The climate in Valley of Fire is typical desert conditions. This means that the winters are fairly mild with temperatures ranging from freezing to 75 degrees and daily summer highs usually exceed 100 degrees and may reach up to 120 degrees. Average annual rainfall is four inches that come in the form of light winter showers and summer thunderstorms. Spring and Fall are  the preferred seasons to visit the park.

The area plant community is dominated by widely spread creosote bush, burro bush, and brittle bush.  Several cactus species, including beavertail and cholla, are also common.  The springtime bloom of such plants as the desert marigold, indigo bush, and desert mallow are often spectacular along park roads.

Resident birds include raven, house finch, sage sparrow, and roadrunner.  Many migrant birds also pass through the park. Most desert animals are nocturnal and not frequently seen by the passing motorist.  Many species of lizards and snakes are common in the park, as well as coyote, kit fox, spotted skunk, black tailed jackrabbit, and antelope ground squirrel.  The desert tortoise is a rare species and is protected by state law. If you are lucky enough to come across one, please leave this likeable and harmless creature to live it's life in peace 
in it's own environment.

The Beehives - Unusual sandstone formations weathered by the eroding forces of wind and water.

Petrified Logs - Logs and stumps washed into the area from ancient forests about 225 million years ago. There are two interpretive trails leading to the petrified logs.

Atlatl Rock - Site of many Indian petroglyphs, including a depiction of the atlatl ("at-lat-l"), a notched stick used to add speed and distance to a thrown spear. The atlatl was a predecessor to the bow and arrow.

Scenic Loop Road - A two mile trip around some of the Valley's most interesting formations such as Arch Rock and Piano Rock.

Petroglyph Canyon Trail - A half mile round trip walk through a sandy canyon leading to Mouse's Tank, including fine examples of prehistoric Indian rock writings.

Mouse's Tank - Named for a renegade Indian who used the area as a hideout in the 1890's.  Mouse's Tank is a natural basin in the rock where water collects after a rainfall. Water occasionally remains in the tank for several months.

Rainbow Vista - A favorite photo point with a panoramic view of multi colored sandstone.

Fire Canyon / Silica Dome - A trail offers an easy three mile round trip walk from Rainbow Vista.  From this vantage point visitors have an excellent view of the deep red sandstone of Fire Canyon and the unique geological features of Silica Dome.

White Domes Area - Brilliant contrast of sandstone colors with unique plants to the area such as the yucca.

Seven Sisters - Fascinating red rock formations, easily accessible from the road. Picnic areas are provided here.

The Cabins - Now a picnic area, these stone cabins were built with native sandstone by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) in the 1930's as a shelter for passing travelers.