Petrified Logs in the Valley of Fire in Nevada

The two RV Gypsies did not return to the Petrified Logs in 2022, but in 2012, they walked a short trail to see petrified logs, only to discover that the only petrified logs were very small ones in a screened in area, so they only took a couple of photos as shown below. Then they went to the Visitors Center, Petroglyph Canyon and Mouse's Tank. At the bottom of this page you will find links to the flash flood of 2012 and then back into 2022 - White Domes, Fire Canyon, and Seven Sisters.

A very unique structure next to the Visitors Center

Hedgehog Cactus: Long, sharp spines like those of a hedgehog or porcupine cactus protect the cylindrical stems of this cactus. Serval stems usually make up a clump. Attractive hot pink blossoms appear during the early spring and produce a fruit that tastes like strawberries, although the two RV Gypsies are NOT recommending that anyone pick or taste the fruit on the cactus.

The two RV Gypsies took a picnic lunch break and watched the little chipmunks running all around the area. They ran very fast.

The view from the two RV Gypsies' picnic table at Valley of Fire State Park

Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada
Petroglyph Canyon Trail to Mouse's Tank

Petroglyph Canyon Trail to Mouse's Tank (1/2 mile round trip) - Many fine examples of prehistoric Indian rock art (Petroglyphs) were within easy view of the trail. Trail markers identified several common desert plants and other natural features in the canyon.

Petroglyph Canyon at Valley of Fire State Park is probably the most accessible way for visitors to view petroglyphs. The walk was short and very easy in the sandy bottom of this narrow canyon. Everyone must resist the temptation to touch the petroglyphs because they are easily damaged and cannot be repaired or replaced. Absolutely no one alive today knows for certain what these ancient markings mean, but there was an informational sign at the trail entrance which explained some of the most commonly accepted interpretations. As the two RV Gypsies walked through this canyon, it was easy for them to imagine that they were transported back in time. The grandeur and solitude (if you are as lucky as the two RV Gypsies were on this date) of these brilliant red sandstone cliffs was almost overwhelming. In the summertime, the heat in this canyon is stifling and intense and therefore best viewed early in the morning or just before sunset; daily summer highs usually exceed 100 degrees, and 120 degrees is considered common. Carry water with you year-round.





Can you see the ELEPHANT and the scary faces in the photos below?


The petroglyphs in the two photos below are fairly easy to spot because they were always in a dark spot of the rock.








Now the two RV Gypsies hurried out of this trail and back to the car because it looked like it was going to rain. On their way back to the car, they saw several people just entering the trail, despite the weather. The two RV Gypsies got in their toad and continued driving through the park, and were soon caught in a flash flood. They wondered if the people on the trail were okay.