White Domes Trail (Valley of Fire, NV)

The White Domes Trail in Valley of Fire State Park is a short and easy trail that passes the ruins of an old movie set and goes through a slot canyon.

Earlier this year, we hopped on a plane, flew to Las Vegas and drove towards... adventure.

We were headed to Zion National Park for an epic, multi-day trek on the West Rim Trail.

On the way, we stopped about an hour north of Las Vegas at Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada. This park is a lot smaller than Zion, but it did not disappoint!

One of my favorite trails in Valley of Fire was the short and sweet White Domes Trail.

This trail passes through sandstone rock formations, some of which are white and domed. (Get it?) It also passes the ruins of an old movie set and a slot canyon, all in just about a mile.

When Is the Best Time to Hike This Trail?

Anytime but summertime!

This trail is closed seasonally from June 1st to October 1st because of extreme heat. This hike is best from late fall to early spring.

How Difficult Is the White Domes Trail?

This trail is just over a mile long. Alltrails lists it as 1.1 miles, the park sign says it's 1.25 miles, but either way, it's fairly short.

The trail is rated "easy" and has minimal elevation change.

That said, there is an area at the beginning of the trail with rocky, uneven footing. (See the photo below.) If you're not steady on your feet, don't let the easy trail rating fool you into thinking this is a paved path.

What Gear Should I Bring?

Sturdy shoes and lots of water, especially if it's a warm day. I packed water in my Osprey day pack.

If you normally use a trekking pole, you may want to bring it for the rocky section at the beginning of the trail. I used my Black Diamond women's trekking poles.

I found this Valley of Fire State Park Adventure Guide map helpful. Also note that there's a fee to enter the park.

Hiking the White Domes Trail

There's a parking area near the trailhead. Follow the signs for the trail.

This trail heads downhill on a rocky path before leveling out.

Watch your footing in this section!

Keep going and you’ll reach what looks like a crumbling... something.

The formation looks like it's from an ancient structure, but actually it's from the 1966 movie The Professionals.

Next, you’ll arrive at the slot canyon.

This gorgeous white canyon is easy to navigate through and doesn’t require squeezing through tight spaces.

The rest of the hike was easy, and was not, as I feared, a steep hike back uphill.

I spent the rest of my hike strolling past (and admiring) flowers.

We also enjoyed hiking Rainbow Vista and the Fire Wave Trail!