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David And Brenda Hiking In Valley Of Fire State Park

Our last day at Valley of Fire State Park was filled.

Right next to the campground was an area known for it’s Petroglyphs.  It’s been said these date back over 3000 years!

Petroglyphs On The Side Of The Red Rock Sandstone

Petroglyphs On The Side Of The Red Rock Sandstone

It simply amazes me that after all this time and various weather conditions that these Petroglyphs still exist.

David Hiking Up The Red Rock Sandstone That Makes Up Mouse's Tank Hike

A Crevasse Off The Beaten Path Of Mouses' Tank Hiking Path

We hiked through Mouse’s Tank.  Mouse’s Tank is a popular hike among visitors.  The story is that Mouse (a renegade Indian) used this area as a hideout back in the 1890′s.  He protected this area because their is a natural basin formed in the rocks that collects and keeps any water from rainfall for months.  Being a desert, this water was a hot commodity. So Mouse defended this area as his own.

The Slot Canyons In A Wash That We Hiked Through

David Making His Way Through One Of The Slot Canyons In A Wash That We Hiked

We were told by some fellow RVers that we should hike this one particular wash.  So once we found the wash, in we went. As you can see from the pictures above, there were some amazing slot canyons that you have to squeeze through.  Some areas are so tight you actually have to turn side ways to get through.  That was fun.

An Old Movie Set At The End Of The Hike Through The Wash

When we reached the end of the wash, we found an old movie set.  The set was constructed for the 1966 film, The Professionals starring Burt Lancaster. Other movie scenes that were shot here at this park are the Mars scenes from Total Recall, a scene from Star Trek Generations, and the 1984-87 television show Airwolf.

This area was actually part of the White Domes Hiking Trail.  We just happened to take a more interesting way to get there.

We also noticed there was a geocache in the area.

David Found The Geocache. We Signed The Book And Added A Couple Trinkets.

Brenda Putting The Geocache Back Were It Was Hidden

David found the cache easily.  We signed the log, added some trinkets that I had brought with me just for this reason and re-hid the cache box.

This was also a nice time for a rest.

David Taking In The Nice Weather

We had some snack bars and water and David found the view relaxing.  It was another beautiful day.

Hiking Back Through The Wash

When we left we had to turn around and go back the same way we came in, as our car was left there.  However we found some interesting side trails that we explored.

The next day it was time to pack up and hit the road for Vegas.  We’d personally rather stay here.  We don’t like Vegas.  Too much traffic.  Too many people.  Too expensive.  But alas, we have to make our way there for the Consumer Electronic Show for work.

BK And Whisper Taking In The View

Even BK and Whisper didn’t want to leave.  They loved the views.  The peacefulness.  The serenity.

One Last Picture On Our Way Out Of Valley Of Fire State Park

So we pulled over and took one last picture as we headed out.

Then a little further down the road we saw this…

A Big Horned Sheep Munching On Dinner Next To The Roadside In Valley Of Fire State Park

Our first sighting of wildlife (other than squirrels which don’t count).  On the road heading out of the park, we spotted, right next to the roadside, a big horned sheep.  He didn’t seem to have a care in the world.  He was munching on something and he was happy.  I jumped out of the motorhome to get a picture.  Cautious not to get to close.  I really didn’t want to see him charge me because I disturbed him.

He seemed to care less that I was there.  There were other vehicles driving up and down the road and only a small number of them slowed down to take a look at this creature.  Being from New York, I was amazed at him.  Others, whom no doubt are from this area, seemed less amazed. It’s sad thinking you would become so blase about such things.

Throughout this whole trip I always have my eyes open for wildlife and I was excited to finally seem some!

Now on to Vegas.

The Sign At Silica Dome, With Silica Dome In The Background

I realized that we had a TON of pictures from our time spent at Valley of Fire State Park.  So I am splitting them up by different hikes and such that we did.

So here it goes….

Silica Dome in the Valley of Fire State Park is a 2800 foot dome (at least that’s what our GPS said when we reached the top) that at some points is a pretty steep climb to the top.

Silica Dome, A 2800 Foot Dome In Valley Of Fire State Park

Looking at it from the parking lot it doesn’t look so bad.  A nice incline to the top.  Boy, were we wrong.  It does start out nice.  However it quickly turns steep and at some points you are leaning into the dome with both hands to get up to the top.

David At The Top Of Silica Dome In The Valley Of Fire State Park

The View From The Top Of Silica Dome In The Valley Of Fire State Park

The View From The Top Of Silica Dome In The Valley Of Fire State Park

Once you make it to the top…WOW!  What a view.  You have a 360 degree view of the deep red sandstone that make up Fire Canyon as well as a unique perspective of the geological formations that make up Silica Dome.

Me At The Top Of Silica Dome At The Valley Of Fire State Park

Our Feet As We Sat And Relaxed On The Top Of Silica Dome

We sat and had a snack.  Enjoyed the views.  Took a ton of pictures.

OH!!!  Speaking of pictures.  David remembered that our new camera, a Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3, has a 3D option.  Basically, you can put the camera in 3D mode, take a picture, and it converts the picture to 3D.  Of course you need a 3D television to view them on…and we do.  So we were taking most of our pictures in 3D.  Not only does it take a 3D picture but it also takes a regular picture too.  So you don’t have to scroll through the options on the camera and take two different kinds of pictures.  So that’s nice too.

You know how people say the pictures do not do this justice?  How you really can not get a good feel for what it was like being there? Well, when you are viewing the pictures in 3D, you can really get a feel for the depth and awesomeness of the subject matter.  So if you are lucky enough to find us on the road and you’d like to see these pictures, in 3D, just ask.  We’d love to show you!  You’ll never look at pictures the same.

The View From The Top Of Silica Dome In Valley Of Fire State Park

David Enjoying The View From The Top Of Silica Dome

So after a nice rest I had an idea.

David Taking A Phone Call On The Top Of Silica Dome

Being in a state park, we are truly out in the middle of nowhere.  So no cell reception unless you are up high on a peak somewhere.  While sitting on the top of Silica Dome I decided to check the cell phones.  Low and behold we actually had 3 bars!  So I said, we have to call someone, just to say we did.  So David called his best friend Joe, back in Rochester, NY.

After a short call, we headed back down.

Me Making My Way Down A Steep Part Of Silica Dome

Another beautiful day of hiking.  One thing you have to remember while hiking out here, or really anywhere.  Here you are out in the desert, it may be wintertime and cooler (60′s), but you still need to hydrate yourself.  Never go on a hike without the proper gear and water is a must.  No matter how long or short you think you may be.  We had our full packs on with plenty of water.  And hiking boots with some type of ankle support is a must.

When we got back to the campground we had an early dinner and watched the sun set behind the mountains.

David Enjoying The Sunset At Valley Of Fire State Park Campground

David Hiking Up One Of The Red Rock Mountains By The Campground In Valley Of Fire State Park

Our first adventure out hiking at Valley of Fire State Park was just around the campground.  The campground was surrounded by these huge and beautiful red rocks and mountains.

So we decided to check them out.

We Found Some Formations That Were Very Interesting.

It’s amazing to see these formations that the wind and water have carved out.

Some Of The Red Rock Formations Around The Campground

David Hiking Along The Red Rock Formations

Amazing hikes.  Amazing views.

Me Around Some Of The Red Rock Formations

Beautiful weather.  Blue skies, 60 degree weather.

The Red Rock Formations Around The Valley Of Fire Campground

What more could one ask for?  More hiking tomorrow.

The Road From Lake Mead Recreation Area To Valley Of Fire State Park

The last few days we have spent in a wonderful Nevada state park, the Valley of Fire, near Overton, Nevada.

The road into Valley of Fire is beautiful.  We left Kingman, AZ and headed north to the Hoover Dam, then turned right (heading north) and skirted Lake Mead.  Wonderful views all over.

The Sign At The Entrance Of Valley Of Fire State Park

We had great weather the entire time.  Blue skies and sunshine.

Once you pass the Valley of Fire State Park entrance sign, you really start seeing why it’s called “Valley of Fire”.

Some Of The Mountainous Rock Formations In Valley Of Fire State Park

Some Of The Mountainous Rock Formations In Valley Of Fire State Park

Valley of Fire State Park has a wonderful campground.  50amp power and water, with large spots for even our big rig.

The Road That Leads Into The Campground In The Valley Of Fire State Park

The road that leads into the campground has some great views.  But nothing prepared us for the actual campground.

Our Camp Site In The Valley Of Fire State Park

Our Camp Site In The Valley Of Fire State Park

The campground is surrounded by the red rocks that make up the Valley of Fire.  I really don’t think there would be a bad site to be had.  We had a great site!  A pull-thru with no one really in front or next to us.  Completely quiet and dark at night.  A must if you are in this area.

Our Camp Site In The Valley Of Fire State Park

David Enjoying The Evening At Valley Of Fire State Park

So we settled in for a few days and planned our hikes and relaxing accordingly.

The Sun Setting Behind The Mountains At The Valley Of Fire State Park Campground

And enjoyed our first sun set behind the red rock mountains.

Our First Evening At The Valley Of Fire State Park Campground

Our Rig At A Rest Area In Wikiup, AZ

Well, we had to say good-bye to good friends Curtis and Gladys today. We stayed with them at the Lazydays RV Resort in Tucson, AZ through Christmas.

We had a great time with them, as usual.  Lazydays RV Park had a wonderful Christmas Eve dinner for everyone.

Christmas Eve Dinner With Curtis, Gladys, David and Myself At Lazydays RV Park In Tucson, AZ

Fun was had by all.

Speaking of Lazydays RV Park, it is a wonderful place to spend a few days.

Orange And Grapefruit Trees Are All Over The Park

In The Laundry Room The Washer And Dryer Can Text You When Your Clothes Are Done!

There are orange and grapefruit trees all over the park.  And they encourage you to take what you want.

This is also the only place that I have seen where in the laundry room, not only can you pay for the laundry machine with a credit card, but the machines will text you when your clothes are done.  How cool is that!

The people here could not be nicer.  It’s a fairly quiet park with nice level spaces.  We’re planning on stopping here for a few days on the way back, if we take this route.

David And His New Stunt Kite

While here, we did some kite flying.  David had bought a new sport kite and he had been dying to fly it.  We finally had a nice breezy day, so off we went to a local park to fly it.

David Finally Getting To Fly His New Kite

After about an hour, the wind was a little too unsteady and it was making flying more difficult.  So back to the rig we went.  At least he got to fly it.  He’s been dying to but everywhere we go there’s either not enough room or no wind.

Our View From Our Coach At The Lazydays RV Park In Tucson, AZ

Our last evening, Christmas night, was a beautiful sunset highlighting the mountains.

The next day we said good-bye to our friends.  They were heading west to Pasadena to attend the Tournament of Roses Parade and we are heading north to Valley of Fire State Park, then Vegas.

Joshua Trees Along The Roadside

Amazing Boulders Just Seem To Appear Out Of No Where

Amazing Views On Route 93 Northbound

Driving northbound on route 93 you get some amazing views.  These pictures really do not do it justice.

The Stockings Were Hung...

We wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!  Hope you are all safe, healthy and happy.