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Rainbow Vista Trail

Intermediate
  4.1 ( 9 ) Favorite
  1. Areas
  2. NV
  3. …Southeastern Nevada
  4. …Overton
  5. Valley of Fire State Park
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Trail

0.5 mile 0.8 kilometer point to point
Intermediate

Elevation

Ascent: 21' 6 m
Descent: -64' -20 m
High: 2,146' 654 m
Low: 2,087' 636 m

Grade

Avg Grade: 3% (2°)
Max Grade: 5% (3°)

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“The Rainbow Vista Trail is short, scenic, and leads you to the Fire Canyon Overlook.”

— Mirek Wierzbicki
GPX File

Features Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly This trail is not too difficult to hike and would be a good hike with kids.

Valley of Fire is open sunrise to sunset. You need to be in or near your vehicle by sunset. Expect an entrance fee of $8 for Nevada residents or $10 for non-residents.

Description

The Rainbow Vista Trail is short, scenic, and leads you to Fire Canyon Overlook. The trip out and back shouldn't take more than an hour or so, even if you take plenty of time to admire the view. You'll be hiking through deep sand along most of the trail. It has a beautiful panoramic view from the trailhead, but the scenery continues throughout. After a short bit, you'll be able to see open desert surrounded by red and beige sandstone hills. Head in the direction of the rock formations on the other side of this open desert area, aiming for the rock that looks like a pyramid. Once you get there, you'll be treated with magical 360-degree views.

Just 0.35 miles from the start, you'll descend into a canyon. Make your way down to the end of this canyon. The trail ends at Fire Canyon Overlook, with views over the sandstone-covered landscape.

Flora & Fauna

Typical desert flora. Small shrubs, trees and cacti. The chollas are really beautiful with their golden spines.

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Contacts

Local Club: Friends Of Sloan Canyon

Mar 17, 2020: Health and Safety during the COVID-19 threat.

Mar 11, 2020: The Military Service to Green Service Program Returns

Oct 27, 2019: Geocache Removal at Sloan Canyon NCA

Land Manager: Nevada State Parks - Valley of Fire

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Check-Ins

Jan 4, 2020
Shines Brightly
Dec 2, 2019
Jonathan Weiland
Oct 17, 2019
Shawn B.
Oct 6, 2019
Jean-Claude Linossi
Nice easy trail with good views of the canyon area. 0.5mi — 0h 20m
Jun 23, 2019
Christine Hancock
Beautiful hike to overlook. Deep sand with fun rock climbing — 9h 00m
May 30, 2019
Andrew Watanabe
Feb 7, 2019
Michael Moy
Jan 26, 2019
Mark Reiter
Very nice short hike leading to a beautiful overlook.
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 9 votes

#5

in Valley of Fire State Park

#7106

Overall
  4.1 from 9 votes
5 Star
22%
4 Star
67%
3 Star
11%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#5

in Valley of Fire State Park

#54

in Nevada

#7,106

Overall
22 Views Last Month
817 Since Feb 17, 2017
Intermediate
33%
67%
0%
0%
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Photos

Open desert surrounded by red and beige sandstone hills.
Feb 1, 2018 near Moapa V…, NV
The view from Fire Canyon Overlook.
Feb 1, 2018 near Moapa V…, NV
View of Chollas
Oct 6, 2019 near Moapa V…, NV
Looking west from the trail
Oct 6, 2019 near Moapa V…, NV
Rainbow Vista Trail traverses this gorgeous red rock corridor.
Mar 6, 2017 near Moapa V…, NV
Some friends pose for a photo in this "hotel" along the Rainbow Vista Trail in Valley of Fire State Park.
Feb 16, 2017 near Moapa V…, NV

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