Arch Rock

A two-mile scenic loop road provides views of some of the Valley's most interesting rock formations, such as Arch Rock and Piano Rock.

Photo of Arch Rock in Valley of Fire, Nevada

Arch Rock, interestingly enough, is one of the geological wonders of Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada, and it was created through very natural processes: erosion. The rock is composed of red Aztec sandstone, dating back to the Jurassic period, some 150 million years ago. That sandstone was laid down originally as a series of sand dunes in a giant desert that, at one time, overlay the region. Over time, wind and water gradually cut into the rock in spots, producing the arch.

This arch was created as a result of weathering and erosion. Wind, with its whipping sand, and water continuously wear away softer areas of the rock face, leaving behind the harder ones. Hollowing generally occurs when water seeps into small crevices and, upon expansion due to rising and falling temperatures, breaks the rock apart. It is this ongoing process of erosion that has created the delicate arch structure before you today.

The red color in the rock is from iron oxide-rust mixed in with the sandstone. Over time, such oxidation has created a fiery appearance to this rock and turned it into one of the unique icons in the Valley of Fire.

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