FIRST DAY HIKE - Scout's Arch at Valley of Fire

This hike is being hosted in cooperation with the rangers at Valley of Fire as part of their First Day Hikes. There will be many hikes organized by VegasHikers, and others, at Valley of Fire that day. If you're just going to do one hike, use the comments section to arrange a carpool. If you are going to do multiple hikes, it's best to drive yourself.

There can be a substantial line at the fee booth, so ARRIVE EARLY.

For this hike, meet at Lot 1 on Mouse's Tank Road (White Dome Road on some maps) in Valley of Fire. The hike goes through some amazingly colorful sandstone, passes a number of small arches, and finally climbs to a mountaintop arch that features panoramic views of the northern portion of Valley of Fire.

It's a fun hike that's not too long and not too difficult, with a GREAT payoff. It passes through a nice variety of terrain. The final climb up to the arch is steep, but we can take our time.

Distance: About 3 miles
Elevation Gain: About 600 feet
Time: About 2 hours
Scrambling: Class 2
Exposure: 1 out of 5
Pace: 2 out of 5
Difficulty: 3 out of 5
Kids/Dogs: Experienced scramblers only
Bathrooms: None. Flush toilets at Visitors Center

You should leave Las Vegas no later than 8:30 AM, to arrive at Lot 1 on time. I recommend you leave closer to 8:00 AM. There can be backups at the fee booth.

The entry fee for Valley of Fire is $10 per vehicle, and national park passes are not honored here, because it is a state park.

Please note the following:
• Meetup organizers are not tour guides and are not park rangers. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. You are solely responsible for your own safety and well-being.
• By signing up for and/or attending this Meetup event, you acknowledge, understand, accept, and agree that hiking and other outdoor activities can be dangerous and can cause serious bodily injury and possibly death. The organizers of this group and current and former members cannot be held responsible or liable in any way for the actions of any participant - including you - at any event.
• All attendees participate at an event at their own risk and are solely responsible for any damage to their property, and/or any injury to themselves or their guests.
• By signing up for and/or attending this Meetup event, you affirm that you understand this disclaimer, and that you knowingly and voluntarily agree not to bring any type of claim arising out of or related to this Meetup event against the organizers of this Meetup group.