Crazy Hill

Crazy Hill is a low, pastel-striped sandstone knoll beside the Seven Wonders corridor. From the designated Fire Wave lot, follow the mapped footpath to the point nearest the hill and return the same way: about half a mile round trip, roughly half an hour. This is the short Crazy Hill outing, not the full Fire Wave/Seven Wonders loop. From P3, use the western Seven Wonders path toward Crazy Hill; the mapped approach is about 0.27 mile each way. The roadside Pink Canyon crossing farther south is not P3 and is not a parking start for this outing.

The way is unmarked. The mapped Seven Wonders footpath comes within about 60 feet of the Crazy Hill pin, but the last approach to the rock is not signed as a separate trail. Keep the hill in view and use an offline map to avoid turning this short outing into a longer wander. Expect loose sand, uneven wash and rocky footing; there is no constructed path all the way onto the knoll.

The small rise is banded with white, yellow, orange, pink and violet layers. Valley of Fire’s Jurassic Aztec sandstone began as windblown sand, and Crazy Hill is a particularly vivid place to see those colored layers together. For a photo, frame the curved pale bands across the foreground with the low pink knoll behind them.

There is little shade in this open desert setting. Bring water and sun protection even for a short walk, and take care around rough rock and brush. The Fire Wave/Seven Wonders corridor closes for summer heat May 15 through September 30; the park also closes its trails and access December 1 through 14 for annual maintenance. Check access before planning the hike.

Start at the designated Fire Wave Parking Lot (P3) on White Domes Road and park only in designated areas. Restrooms and shaded picnic areas are at White Domes, a separate stop up the road; no food or water source is listed on this route. Dogs may come on a leash no longer than six feet.