The White Domes Trailhead is 9.4 miles from the west park entrance on Valley of Fire highway. At Mouse’s Tank Rd, turn left.
You will pass the Visitor Center and Balancing Rock on the right which is constructed on the Moenave & Kayenta formation, of the Triassic period, before the road climbs up past the Aztec Cliffs. This scenic road culminates at the trailhead, which has parking, restrooms and a picnic area.
The White Domes Trail is a moderate 1.25 mile loop that combines extraordinary desert vistas, a short but impressive slot canyon, a rainbow of colored rocks, and the remains of a historic movie site. Deb and I managed to stretch it out to 1.7 miles with our uncanny ability to meander. If there is such a thing as “Trail ADD” we have it.
Our early morning arrival provided an excellent parking spot with only a few other hikers already there. With shadows still cloaking the parking lot, we were off. Quickly we were challenged by a steep rocky trail that creeped down into the canyon, amidst towering sandstone formations. Near the bottom we were upon the remains of Hollywood movie set leftover from a 1965 production. A sign explains that the fake ruins were used in the film, The Professionals.
The trail up the slot canyon took us to the other side of those enormous sandstone cliffs where we navigated up out of the canyon and on to a plateau to Seiser’s Arch. It provided an excellent opportunity to get creative and take some photos. The trail leveled off and soon we were back at the parking lot. A short hike but nonetheless, breathtaking views and incredible geologic formations.
Click on any photo to enlarge
