This was a very quick stop on our way to Utah for the first campground stay, but still one I have been hoping to get to see for quite sometime.
Valley of Fire is fairly iconic State Park. It’s been in a lot of movies and commercials. It’s an amazing place with its famous multi colored rock formations, especially the red rocks. Here’s a little history on the park itself:
Valley of Fire State Park is a public recreation and nature preservation area covering nearly 46,000 acres (19,000 ha) located 16 miles (26 km) south of Overton, Nevada.[3] The state park derives its name from red sandstone formations, the Aztec Sandstone, which formed from shifting sand dunes 150 million years ago.[4] These features, which are the centerpiece of the park's attractions, often appear to be on fire when reflecting the sun's rays.[5] It is Nevada's oldest state park, as commemorated with Nevada Historical Marker #150.[6] It was designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1968.[7]
Valley of Fire is located 50 miles (80 km) northeast of Las Vegas, at an elevation between 1,320–3,009 feet (402–917 m).[4] It abuts the Lake Mead National Recreation Area on the east at the Virgin Riverconfluence. It lies in a 4 by 6 mi (6.4 by 9.7 km) basin.
We only had a brief moment to explore the park as we were still on our way to our first KOA campsite in Utah. Specifically I wanted to find this one view point I had seen taken by many other photographers that looks like right down the line of the Valley with the road running straight down the center. We found it, but I’m not sure I totally succeeded in getting the composition I was ultimately looking for. That being said, I was still able to grab some great shots.
The Red Rocks are really quite striking when you enter the Park. The main path we decided to go down leads to the Rainbow Vista. There was a small parking lot that we decided to stop at to let every stretch their feet, and also give the dogs a well needed walk.
Sony A7iii, Zeiss Batis 40mm, Panoramic
The thing I really like about photographing these types of landscapes is the level of detail that ends up popping off the textures.
So many trails to hike and explore, I was really disappointed we couldn’t spend more time going back a few miles to check it out. But something to save for next time. I did however walk back just a few minutes to get to some of the areas away from the street.
This is the main composition I was really interesting in getting while we were here. The layering is just so fascinating. Not only do you get the Red Rocks in the foreground, but then you have the contrast of the mountain range just beyond that. My one big regret of this shot is the time of day. Unfortunately its a bit hard to control that when you're in an RV with the whole family trying to make it to another state before it gets too dark. Again, another reason to visit the park again.
The main Vista looking the opposite way was amazing as well. Definitely would love be able to shoot in this valley when a large Monsoon is making its way across the horizon.
Sony A7iii, Zeiss Batis 40mm F4, Panoramic
The ground consisted of a very dark and rich red color as well. Was beautiful, but also seemed to bounce the heat right back at you. 😥🔥🔥🔥
Had some time to get in some puppy portraits, and a quick shot of my wife and mother in law while we stretched our legs.
Shooting in desert conditions are something I would like to have time to explore as well. Mainly trying to compete with the contrast that tends to find its way into my photos.
This was the composition looking back once we back tracked through the valley to head back to the highway. This is when you can see a lower sun can really make a huge difference.
Sony A7iii, Zeiss Batis 40mm F4, Panoramic