Valley of Fire State Park, located roughly an hour northeast of Las Vegas, is a nature preservation and a recreational destination for hiking and camping. It is famous for its 40,000 acres (16,000 hectares) of bright red Aztec sandstone outcrops nestled in grey and tan limestone, reminiscent of fire. Its ancient, petrified trees and petroglyphs date back more than 2,000 years. Check for stargazing events held by the park or the Las Vegas Astronomical Society. Note that the park is closed at night, so you will need a campsite. An EarthSky community member says: “There is minimal air and light pollution. Great clear skies! Overnight camping is best, as they now close at sundown.”
Deborah Byrd
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About the Author:
Deborah Byrd created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Prior to that, she had worked for the University of Texas McDonald Observatory since 1976, and created and produced their Star Date radio series. Today, she serves as Editor-in-Chief of this website. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named 3505 Byrd in her honor. In 2020, she won the Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society, the largest organization of professional astronomers in North America. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.