Kathryn B.
Yelp
This was my fifth visit, my husband's first.
The line to enter moved very slowly; way slower than in any of my previous visits. Once we got to the kiosk, we knew why: The Attendant is a real Chatty Cathy. Specifically, when she realized that we live in Henderson, she asked why we came up the I-15 instead of "in the back way." We told her that we didn't know there was a back way. She asked, "Are you new to Nevada?" No. "We've lived here since 1997." An entire conversation -- which was not in the least bit necessary -- took place while other cars waited their turn.
Not just that, but she made us feel stupid for not having come in the other way. So much so that, when we left, we took the "back way" which, she promised, would take us directly to Henderson. Well, we don't live in the old part of Henderson; we live just off of the I-15 at the St. Rose Parkway exit. So, using her directions, the drive home took three times longer than it should have. Our arthritic bodies didn't appreciate it; and we burned more fuel and put unnecessary wear and tear on the car because of Chatty Cathy's unsolicited -- and bad -- advise! Please: Save the chitchat and keep the line moving.
In the past, I did a little hiking. I am now old and have mobility issues. Hubby is old and has mobility issues. So our plan was to drive from stop to stop, read the informative signage and take pictures. If you are also mobility-challenged, remember to take your cane! We both have canes for those days when we need them but didn't bring them today. I didn't think about it; hubby did but then forgot. For those who are still able bodied, hike hike hike! It's fabulous.
On one of my previous visits, I saw a couple of Desert Big Horn sheep, the rams. Today we saw a herd of Desert Big Horn sheep; they were all ewes.
You must carry your own food and drink in with you. Also good to bring hats/visors, nose coat, and sunscreen. There is no where to refuel, so start the journey with a full tank of gas. The roads could be better maintained.
Be sure to stop at the Welcome Center. The sink in the Ladies Restroom outside of the Welcome Center was torn away from the wall today; non-functional.
I've been here five times and I still haven't seen the flowers when they're in bloom en masse, creating the look for which "Valley of Fire" is named. Maybe that no longer happens.
For a kick, before you enter the Valley of Fire, take some time and stop at the huge Casino / gas station / truck stop / fireworks store / convenience store / and smoke shop. It's a gas. (Pun intended.)