Up Close with Bighorn Sheep in the Valley of Fire

Even though the temps were in the 110s, we can't go to Vegas without visiting our favorite State Park! It's a short one hour drive from the busy city where you can trade the dazzling lights and casinos for this amazing natural beauty. As soon as you reach the edge of the city, beautiful earth-toned mountains welcome you and quickly transition to a striking red color as you wind your way thru the park.  

On arrival at the visitor center, we were delighted to spot Bighorn Sheep high on the ridge and a two-tailed Western Whiptail just off the sidewalk!

Asher and Journey have always loved scrambling around the rocks here. Check out our visit when Asher at 4yrs old said he wanted to stay "for a hundred nights"! 

While I was in the visitor center, Asher came to report the sheep had come down the mountain. I was only able to get a couple shots before they moved too far out of range. My best shot. Haha!

As we began to exit the parking lot, I saw the two adult sheep had brought their lambs right to the front of the visitor center!  "STOP!", I pleaded, then jumped out and began taking photos.

It was wild to see them dining on prickly pear cactus! They must have very tough mouths!

I guess my family didn't mind too much. I found them 15 minutes later enjoying a snack at the truck.

Looking out over Rainbow Vista. Find the RV below for scale.

Fire Canyon overlook

The winding roads thru incredible scenery have made the backdrop for a number of car commercials. Actually a number of movies have been filmed here too. 

Sadly, the Fire Wave trail that I had on my list was closed due to the high temperatures. Argh! Instead we explored the White Domes area.

I was delighted to find a Desert Iguana here!

We found yet another Bighorn Sheep along the road!

Our last stop was to hike to Elephant Rock. Can you see it below?

Until next time, Valley of Fire!