Rainbow Vista (Valley of Fire, NV)

Rainbow Vista in Valley of Fire State Park is a short, easy hike to a dramatic overlook with views of Fire Canyon.

Last spring, we stopped at Valley of Fire State Park and had a busy morning hiking!

We started the day at the Fire Wave, then went to White Domes, before heading to our final hike in the park: Rainbow Vista.

Rainbow Vista is an easy hike out to a spectacular Fire Canyon overlook.

Note that there's also a Fire Canyon Overlook that you drive to: this is a different overlook. You have to work a little to reach this overlook.

What's the Best Time of Year to Hike Rainbow Vista?

This park is best from late fall to early spring.

By late spring, this park is HOT, and some trails even close because of extreme heat.

How Difficult Is the Rainbow Vista Trail?

This trail is just over a mile long (1.1 miles total). It has minimal elevation change.

This trail is fairly easy, but it is walking in sand, which can be more exhausting than dirt. 

Also, there’s one tiny rock scramble (a drop in the path).

It wasn’t extremely difficult, but we did talk to another hiker at that spot (an older man) who decided to turn around and not scramble down. So we’ll call this trail “easy-ish”.

What Gear Should I Bring?

This trail is pretty short, but I’d still recommend bringing water, especially if it’s a warm day. I packed water in my Osprey day pack.

We wore hiking boots, but you’d probably be fine with a hiking shoe or sandals on this trail.

Hiking the Rainbow Vista Trail

Start at the Rainbow Vista trailhead, and start walking! Keep an eye out for lizards and interesting plants as you go.

You’ll be hiking with large rock walls on either side, until suddenly you aren’t.

When you reach the overlook, there’s a Trail End sign.

Don’t go past it.

Take a few minutes and enjoy the colorful rock scape in front of you as you gaze over Fire Canyon.

We used this opportunity to sit on a rock and have a snack, before heading back the way we came.