Overton, Nevada: Valley of Fire State Park - Sci-Fi Locations Petroglyphs

Unbelievable. Many trails close in summer because of extreme heat, but getting out early leads to amazing views!

Incredible formations and colors. Definitely feels like an alien world.

If ever you get near Las Vegas and can drive one hour or less out to the Valley of Fire, you'll find unearthly beauty. Unimaginable. Truly a place one needs to put in top ten of bucket list.

Nevada's first state park, the Valley of Fire, is a natural wonderland. Multiple geologic features are found in the park, most notably red sandstone rock formations that have been eroded into interesting shapes. These hills/small mountains are peppered with cool, though shallow, caves that make some parts of the park like a giant playground. The landscape of the park is otherworldly in many areas. It has served as the backdrop for a number of movies (the first Total Recall, Transformers, Star Trek: Generations, and others).

In addition to the beautiful landscape, Native Americans inhabited the area for millennia. Many of the rocks in the park are decorated with intricate petroglyphs. Much of this art work is readily accessible -- one can walk right up to it.

The entire park is very accessible with much of it easily seen from Valley of Fire Road, one of Nevada's scenic by ways. There are several trails of varying length and camping is available. Valley of Fire State Park is well marked with signs.