Bowl of Fire
Despite its name, the Bowl of Fire is not the product
of volcanic flames. it is formed from Aztec sandstone,
which, like the Muddy Mountains in the distance,
was covered with layers of rock for millions of years.
First, ancient sand dunes cemented into layers of
sandstone. Sediment then covered the sandstone.
Massive earth-movements arched all the layers
upward, then wind and rain eroded away the rock
layers on top. Newly exposed to air, iron in the
sandstone rusted to a fiery red, and the "Bowl
of Fire" was born.
The rust-red hue of Aztec
sandstone dominates scenes from
the Bowl of Fire (left). A visit
to the Bowl of Fire, with its
canyons, mazes, scuplted rock,
camel tracks, and petrified wood, is
well worth the hike. Ask at a visitor
center or ranger station for trail
informatin.
Don't miss the rest of our virtual tour of Lake Mead National Recreation Area in 876 images.