The Valley of Fire National State Park is located an hour plus northeast of Las Vegas. The sites and the hikes are breath-taking. A couple months ago, I woke up at 4 AM to drive to the park to catch a 6 AM sunrise at the Fire Wave (look below). The rest of that day was fueled by lots of caffeine, but it was completely worth it. There were so few people around that early so we had the park to ourselves for almost the whole time were were there. It felt like being on a surreal movie set, surrounded by red rocks and fine sand. Each hike had a different feel. It made for some amazing photography.
If you scroll through, you’ll get a peak at Scout and Ollie (the two OBSESSIONS of my life) and my hiking outfits. I’m a big proponent that if you dress well, you feel good, and it’ll motivate you to make healthier decisions. Right?
My affinity towards Nordstrom’s in-house athletic brand, Zella, has grown ever since I purchase my first pair of leggings a couple years ago. The Zella leggings are available to multiple styles, colors, and cuts; some are more appropriate for lounging around or running errands while others are designed for actual workouts. Seasonally, there are different designs available for tops and bottoms. For low-impact activities such as easy hikes or daily activities, I prefer these high waist black leggings. They are a bit on the thicker side for higher coverage, which may be too insulating in warm weather. I never thought that I would ever wear a mesh-like, cut-out top such as this one (also Zella), however, it’s a stylish alternative to throw over a sports bra. I prefer it high-waisted bottoms.
When it comes to workout gear, I feel like I have a “power color.” Aside from the typical black and gray variations, these colors are purple/blush and olive green. I have more workout clothes in these two colors and feel the best in these hues. Designed for workouts, these olive leggings are thinner and more flexible than the black pair. The side cutouts are a fun touch. I’m drawn to a good set; although this did not come with a matching top, I made it into a set with an olive sports bra.
The short white zip-up jacket and dark gray jacket are also from Zella. Sensing a pattern here? When choosing an athletic zip-up jacket, I prefer one that has darting and a cut that subtly nips at the waist, which is more flattering on the body. I recommend everyone find a coat similar to this gray one. The simple streamlined shape is perfect to layer on top of workout gear or other casual outfits. It looks more put together than a regular hoodie. It provides the perfect coverage and insulation for flights.
A couple tips if you are planning on making a visit to Valley of Fire (which I highly recommend). First, if you are willing to wake up early, catching the sunrise here is worth it. There are multiple trails to choose from and each one has a different look. There are trails at which you can hike from the visitor center to the White Domes Trail (the most northern trail). However, there are well-paved roads that can be driven from one location to another. Early spring is a good time to visit; it may be too hot during the summer. You can avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures with an earlier arrival. For those that enjoy camping, there are camping sites available.
Depending on how many trails you’d like to hike, expect to spend 5-6 hours here to enjoy the sites at a leisurely pace. Bring plenty of water and snacks for your time there. Apply and reapply plenty of sunscreen as necessary. In addition, this national park is dog-friendly as long as Fido is on a leash. If you have limited time, I recommend visiting the Fire Wave and the White Domes Trail.
The next time you’re on The Strip, and you’re seeking a different type of adventure, I recommend making your way out to this spot. Wake up early to catch the sunrise, pack lots of water, and get your camera ready. Happy Traveling!
The Prudence Profile 