The Seven Sisters are a group of seven tall, red sandstone towers standing side by side along Valley of Fire Highway in the central portion of the park. These eroded rock formations were once part of the surrounding red sandstone landscape, but erosion has stripped away adjacent material, leaving only these dramatic pillars. The formations are visible from the roadway and are located at a designated picnic area with shaded tables, grills, and restrooms.
The Seven Sisters serve as both a scenic viewing area and a day-use recreation site for picnicking. Small group Valley of Fire tours from Las Vegas stop here for lunch.
This guide covers access hours, park entrance fees, how to get there, parking, facilities, what to see, and practical tips for planning your visit.
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 |
| Location | Valley of Fire Highway, between west entrance and Visitor Center |
| Distance from Las Vegas | Approximately 55 miles northeast (1-hour drive) |
| Walking distance | None required (visible from parking area) |
| Time needed | 10 to 20 minutes for viewing and photographs |
Seven Sisters access hours
The Seven Sisters are accessible year-round from sunrise to sunset daily. Valley of Fire State Park closes at sunset, and visitors must exit the park before dark. The picnic area at the Seven Sisters operates during daylight hours. 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). Late afternoon provides optimal lighting for photography when the low sun angle illuminates the red sandstone towers.
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.
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.
If you’re on a Valley of Fire tour from Las Vegas, these fees are rolled into the tour price.
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.
Entrance fees and information were checked and updated in January 2026.
How to get to the Seven Sisters
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. The Seven Sisters picnic area is located approximately 3 miles east of the west entrance on the right (south) side of Valley of Fire Highway, before reaching the Visitor Center.
From the Visitor Center, drive approximately 2 to 2.5 miles west on Valley of Fire Highway. The Seven Sisters picnic area appears on the left (south) side of the road. The seven rock towers are visible from the highway on the approach. From Overton and the northeast, enter the park at the east entrance and drive approximately 7 miles west to the Visitor Center, then continue another 2 to 2.5 miles west to the Seven Sisters. The nearest major airport is Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, approximately 60 miles southwest.
Parking at the Seven Sisters
A paved parking area is located at the Seven Sisters picnic area on the south side of Valley of Fire Highway. The lot accommodates cars, motorcycles, and recreational vehicles. Parking is free with valid park entrance. The parking area provides ample space and rarely fills, as the Seven Sisters function primarily as a quick roadside stop. The rock formations are visible from the parking area and roadway. The site serves as one of several designated picnic areas in the park.
How long to spend at the Seven Sisters
Most visitors spend 10 to 20 minutes at the Seven Sisters for viewing and photography. The formations are visible from the parking area and require no hiking or walking. Visitors using the picnic area for meals may spend longer. The Seven Sisters are often combined with nearby attractions including Atlatl Rock (approximately 1 mile west), Arch Rock on Scenic Loop Road (approximately 1.5 miles west), and the Visitor Center (approximately 2 to 2.5 miles east) for a series of quick stops along Valley of Fire Highway.
Accessibility at the Seven Sisters
The Seven Sisters are visible from the parking area without walking, making this an accessible stop for visitors with mobility limitations. The picnic area features shaded tables with extended tops, grills, and paved pathways suitable for wheelchairs and mobility devices. Restrooms are located at the picnic area and are accessible.
No hiking or uneven terrain is required to view the formations. The seven rock towers stand immediately adjacent to the picnic area and parking lot. No drinking water is available at the Seven Sisters; the nearest water is at the Visitor Center (approximately 2 to 2.5 miles east) or at Atlatl Rock picnic area (approximately 1 mile west). Visitors planning to use the picnic area should bring water.
Dogs are allowed at the Seven Sisters and must be kept on a leash up to 6 feet long. Dogs are permitted in developed areas including picnic areas and along roadways.
What to see at the Seven Sisters
The Seven Sisters are seven tall, red sandstone towers standing vertically side by side. The formations range in height and width, creating a distinctive profile against the desert sky. The towers are composed of Aztec sandstone dating to the Jurassic period, formed from ancient sand dunes approximately 150 million years ago. The bright red colour results from iron oxide in the sandstone.
The formations were created by erosion, which stripped away surrounding sandstone deposits over millions of years, leaving only these resistant pillars. Wind, water, and temperature changes continue to shape the towers. The Seven Sisters demonstrate differential erosion, where harder rock layers remain standing while softer surrounding material erodes away.
The picnic area at the base of the formations provides shaded tables beneath ramadas, grills for cooking, and restrooms. The site serves as a day-use recreation area where visitors can enjoy meals while viewing the rock towers. The sandy desert surrounds the formations, with creosote bush, barrel cactus, and other Mojave Desert vegetation visible in the landscape.
The formations are visible from Valley of Fire Highway on the approach from either direction. Photographers often capture the towers silhouetted against blue sky or illuminated by late afternoon sunlight. The surrounding landscape features additional red sandstone formations, distant mountains, and expansive desert vistas characteristic of Valley of Fire.
The Seven Sisters are located along the scenic drive through the central portion of the park. Visitors driving Valley of Fire Highway pass the formations when travelling between the west entrance and the Visitor Center or eastern park areas. The location makes the Seven Sisters a convenient stopping point for meals, rest breaks, or quick photographs.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip |
|---|
| Visit between October and April for cooler temperatures; summer temperatures frequently exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. |
| The Seven Sisters are visible from the parking area and require no hiking, making this an accessible stop for all visitors. |
| Combine the Seven Sisters with nearby Atlatl Rock (1 mile west) and Arch Rock on Scenic Loop Road for a series of quick roadside stops. |
| The picnic area provides shaded tables and restrooms, making this a suitable lunch stop when exploring Valley of Fire. |
| No drinking water is available; bring water if planning to use the picnic area or spend extended time. |
| Late afternoon provides the best lighting for photography when the low sun angle illuminates the red sandstone towers. |
| The quick stop time (10 to 20 minutes) makes the Seven Sisters suitable for visitors with limited time in the park. |
| Check weather forecasts before visiting; thunderstorms can develop quickly in summer, creating lightning hazards near tall rock formations. |
Frequently asked questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Are the Seven Sisters suitable for children? | Yes, the formations are visible from the parking area without hiking. Children can view and photograph the towers safely. The picnic area provides tables and shade. |
| Do you need to book in advance? | No advance booking is required. Park entrance fees are paid at entrance stations on arrival. |
| Are the Seven Sisters accessible in winter? | Yes, the formations are accessible 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 Seven Sisters picnic area. No drinking water is available. |
| How long does a visit take? | Most visitors spend 10 to 20 minutes at the Seven Sisters for viewing and photography. Picnicking extends visit time. |
| Is there wheelchair access? | Yes, the formations are visible from the parking area. The picnic area features accessible tables, paved pathways, and accessible restrooms. |
Things to do near the Seven Sisters
Atlatl Rock, located one mile west on Valley of Fire Highway, features ancient petroglyphs carved approximately 2,500 years ago. The rock carvings are accessible via a metal staircase with approximately 60 to 70 steps. Arch Rock, accessible from Scenic Loop Road approximately 1.5 miles west of the Seven Sisters, is a small natural arch visible from the roadside without hiking.
The Valley of Fire Visitor Center, located approximately 2 to 2.5 miles east of the Seven Sisters on Valley of Fire Highway, provides exhibits on park geology, ecology, prehistory, and history. The visitor centre is open daily from 09:00 to 16:00. Rainbow Vista, located on White Domes Road approximately 4 to 5 miles northeast of the Seven Sisters (accessed via the Visitor Center), features multicoloured sandstone formations and a 1-mile trail to Fire Canyon Overlook.
Mouse’s Tank Trail, located near the Visitor Center, is a 0.75-mile round-trip hike along a canyon to a natural rock basin. Prehistoric petroglyphs line the trail. The Cabins, historic stone structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, are located on Valley of Fire Highway east of the Visitor Center and provide shaded picnic areas with restrooms.
Other Valley of Fire highlights include Fire Wave, Elephant Rock and the Beehives.
More Nevada travel
Other Nevada travel stories include:
- The best stops on the Kingman to Las Vegas drive.
- The best route from Las Vegas to Lake Havasu City.
- 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.
