Valley of Fire – Trip Notes for 11/13/2011 Hike (Atlatl Rock, Elephant Rock, Etc.)

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This page last updated on 04/10/2018

(Fig. 01)

11/13/2011 Trip Notes: On this visit with Connie's brother Rick, we tried to hit as many of the well known picture taking spots as we could fit in. In an effort to save space, I have provided a brief description and limited each of the park’s more common stopping spots to one picture. Starting from the west entrance, found on the lower left corner of (Fig. 01), you can locate their general location. Any additional pictures have been added to the slide-show found on the previous page.

The Beehives: The Beehives (Fig. 02) are so named because they tend to resemble beehives. This effect is caused by erosion, mostly wind, or Aeolian processes. Aeolian erosion has two main processes, deflation and abrasion. Nearby is evidence of the process of deflation where sand is removed by wind and transported across the desert forming sand dunes and abrading rock surfaces along the way. The wind blown sand abrades the softer rock first articulating the layers of sand originally deposited hundreds of millions of years ago as the courser, leeward deposit remains.

(Fig. 02)

Atlatl Rock: Atlatl Rock (Fig 03) has some of the most outstanding examples of petroglyphs in the park. The petroglyphs at here are out in the open, about 40 to 60 feet above the ground, requiring you to climb up a stairway which is about 40 feet high. This grouping of images (Fig. 04) appear to tell some kind of story, providing room for many interpretations.  If you look at the specific elements, you can see feet, sheep, atlatl's, a cross, a ladder, zig-zag lines, concentric circles and other images. For petroglyph pictures and to read more about their history, click here ... Atlatl Rock Petroglyphs.

(Fig. 03)

(Fig. 04)

Arch Rock: Arch Rock (Fig. 05 )has formed over many millennia by strong winds and rain slowly washing away the materials holding its sand grains together.  The rock weakened over time, allowing the natural arch that you see today to form.  Eventually it will grow too large for its support and will collapse.  No climbing on this beautiful fragile structure is allowed.  Arch Rock is a must see and a great photo opportunity.

(Fig. 05)

Gibraltar Rock: Gibraltar Rock (Fig. 06) is a prominent formation comprised of red sandstone near the end of the road to White Domes. How much this huge monolithic structure, rising directly out of the surrounding desert resembles the famous Rock of Gibraltar is up to the beholder. Its peak is a major attraction for photographers, especially in the late afternoon and at sunset. There is even a trail to the top requiring some class 3 and class 4 scrambling.

(Fig. 06)

Seven Sisters: The Seven Sisters (Fig. 07) are called that because of the unusual results of aeolian erosion on seven bright red sandstone sculptures that rise out of the desert floor. This type of erosion is common in deserts. In order to get a decent photo of these unique formations, you just have to move around the place and look for a good perspective. The angle of the sunlight is usually not an issue but noon is usually a good time to take photos here because it gives you the most flexibility in regard to light angles. It is difficult to get all of the Seven Sister's in a single shot. Since the road is in all the good angles incorporating it into the photo makes sense.

(Fig. 07)

Elephant Rock: Elephant Rock (Fig. 08) is a fine example of an arch in the shape of an elephant.  Because the rock is right next to the road, it is best to park in the nearby parking lot and take the 1/3 of a mile trail to reach the formation. Elephant Rock is billed as *the* highlight of the Valley of Fire State Park. The overall shape is clearly visible, and is striking in it's resemblance to an elephant, complete with trunk. This is actually a sandstone arch formed by weathering, which will one day collapse.

(Fig. 08)

The Cabins: Now a picnic area, these three historic cabins (Fig. 09) were built with Valley of Fire sandstone by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930’s for travelers.

(Fig. 09)

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