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    Home » Travel » Outdoor Adventure » Nevada

    Rainbow Vista (Valley of Fire, NV)

    Published: Sep 5, 2023 · Modified: Oct 5, 2023 · Leave a Comment

    This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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

    Rainbow Vista, large red rock formations.

    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. 

    Hiker walking on sand towards rock formations.

    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”.

    Small rock scramble between two levels of Rainbow Vista trail.

    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.

    Sandy path with rocks and brush and red rock formations in distance.

    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.

    Lizard on sand.
    White wildflower found at Valley of Fire State Park.

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

    Sandy path with large red rock formations on either side.

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

    Don’t go past it.

    Sign for Fire Canyon overlook.

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

    Hiker looking out to red rock formations of Rainbow Vista.

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

    More Nevada Outdoor Adventures

    • Rocky outcropping with wave-like red and white striping.
      Fire Wave Trail (Valley of Fire, NV)
    • Sandy trail with white dome-like rock structure on one side.
      White Domes Trail (Valley of Fire, NV)
    • Paved highway through Valley of Fires State Park.
      Valley of Fire State Park (Nevada)

    About Sarah Trenalone

    Sarah is the primary creator at Champagne Tastes. She's a photographer, food writer and traveler, and is certified in Backcountry Kitchen and Backcountry Navigation from the Colorado Outward Bound School and Identifying Wild Plants from Backpacker.

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    Hi, I'm Sarah! I'm a traveler who loves to eat.   Follow along to join me on my next adventure-- in food or on the road.

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