One of my favorite places in the Las Vegas area. It’s hard to describe, and pictures don’t do it justice. One of the most surreal landscapes I’ve ever visited.
There is much to do and see in the Valley of Fire. Hiking, picnics, quiet contemplation. Snakes, lizards, desert tortoises, and many different birds can be seen, if you know where to look. Pop up storms surprise, washing out roads and drenching the desert landscape. One came out of no where this day.
One can imagine the Anasazi teens scrabbling on the rocks here, drawing ancient graffiti. You’ll see many stick figures with spears, animal figures, and religious symbols carved into the rocks all over this park.
I always see at least one lizard when I visit here. I love these little beasties, so I give them plenty of space. I had a 50mm lens on my camera for this little guy, so couldn’t get too close. Please, don’t disturb the animals here, life is tough enough for them, what with desert hawks constantly swooping on them.
There is a lot more plant life in the Valley than you can see driving by or flying over. Spring time is especially nice, when the desert flowers bloom.
When the storm clouds roll in, you can feel it and smell it. The desert landscape goes silent, it knows the damage these storms cause. Human footprints are erased quickly here.
My daughter loves to explore here, she is an amateur herpetologist. She can spot them under a rock from 50 feet away.
Thank you for visiting the Valley of Fire with me. All shots taken with Konica Autoreflex TC, 50/1.7 Hexanon on Fuji Velvia 100.
Analog America 