The White Domes Trail

The White Domes Trail Overview

The White Domes Trail at Valley of Fire State Park is a short loop hike featuring a short slot canyon, the remains of an old movie set, and a few beautiful arches. Learn more about Arches at Valley of Fire. The 1.0-mile loop hike has minimal cumulative feet of elevation gain and should take about 1 hour to complete.

The White Domes are sandstone formations with brilliant contrasting colors that combine sweeping desert vistas, a slot canyon, windows, caves, and a historic movie site.

GPS Coordinates

Trailhead Coordinates: 36.4859, -114.5329 (36° 29′ 09.24″N 114° 31′ 58.43″W)

How to Get to The White Domes Trail

Arriving from the East, from the intersection of Route 169 and 167 near Lake Mead, drive West on Valley of Fire Highway for two miles to the park’s east entrance. Drive another 3.3 miles to the intersection by the start of White Domes Road, turn right, and take this road for 5.7 miles to the White Domes Area.

Parking at The White Domes Trail

White Domes has a large parking lot but each time I have gone I have had to wait for a spot so get there as early as possible.

Fees

$10, click here to read more about Valley of Fire State Park Entrance Fee options

Permits

Permits are not required for any of the trails at the Valley of Fire State Park.

The White Domes Trail Weather

Best Time of Year to Hike The White Domes Trail

Spring or Fall to avoid the heat of the scorching summers. Click here to learn more about Valley of Fire Weather.

Best Time of Day to Hike The White Domes Trail

I prefer the mornings to avoid crowds. I will experiment with different times of day to see if there are more optimum times for photography.

Time Needed

On average, you should be able to finish in about 1/2 hour without stops at a brisk rate and about an hour for a nice pace with photo stops.

Trail Type

Loop

Elevation

177′

Length

1.1 miles

Best Sunset Views

Unknown at this time.

Best Sunrise Views

Unknown at this time.

What to Take to The White Domes Trail

Sunscreen
At least a liter of water
Camera
Sturdy shoes that are closed to avoid sand getting into them

Maximum Group Size

Unknown at this time. I THINK it is 12 per group without a tourist permit but will verify next time I am there.

Restrooms at The White Domes Trail

Yes, vault toilets at the trailhead.

Bicycles

Not allowed (but they are on the Arrowhead Trail).

Drones at The White Domes Trail

Drones are not allowed within Valley of Fire State Park.

Dog-Friendly

Yes, as long as they are leashed.

Kid-Friendly

Absolutely! This trail is easy and should be enjoyable for children of all ages.

Cell Phone Service at The White Domes Trail

Unknown at this time.

Wi-Fi Service at The White Domes Trail

Unknown at this time.

Valley of Fire Behind the Camera

This ruin appears to be a symbol of ancient times but was actually built in 1965 for the movie “The Professionals.” The main movie set, a Mexican hacienda, was located where the parking lot is now. Railroad ties can still be seen sticking out of the rocks.

Commercial photography in the park began in the 1920s when Hal Roach started filming westerns. He also produced “One Million BC.” The uniqueness of the par has become well known with over 45 commercial photo shoots every year. Other popular movies filmed here include the “Electric Horseman” and “Star Trek Generations.” The park has appeared in many types of commercials as well.