![]() Step right up to see Native American rock art on this 0.1-mile trail with stairs up a rock face to a collection of petroglyphs. Geologists can look at rocks like the Beehives and learn how the sandstone was formed. The Beehives are an example of geologic cross bedding with grooved lines going in different directions. ![]() Look to the left to see mounds of sandstone that easily resemble beehives. The turnout on Valley of Fire Highway has an information kiosk, describing the Beehives’ geology. The Beehives are a unique formation that can be seen without any hiking. ![]() Shortly after making the turn, you will spot a gravel turnout on the right for the Beehives. At the west end of Scenic Loop Road, return to pavement, and turn left on Valley of Fire Highway. ![]() Past Arch Rock, Scenic Loop Road turns to gravel and takes a rolling route around misshapen formations of red sandstone full of smaller arches and alcoves. No hiking is required to check out Arch Rock. Arch Rock will be back lit at sunrise, but should be painted a vivid orange at sunset. Obviously this natural arch is fragile, and the sign asks visitors not to climb on the rock. Eventually, the arch will grow too large for its support, and nature’s forces will complete their work of destruction. Unable to withstand the blasting of strong winds and the slow dissolving away by rains of the cementing materials holding its sand grains together, the rock weakened, allowing an arch to form. A sign explains how arches are formed when the rock underneath them is removed: Just past the dip, there are places to pull off on the side of the road. A natural arch should be easy to spot, bridging the formation that borders the road. Less than a mile up Scenic Loop Road, look to your left as you cross a dip in the road. Atlatl Rock offers a great display of petroglyphs, visible at the top of a metal staircase, and Arch Rock has a natural arch just above the road. Scenic Loop Road passes the park’s two campgrounds, Atlatl Rock Campground and Arch Rock Campground, as well as the attractions they are named after, Atlatl Rock and Arch Rock. The intersections are one mile a part, creating a 3-mile loop that is action-packed and enjoyable by car or bike. Located on the southwest side of the park, this road is only two miles long (one mile of which is unpaved) and connects to Valley of Fire Highway at both ends. Scenic Loop Road should also be explored. Hikers can explore beyond the road where it passes Petroglyph Canyon Trail to Mouse’s Tank, Rainbow Vista Trail, and Fire Wave Trail before ending at day use area bordering White Domes Trail. The road’s surroundings somehow get more picturesque from there, passing numerous postcard-worthy vistas surrounded by vibrant rock formations. The road (also know as Mouse’s Tank Road) leaves Valley of Fire Highway near the park visitor center and starts with an audacious ascent between tall ridges of red sandstone. White Domes Road is 5.7 miles that should be driven or biked by all visitors. The impressive beginning of White Domes Road White Domes Road Scenic Loop Road branches off Valley of Fire Highway and can be used to bike or drive a 3-mile circuit past numerous natural attractions. The main road through the park, Valley of Fire Highway, is honored for its surrounding beauty as well. The biggest wows come on White Domes Road, an official state and national scenic byway. Every road through Valley of Fire State Park is scenic.
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