The White Domes Trail at Valley of Fire State Park in Clark County, Nevada is an easy 1.8-mile out-and-back hike that leads to a stunning slot canyon, the White Domes rock formation, and desert views.
Trail names: White Domes Trail
Location: Valley of Fire State Park, 29450 Fire Cove Road, Overton Nevada
Permitted uses: Picnicking, Hiking, Photography and Nature Study
Prohibited uses: No Camping, No Bicycles, No Horseback riding, no motor vehicles. Use of drones or remote-controlled aircraft is prohibited. Collection of artifacts, fossils, rocks, plants or animals is strictly prohibited.
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset. White Domes is closed from May to September due to high heat concerns. Check the Valley of Fire website to get the exact closure date, as this will change from year to year.
Fees and Parking: There is an entry fee of $15.00 per vehicle for non-Nevada residents to enter the Valley of Fire. “America the Beautiful” passes are not honored here. Bicycle entrants are charged a $2.00 fee. Parking is allowed only in designated areas. The parking at White Domes is limited.
Pets: Dogs on a leash are allowed. Leashes must not exceed 6 feet in length. Please leave no trace, which means do not leave bagged dog waste along the trail.
Accessibility: White Domes Trail is not wheelchair accessible.
Hiker amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables and trash bins are located at the trailhead parking area.
Length and Trail information: This trail is often hiked as a loop, however anyone attempting this hike as a loop must be physically able to descend a very rocky steep decline. The trail is often very crowded and hikers may be left in compromising situations while they wait for fellow hikers to pick their way down the steep descent. We were hiking with people that had limited mobility and hiking skill, so we chose to hike this as an “out and back” hike, and we chose to hike it in reverse, or backwards, of what most hikers do, thus we were able to avoid altogether the dangerous decline that our fellow hikers were incapable of doing. Doing our hike this way also was less crowded and we were able to take our time and enjoy the magnificent scenery. The hike done this way is considered an easy hike that was a total of 1.9 miles. There are no markers or blazes along the trail, but the path is well worn and is obvious, so markers or blazes would be redundant here. Hikers can download a map by visiting the park's website if needed. There are information placards located near the restrooms at the trailhead parking area. Our hike started downhill and parallel to the roadway in a very soft sand-like substrate made by eroded sandstone. Once away from the road area, hikers will enjoy the beauty of the desert and the muted layers of color in the sandstone and limestone formations surrounding the trail. The trail brings hikers to an awesome slot canyon where the passage is narrow and the walls on either side of the trail are steep. Another fun feature for movie buffs, is the remnants of an old movie set located along the trail. There is an information placard located at the site of the movie set. Make sure to go early in the day to avoid heat and crowds. Wear appropriate clothing for sun protection and bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.
