By JENNI TOBIASSON
The Progress
Just a little over 13 miles south of downtown Overton, travelers find themselves at a crossroads of sorts. Should you continue South, you’d find yourself winding along the once impressive waters of Lake Mead along Northshore road. If you turn right, though, the road lead to a magnificent and ancient geological wonder.
Valley of Fire is the oldest and largest Nevada state park. Established in 1935, but traveled through, explored, and inhabited by both humans and wildlife for eons before that, Valley of Fire is a 44,000-acre treasure trove of history and beauty to behold.
More than 500,000 people are recorded as visiting the park annually and in recent years that number is quickly rising. There is even chatter amongst park officials that the number is growing closer to a staggering one million annual visitors!
With numbers like these, staff at the park are baffled when they noticed only a handful of that massive crowd, are from the immediate or surrounding areas!
Whatever the reason though, residents of the Moapa Valley, Virgin Valley and their surrounding areas have largely been absent from numerous activities, endless adventure and, yes, even a little shopping that is readily available to them at the park.
“People always assume that Valley of Fire is just the smoke shop out on the exit to the park off of interstate 15,” said Park Retail Storekeeper, Nicki Kendrick. “But that isn’t even in the park.”
“Most people are totally unaware that there is an actual visitors center or a gift shop,” said Tera Moffatt, gift shop clerk. “Maybe they just never put much thought into it, I guess; which is crazy!”
The visitors center gift shop was recently relocated to the center of the building. It also got a much needed upgrade and is snow loaded with lots of neat USA made souvenirs including T-shirts, magnets, mugs, books, cactus jams, honey, salsas, handmade jewelry, natural skin care products, and of course stuffed animals for the kids. The shop even stocks cold drinks and sandwiches for visitors to purchase.
And with Christmas just around the corner, a little something with local color for everyone on your gift list is sure to be found there.
Proceeds from sales at the gift shop are kept within the state park system and put to good use in events like the full moon walk held last month and many others.
And be prepared to see lots of bighorn sheep! Herds are being spotted daily, even in the area right around the visitors center.
In hopes that this article reaches those of you restless and ready to roam, Valley of Fire calls to you, will you answer?!
