This guide to Rainbow Vista in Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada, covers access hours, park entrance fees, how to get there, parking, facilities, what to see, and practical tips for planning your visit. It was updated in January 2026.
What is Rainbow Vista?
Rainbow Vista is a viewpoint and trail area in Valley of Fire State Park featuring multicoloured sandstone formations in shades ranging from white to brown to red. The area is at the crest of a low ridge where the landscape transitions from dark red Aztec sandstone to lighter-coloured formations stretching north.
The Rainbow Vista Trail is a 1-mile out-and-back hike over loose sand leading to Fire Canyon Overlook, with an optional side trip to a panoramic viewpoint from a small pyramid-shaped crest. The trail passes through a picnic area at the trailhead, includes faded petroglyphs on nearby cliffs, and offers views of Silica Dome and Fire Canyon. The hike is considered easy despite the challenging deep sand, which makes walking similar to an ocean beach.
Rainbow Vista is a key stop on small group Valley of Fire tours from Las Vegas.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Access hours | Open year-round, sunrise to sunset |
| Park entrance fee | Nevada residents: $10 per vehicle | Non-Nevada residents: $15 per vehicle |
| Trailhead location | White Domes Road (Mouse’s Tank Road), 1.7 to 1.9 miles north of Visitor Center |
| Distance from Las Vegas | Approximately 60 miles northeast (1-hour drive) |
| Trail distance | 1 mile out-and-back (0.5 miles each way) | With Fire Canyon Overlook: 1.5 miles round trip |
| Time needed | 30 minutes to 1 hour including viewpoint and overlook |
Rainbow Vista access hours
Rainbow Vista is accessible year-round from sunrise to sunset daily. Valley of Fire State Park closes at sunset, and visitors must exit the park before dark. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius).
The best time to visit is October through April when temperatures are cooler, typically ranging from freezing to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius). Sunrise and sunset provide optimal lighting for photography, with the coloured striations most vibrant during low sun angles.
Valley of Fire State Park entrance fees
Day-use entrance fees for Valley of Fire State Park are $10 per vehicle for Nevada residents and $15 per vehicle for non-Nevada residents. Fees are collected at entrance stations on Valley of Fire Highway at the west and east park entrances. The park does not accept advance online payment for day-use entry. Cyclists pay $2 per bike.
Nevada State Parks annual passes are available for $100 and provide unlimited entry to all Nevada state parks for 12 months. Federal passes including America the Beautiful passes are not valid at Valley of Fire State Park, which is operated by Nevada State Parks, not the National Park Service.
If you enter on a Valley of Fire tour from Las Vegas, the entrance fees are included in the tour price.
Entrance fees and information were checked and updated in January 2026.
Why book the Small-Group Valley of Fire half-day hiking tour from Las Vegas?
- Discover Valley of Fire State Park: Explore Nevada’s oldest state park, known for its vivid red sandstone formations and dramatic desert scenery.
- Guided hiking experience: Enjoy led walks with a local guide who shares insight into the geology, wildlife and history of the area.
- Small-group format: Limited group size keeps the experience personal and relaxed, with plenty of time to ask questions and enjoy the landscape.
- Photo opportunities: Visit iconic spots like the Fire Wave, Elephant Rock and scenic overlooks perfect for striking photos.
- Easy half-day adventure: A compact outing ideal if you’re short on time but still want to experience Nevada’s spectacular desert landscapes without self-drive stress.
How to get to Rainbow Vista
From Las Vegas, take Interstate 15 north for approximately 35 miles to exit 75, signed for Valley of Fire State Park and Lake Mead National Recreation Area. At the end of the off-ramp, continue southeast on Valley of Fire Highway. The park’s west entrance is reached after 14.5 miles. Drive approximately 0.5 miles past the entrance station to the Visitor Center on the right.
From the Visitor Center, continue north on White Domes Road (also called Mouse’s Tank Road) for 1.7 to 1.9 miles. The Rainbow Vista Trailhead parking area is on the right (east) side of the road at the crest of the ridge. The trailhead is located between Mouse’s Tank Trail (near the Visitor Center) and Fire Canyon/Silica Dome Trailhead (further north).
From Overton and the northeast, from the intersection of Routes 169 and 167 near Lake Mead, drive west on Valley of Fire Highway for approximately 2 miles to the park’s east entrance. Drive another 3.3 miles to the intersection at the start of White Domes Road, turn right, and drive 1.9 miles to the Rainbow Vista Trailhead parking area on the right.
Parking at Rainbow Vista
A gravel parking area is located at the Rainbow Vista Trailhead on the east side of White Domes Road. The lot accommodates cars, motorcycles, and recreational vehicles. Parking is free with valid park entrance. The parking area provides adequate space and rarely fills completely, though it can be busy during peak season (October through April on weekends and holidays). Arrive early morning or around midday for the best parking availability. Restrooms are located at the parking area.
How long to spend at Rainbow Vista
The Rainbow Vista Trail is 1 mile round trip (0.5 miles each way) and takes 20 to 30 minutes for most hikers walking to the Fire Canyon Overlook. Adding the optional side trip to the panoramic viewpoint crest extends the hike to approximately 1.5 miles round trip, taking 30 minutes to 1 hour total. The deep sand makes walking more challenging and time-consuming than the distance suggests. Photographers and visitors exploring the multicoloured formations and petroglyphs typically spend 45 minutes to 1 hour. Sunrise and sunset visits extend time as photographers wait for optimal lighting.
Accessibility at Rainbow Vista
The Rainbow Vista Trail is not wheelchair-accessible. The entire trail is walked over loose, deep sand into which feet sink, making it extremely challenging for wheelchairs and mobility devices. The trail gains approximately 60 to 150 feet elevation depending on whether the optional viewpoint and Fire Canyon Overlook are visited.
Restrooms are available at the trailhead parking area. A picnic area with tables is located at the trailhead. No drinking water is available at the trailhead; the nearest water is at the Visitor Center (approximately 1.7 to 1.9 miles south). Visitors should bring adequate water, particularly during warmer months. The deep sand makes the trail feel longer and more strenuous than the stated distance.
Dogs are allowed on the Rainbow Vista Trail and must be kept on a leash. The deep sand can be hot and uncomfortable for dogs’ paws during warmer months. Bring water for dogs and avoid midday heat.
What to see at Rainbow Vista
Rainbow Vista showcases multicoloured sandstone formations ranging from white to yellow, orange, brown, pink, purple, and red. The coloured striations are visible in the lighter-coloured rocks at the beginning of the trail, where pink and purple layers create dramatic patterns. The formations consist of Aztec sandstone from the Jurassic period, formed from ancient sand dunes. The varying colours result from different mineral content and oxidation levels in the sandstone layers.
As the trail leaves the parking area, it passes through a picnic area with tables beneath the rocks. Faded petroglyphs appear on the cliffs to the left of the trail. Close examination reveals images including what appears to be a giant fish and concentric circles. The rock carvings were created by ancient cultures approximately 2,500 years ago. The petroglyphs are worn and less distinct than those at other park locations.
The trail is marked by concrete cones (cement pillars), though many visitors treat the area as open space and wander among the formations. The trail continues through a gap in the cliffs and crosses an area of open desert backed by paler-coloured rock formations. The route splits, with the left path leading to a panoramic viewpoint crest shaped like a small pyramid. From this elevated position, 360-degree views extend over the surrounding landscape.
Looking east from the crest, lighter-coloured formations include ridges of yellow and orange culminating at Silica Dome. The view resembles the perspective of Manly Beacon from Zabriskie Point in Death Valley, California. Looking south, the terrain transitions from yellow back to fiery red sandstone as it drops into Fire Canyon. Looking west and north, multicoloured formations stretch across the desert landscape.
The right path from the trail split descends into a canyon and continues to Fire Canyon Overlook. The overlook sits at the edge of a cliff with views over red sandstone-covered landscapes to the south and east. The canyon features alcove-packed formations of red sandstone. The total distance to Fire Canyon Overlook is approximately 0.75 miles one way, making the round trip 1.5 miles with 150 feet total elevation change when including the viewpoint crest.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip |
|---|
| Visit between October and April for cooler temperatures; summer temperatures frequently exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. |
| The entire trail is over deep, loose sand that makes walking similar to an ocean beach; expect the hike to feel longer than the stated distance. |
| Bring adequate drinking water as no water sources are available on the trail; walking through deep sand is strenuous and dehydrating. |
| Wear sturdy shoes that can handle sand; the terrain is loose and feet sink with each step, making sandals or porous shoes uncomfortable. |
| Visit during sunrise or sunset for the most vibrant colours in the striations and optimal photography lighting. |
| At the trail split, stay left for the panoramic viewpoint crest; turning right leads to Fire Canyon Overlook via a longer route. |
| After turning right at the marked junction toward Fire Canyon, veer left to avoid a well-worn false path that dead-ends. |
| The deep sand provides a “calf-burning” workout; allow extra time and take breaks as needed. |
Frequently asked questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Rainbow Vista suitable for children? | Yes, the 1-mile trail is manageable for children aged 5 and older. The deep sand may tire younger children quickly. The distance is short but challenging. |
| Do you need to book in advance? | No advance booking is required. Park entrance fees are paid at entrance stations on arrival. |
| Is Rainbow Vista accessible in winter? | Yes, the trail is open year-round. Winter offers cooler temperatures (freezing to 75 degrees Fahrenheit) and is the best season for comfortable visits. |
| Are restrooms available? | Yes, restrooms are located at the trailhead parking area. No drinking water is available. |
| How long does the hike take? | The basic 1-mile out-and-back takes 20 to 30 minutes. Including the viewpoint crest and Fire Canyon Overlook extends the hike to 30 minutes to 1 hour. |
| Is there wheelchair access? | No, the trail is not wheelchair-accessible. The entire route is over deep, loose sand that is extremely difficult for wheelchairs and mobility devices. |
Things to do near Rainbow Vista
Mouse’s Tank Trail, located near the Visitor Center approximately 1.7 miles south of Rainbow Vista, is a 0.75-mile round-trip hike along a canyon to a natural rock basin where rainwater collects. Prehistoric petroglyphs line the trail walls. Fire Canyon/Silica Dome Trail, located on White Domes Road immediately north of Rainbow Vista, provides access to Silica Dome and surrounding colourful formations.
Fire Wave, one of Valley of Fire’s most photographed locations, is accessed from the Fire Wave Trailhead (Parking Lot 3) on White Domes Road approximately 2.8 miles north of Rainbow Vista. The 1.5-mile round-trip trail features swirling red, white, and pink striations. The Fire Wave Trail closes from 1 June through 30 September due to extreme heat. White Domes Trail, located at the end of White Domes Road approximately 3 miles north of Rainbow Vista, is a 1.1-mile loop passing through slot canyons and colourful sandstone formations.
The Valley of Fire Visitor Center, located approximately 1.7 to 1.9 miles south of Rainbow Vista on White Domes Road, provides exhibits on park geology, ecology, prehistory, and history. The visitor centre is open daily from 09:00 to 16:00. Atlatl Rock, accessed from Scenic Loop Road approximately 8 miles from Rainbow Vista, features ancient petroglyphs accessible via a metal staircase with approximately 60 to 70 steps. The Seven Sisters, about a mile from Atlatl Rock, is a prime spot for a picnic lunch.
Other Valley of Fire highlights include Elephant Rock and the Beehives.
More Nevada travel
Other Nevada travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Is it worth visiting Seven Magic Mountains from Las Vegas?
- Why an ebike tour is the best way to explore Red Rock Canyon.
- The quirky tour of the Techatticup Gold Mine.
- How to see Hoover Dam from the water.
- A practical guide to visiting Rhyolite, Nevada’s most spectacular ghost town.
