During the last Ice Age, which ended 10,000 years ago, this area was much cooler and wetter, providing habitat for many animals that are now extinct, including saber-tooth cats, giant ground sloths, prehistoric horses and camels, and giant mammoths. The only relic of that time are the massive rock formations that are scattered throughout the park two notable formations are Elephant Rock and Poodle Rock is a testament to the many varied stone shapes at Valley of Fire, thanks to the wonders of geology and the erosive power of weather.
Once entering the park the directions to these formations are provided within the park informational pamphlet provided at the entrance gate.