The Fire Wave, Valley of Fire State Park

By January 30, 2011March 8th, 2020Nevada, The American Southwest, Valley of Fire

Photo of the Fire Wave in Valley of Fire State Park

I recently had a chance to see a sandstone formation often called “The Fire Wave“. My daughter and I hiked to this place at sunset, in Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada, an hour east of Las Vegas. This was a beautiful spot, not only for this special striated sandstone formation but for the white domes, colorful eroded washes and brilliant red mesas that surrounded us as we enjoyed the fading light and still, warm air.

The Fire Wave, a beautiful sandstone formation exhibiting dramatic striations, striped layers in the geologic historical record, Valley of Fire State Park

The Fire Wave, a beautiful sandstone formation exhibiting dramatic striations, striped layers in the geologic historical record.
Image ID: 26473
Location: Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada, USA

My guess is that the name “Fire Wave” was bestowed upon this relatively small formation due to its similarity to the more famous “Wave” in North Coyote Buttes Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness a few hours away in Arizona.

About Phil Colla

I am a natural history photographer. I enjoy making compelling images in the ocean, on land, and in the air. I have maintained the Natural History Photography blog since 2005 and my searchable Natural History Photography Library since 1997. Here are some tear sheets and behind the scenes views. Thanks for looking!