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Doing the Valley of Fire Loop, includes a $25 Toll, is it Worth It?

Discussion in 'Getting There & Getting Around' started by C00kieD0ugh, Jan 27, 2020.

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  1. C00kieD0ugh

    C00kieD0ugh Tourist

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    Thanks to some recommendations here, we've decided to check out the Valley of Fire and even spend a night there doing some camping.

    Was thinking of taking Highway 167 there and then 15 on the way back but it's been pointed out that there is a toll of $25 to take Highway 167 because it goes through the Lake Mead Recreational area. Then there is also another $10 toll to get into the park.

    In the end, taking the scenic loop plus admission cost, plus gas, plus food would end up costing $50+ to go out there and see the sites. If it's just an OK ride with no much to see, I think $25 is really steep, considering we aren't planning on stopping in, just driving through.

    Any advice or recommendations is appreciated!
     
    Last edited: Jan 27, 2020
  2. mikeinctown

    mikeinctown High-Roller

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    I've visited twice and never paid the $25 you mention. I just take the highway north and turn right at the indian liquor and fireworks store. Continue down the road and you run into the visitors entrance. Valley of Fire to me wouldn't be worth $50 ever.
     
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  3. C00kieD0ugh

    C00kieD0ugh Tourist

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    When you say turn right, I think you are talking about Highway 15, the toll is on the other highway 167 which is supposed to be more scenic... Have you ever gone down or up that way?
     
  4. mikeinctown

    mikeinctown High-Roller

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    I have not taken 167. I go up 15 and get off at Valley of Fire hwy. I live in Ohio so everything here is pretty much more scenic than the desert. We have lakes everywhere here, so unless I am seeing the actual dam, there is nothing that interests me.
     
  5. smerrian

    smerrian View from Bally's

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    I don't pay any tolls. I drive up I-15 and get off at Crystal for the visitor's center. Drive through the park and come out the other side onto Rt-169-S (becomes N Shore Rd) follow this aaallll the way down and make a right turn onto Lake Mead Blvd just before the toll. Lake Mead Blvd brings you right into the heart of N Las Vegas. It's a great ride and takes about 1/2 a day if you don't get out of your car...but you really should.
     
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  6. ken2v

    ken2v This Space For Rent

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    Is there now a LMNRA entrance station and toll both coming in from the north just past where the e/b road from VoF intersects?

    25 bucks, it's one of our nation's scenic/recreational treasures, think of it as tithing. (Or buy an America the Beautiful Pass and have a whole year to enjoy the sites and sights.)
     
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  7. C00kieD0ugh

    C00kieD0ugh Tourist

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    Maybe it's because I'm an ESL speaker but I'm not sure to understand. When I look into Google maps, the directions you give seem to take me right to the toll booth. Is it a new one perhaps? Sorry for the bother but I've included a link to the map itself so you can help me make sense of it, thanks again for your time!!

    Map: https://goo.gl/maps/Po4VE7vp4aZX3rCv7
     
  8. smerrian

    smerrian View from Bally's

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    Yeah, I remember the toll being if you continue to head south towards Henderson, but it's been a long time. According to this map, there is no toll if you continue south to Lake Mead Pkwy and exit into Henderson. It's a beautiful drive and if you don't get hung up on the money aspect (nobody worrys about money in Las Vegas like me. Heh heh.), then I would highly recommend taking the drive. At least if you've done it once then you know what it is, and you can always report back to us about tolls you hit.
     
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  9. ken2v

    ken2v This Space For Rent

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    From the NPS website:

    Entrance station locations are: Boulder Beach, Lake Mead Boulevard, Lake Mead Parkway, Cottonwood Cove, Temple Bar, Northshore Road, Willow Beach, Katherine Landing
     
  10. ken2v

    ken2v This Space For Rent

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  11. dmr

    dmr Registered Abuser

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    It's not a toll, as in toll road, it's a park entrance fee. There's no charge with any of various park passes.

    IIRC you can go north from the east end of VOF and not pay any fee if you don't wanna backtrack to route 15.
     
  12. C00kieD0ugh

    C00kieD0ugh Tourist

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    Thanks for the help everyone, appreciate it!
     
  13. ChilliPalmer

    ChilliPalmer Low-Roller

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    I personally have never regretted any fee I’ve paid for a state or national park. They are, in the grand scheme odd things, small change for amazing memories and entertainment.

    Just my opinion. Red Rock is absolutely beautiful.
     
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  14. ken2v

    ken2v This Space For Rent

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    I agree. To the OP's credit, however, he/she is not from these here parts. But, yes, the point is spot on. We buy the national lands pass yearly. Some years in the past we might've only "used" 25 bucks worth but we didn't end the year ruing that "lost" $55.
     
  15. Viva Las Vegas

    Viva Las Vegas Elvis has left the building

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    I've never paid the troll toll into Valley of the Fire from the east or from 1-15, but did pay the $10 State Park fee.

     
    Last edited: Jan 27, 2020
  16. ken2v

    ken2v This Space For Rent

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    The Lake Mead National Recreation Access fee does not apply to Valley of Fire State Park.
     
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  17. azlefty

    azlefty VIP Whale

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    Yes, it's absolutely worth it.
     
  18. dmr

    dmr Registered Abuser

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    I'm not the outdoorsy type at all, but when I became the eligible age (not to admit I'm really that old!) for a lifetime National Park pass I jumped at the chance!
     
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  19. ken2v

    ken2v This Space For Rent

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    Exactly! No brainer!!
     
  20. Film-Noir

    Film-Noir High-Roller

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    Been multiple times, Valley of Fire.

    Don't remember being charged anything more then Pocket Lint.
    Anyways turn at the Exit 75 @Moapa Paiute Travel Plaza
    to get there, down the road a bit & there you are.

    @ The Travel Plaza
    (yes they have a micro casino there) & yes go!

    We always stop on the way out of VOF.
    Cheap Liquor, Tobacco & even fireworks.
    Bonus tip: If your leaving outa VOF late
    you can buy & shoot off fireworks from a dirt spot ,
    in a Designated area,
    just up the road from the Plaza.
     
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