The hike along the White Domes Trail was a beautiful experience. Early in the morning, there was even a cool breeze.
The surreal landscape kept asking to stand still, but also made one eager to see more, and so keep walking.
The White Domes are sandstone formations that stand out for their brilliant contrasting colours. They are accessible via a walking trail of about 1.6 km.
The White Domes Trail is a moderate loop hike that combines stunning desert views with an impressive gorge (slot canyon), colourful rock formations, natural windows and caves, and a historical film set.
The White Domes area served as a filming location for the 1966 western The Professionals, with lead roles for Lee Marvin, Burt Lancaster and Claudia Cardinale. This film, which was typical of the western style of the 1960s, contributed to the construction of the road and the accessibility of this unique area. Remnants of the film set can still be seen, including a small part of the wall of the "hacienda".
The geology of the White Domes is an example of the unique formations in the Valley of Fire State Park, with layers of sandstone formed in the Jurassic, more than 150 million years ago. The striking colours are created by minerals in the rock, such as iron oxide, which causes the red hues, and silica, which creates lighter shades.
My name is Gerry van Roosmalen, photographer and author with a passion for images and stories that touch. After years in the corporate world, I followed my heart and chose photography in 2002. I completed the Fotovakschool in Apeldoorn, specialising in portrait and reportage photography.
Documentary and landscape..
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