Petrified Dunes

Short loop through red petrified dunes with picnic spots

InsideLake Mead National Recreation Area

Overview

Think of this as Lake Mead’s easy, high-reward stroll among “petrified dunes” — ancient sand dunes turned to sandstone. The loop wanders through striking red outcrops with arches and swirled veins, making it one of the most photogenic roadside stops on Northshore Road.

What You’ll See

Vivid red Aztec Sandstone outcrops (the park’s classic “petrified dune” look)
Fun nooks, low arches, and sculpted textures that kids love to explore
Wide-open desert views perfect for a quick photo stop or unhurried picnic

Trail & Logistics

Route: Unmaintained loop of about 1.1 miles through the red formations.
Facilities: Paved parking, vault restrooms, covered picnic tables, and built‑in grills (bring your own charcoal and food). No drinking water on site.
Pets: Dogs are allowed. Keep them under control and pack out waste.
Typical hours listed as 7 AM–7 PM.

Best Time to Visit

Aim for cooler months and early or late in the day — the sandstone offers little to no shade, and summer heat is no joke. Weekday mornings are the quietest; mid‑day on fair‑weather days can see a bump in visitors. Soft light shortly after sunrise or before sunset shows off the rock colors best.

Tips

Bring all the water you’ll need; there’s none available here.
Good‑grip shoes make the sandstone scrambles more fun and safer.
If the small lot is full, circle back later — crowds ebb after mid‑afternoon.
Pack a picnic and charcoal to take advantage of the covered tables and grills.
Standard park entrance fees apply.

Pros

Short, photogenic loop through vivid red petrified dunes
Picnic tables, grills, parking, and vault restrooms on site
Kid- and dog-friendly terrain

Cons

No drinking water on site
Little to no shade; summer heat can be intense
Small lot can fill on mild spring and fall weekends

Tips

Bring at least one full bottle per person; there’s no water at the site.
Hit the trail around sunrise or late afternoon for cooler temps and better light.
Wear shoes with traction for the slickrock-style sandstone.
Pack charcoal and food if you want to use the grills at the picnic tables.
If it’s busy, come back after mid‑afternoon when parking usually opens up.