert, I knew it would be extra-special. The park had been on my list of things to do since I’ve been here, and on my list of things to do if I ever get to the Southwestern States for even longer. The problem was, sunrise in the desert during midsummer is at 5:23 a.m., and Las Vegas is over an hour away from the park. I could do the math, and the hour I’d have to depart made even me hesitate. Besides, Google advised a 6:30 a.m. park opening time. I made that my goal and set off as the sun rose over Las Vegas, driving more or less north on 515 with the sun right in my eyes.
The city and its industry faded quickly. A little over halfway through the drive, Google Maps took me down a side road off the highway that led to… a truck stop? No, past that, the road led on into completely desolate desert. A roadside sign told me I was entering a Native American reservation. A jackrabbit with ears bigger than its body bounded off the road. The morning was completely quiet and surprisingly cool.
Driving on, the road started to curve between hills. Around a bend, I braked for three bighorn sheep standing in the road. I’d just passed a “no hunting” sign, and it was a little obvious that this wildlife was less than impressed with me and my Mazda. They stood by the road, grazing on bushes, looking as if I’d interrupted their Saturday brunch. I felt comfortable enough to open my car door and take some pictures and did not get charged.
As the sun rose, I admired the rainbow corona it threw off. It was easy to see where the fire was going to come from in the valley that day.
I pulled up to the park gates to discover that there are no gates blocking park access before hours, and the park is officially open from sunrise to sunset. It also offers overnight camping. Maybe another time I can make the early drive for the actual sunrise! As it was, the shadows were still long and the air was still cool. I spent hours driving the park roads and taking in the scenery. WOW.
I tried hiking too, but in the deep sand, I couldn’t walk far with the shoes I’d chosen. Again, a trip for another time.
I’ve been to deserts before – the Kalahari and the Karoo, to name two. But this adventure made me feel like I’d finally been to a desert. I think that feeling comes from the fact that Valley of Fire is an official state park maintained by rangers who care. In turn, citizens who care back up those rangers. With this kind of attention and funding, a place becomes more accessible to visitors like me. Road signs, stocked bathroom facilities, heat advisories, plaques with information on local plants and wildlife – all of these things help visitors learn while experiencing a desert in relative comfort.
I exited the park on the opposite side I’d entered… which put me arriving at work BARELY RIGHT ON TIME!! AHHH! I went the shortest route my GPS offered: a scenic 40-ish mile route along Lake Mead. I didn’t take any pictures, being in an enormous rush, but that drive was also spectacular and offered many attractions along the way. It’s definitely worth checking out too!
What a wonderful morning! Coming for you next, Death Valley.
~ The Dauntless Princess ~
P.S. Antelope squirrels in the Mojave desert run across the road just like gray ones.