An impromptu visit to Las Vegas led to an impromptu visit to Valley Of Fire State Park. I traded the warmth and comfort of my Vegas Strip hotel room for a pre-sunrise drive and hike in the desert… and I’m so glad I did. The air was cool and fresh, the roads and trails were quiet except. As the sun began to rise, the sky filled with shades of orange, pink, and gold, casting a warm light over the red sandstone formations. For a brief moment, the rocks seemed to glow, showing off the windswept natural shapes and textures. Though the good light faded fast, those brief moments made the early start completely worth it.