Last Updated: June 18, 2026
Pahrump is in southern Nevada and only an hour drive from either Death Valley or Las Vegas. The town is known for its legal brothels and for electing a deceased brothel owner, Dennis Hof, to the state legislature. Hof wanted legislation that would bring the federal government into talks with Nevada to negotiate solutions to Pahrump’s water situation — years of nuclear testing in the region contaminated the local water supply.
Pahrump, Nevada
We stayed at Lakeside Casino and RV Park. They had 50amp service, good water pressure, sewer, and decent wifi. Jake enjoyed his daily walks around their lake.
Pahrump Valley Winery
Pahrump Valley Winery opened in 1990 and produces remarkable wines considering it’s located in the Nevada desert at 2,700 feet elevation. They have received over 470 wine awards since 2004 — easily one of the most surprising discoveries of our Nevada trip.
We went on their winery tour and got an inside look at the production process, from fermentation tanks through to barrel aging.
Their labels are unique and playfully risqué, but they seem to be a big part of their brand success.
Symphony’s Restaurant at Pahrump Valley Winery
Located at the winery, Symphony’s Restaurant was delicious and has been one of the top-rated restaurants in Pahrump for years. A great spot for dinner paired with the winery’s own wines.
Las Vegas, Nevada
We enjoyed visiting family who live in Henderson. Las Vegas has the weather and amenities to make it easy to forget about traveling for a while and enjoy the routines of daily living. Terri’s cooking was amazing. We enjoyed visiting almost every day and Jake loved being in a backyard again.
Las Vegas Motorcoach Resort
We really enjoyed staying here — this was our second visit. They have 6 hot tubs, 5 pools, a 9-hole putting green, and a well-equipped exercise room. Many of the snowbirds had left, so the place was peaceful and quiet. It is also very large so we were able to take long walks every day.
Mob Museum
Officially the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, the Mob Museum is one of the most absorbing museums in Las Vegas. It’s housed in the 1933 federal courthouse where the Kefauver Senate Committee held its famous hearings on organized crime in 1950. The museum covers the history of organized crime in America, the mob’s role in building Las Vegas, Prohibition bootlegging, and law enforcement’s long effort to fight back.
Even after spending hours there, we only briefly looked at the numerous exhibits. Budget a full day if you want to see everything properly.
Neon Museum
The Neon Museum — also known as the “Neon Boneyard” — was founded in 1996 as a non-profit dedicated to preserving iconic Las Vegas signs. The outdoor boneyard holds over 200 unrestored signs spanning from the 1930s through the 2000s: the Stardust, Caesars Palace, the Sahara, Hard Rock, and many more that defined the Las Vegas Strip for generations.
Knowledgeable employees are scattered about the property sharing the history behind each sign. At night, some signs are illuminated — the night tour is particularly spectacular and highly recommended.
Hoover Dam
Hoover Dam was completed in 1935 — two years ahead of schedule after just five years of construction. The dam stands 726 feet tall, required over 3.25 million cubic yards of concrete, and was built by more than 21,000 workers. It spans Black Canyon of the Colorado River on the Nevada-Arizona border, providing water, flood control, and hydroelectric power to the region. Originally named Boulder Dam, it was later renamed in honor of President Herbert Hoover, who championed its construction.
The dam creates Lake Mead, which when full is the largest reservoir in the United States by volume, supplying water to 25 million people across Nevada, Arizona, and California.
Boulder City, Nevada
Boulder City was purpose-built to house Hoover Dam workers during construction and remains famously unique among Nevada cities — it’s one of the only municipalities in the state that prohibits gambling. We enjoyed lunch at a local brewery. Area 52 is supposedly another top-secret military facility in the Nevada desert, similar to the famous Area 51. Some claim it’s a massive underground complex capable of housing tens of thousands of people.
Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
Valley of Fire State Park is only about an hour north of Las Vegas and is Nevada’s oldest state park, established in 1935. It encompasses 40,000 acres of brilliant red Aztec sandstone formed from ancient sand dunes roughly 150 million years ago. The landscape is so otherworldly it has served as a filming location for Star Trek Generations and Logan, among others. Ancient Pueblo people left petroglyphs here — some more than 3,000 years old — still visible at Atlatl Rock and Mouse’s Tank.
The wildflowers were at their peak during our April visit — hedgehog cactus, evening primrose, and desert globe mallow all in bloom against the red rock backdrop.
We enjoyed hiking through a small slot canyon. The red Aztec sandstone formations were stunning, making Valley of Fire one of our favorite state parks in the country.
Visitor Information
Valley of Fire State Park is located at 29450 Valley of Fire Highway, Overton, NV 89040. The park is open year-round; entrance fees apply (check current rates at parks.nv.gov/parks/valley-of-fire-state-park). Phone: 702-397-2088. The visitor center is open daily 8:30am–4:30pm. Spring (March–May) and fall (October–November) are ideal — summer temperatures regularly exceed 110°F and make hiking dangerous without ample water.
Practical Tips
For RV travelers, book the Las Vegas Motorcoach Resort well in advance — it fills up quickly and is the nicest coach resort in the city. Pahrump Valley Winery tours typically run on weekends; call ahead to confirm current times. For the Neon Museum, book tickets online as walk-up availability can be limited, and if you have flexibility, the night tour is worth the extra planning. Hoover Dam tours book quickly in spring — check recreation.gov for tickets. For Valley of Fire, carry at least a gallon of water per person year-round and plan hikes for early morning to avoid midday heat. Dogs are permitted on leash throughout most of the park.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Valley of Fire from Las Vegas?
Valley of Fire State Park is about 50 miles northeast of Las Vegas — roughly a 55-minute drive via I-15 North and NV-169. It makes an excellent day trip from the city; plan 4–6 hours in the park to explore the main formations, hiking trails, and petroglyphs.
Is Pahrump worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you’re traveling between Death Valley and Las Vegas. Pahrump Valley Winery alone makes it worthwhile — the quality and variety of wines produced in the Nevada desert is genuinely surprising, and Symphony’s Restaurant is excellent. The town has a colorful history and is only about an hour from both Death Valley and the Las Vegas Strip.
Can you visit Hoover Dam and Valley of Fire in the same day?
Yes, though it makes for a full day. Hoover Dam is southeast of Las Vegas (about 30 minutes) and Valley of Fire is to the northeast (about 55 minutes), so you’d drive back through the city between them. Plan for 2–3 hours at Hoover Dam and 3–4 hours at Valley of Fire, and start early in the morning.
What is the best time to visit Valley of Fire State Park?
March through May and October through November are ideal. Our April visit was particularly beautiful — wildflowers in peak bloom against the red rock. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 110°F and hiking can become dangerous; if you visit in warmer months, stick to very early morning and carry extra water.
