Elephant Hill
Elephant Hill
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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Steve5863
Avon, OH12,807 contributions
Apr 2017 • Family
Elephant Hill is at the end of a very narrow 3.0 mile (4.8k) dirt road in the Needles District starting near Squaw Flat that is passable with an ordinary passenger car with care. Elephant Point is the beginning of the very difficult, technical 4x4 track of the same name and the trailhead for a network of long trails taking one to Chesler Park, the heart of the Needles, and Druid Arch.
Of more interest to the casual visitor to the Needles District is the overlook at the highest point along the road to Elephant Hill, about 1 mile (1.6k) from the beginning, that offers panoramic views of the Needles District and the best views of the Needles without a long hike or difficult 4x4 drive. The overlook, which is best in the morning, is on the right side of the road a few hundred yards (meters) after the “blind curve” sign where there is a small area to pull off the road with interpretive signs. While the view of the Needles is still quite distant, it is quite good and the closest view than one can get in an ordinary passenger car.
Of more interest to the casual visitor to the Needles District is the overlook at the highest point along the road to Elephant Hill, about 1 mile (1.6k) from the beginning, that offers panoramic views of the Needles District and the best views of the Needles without a long hike or difficult 4x4 drive. The overlook, which is best in the morning, is on the right side of the road a few hundred yards (meters) after the “blind curve” sign where there is a small area to pull off the road with interpretive signs. While the view of the Needles is still quite distant, it is quite good and the closest view than one can get in an ordinary passenger car.
Written June 4, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CrankingChick
Tucson, AZ7,681 contributions
Aug 2016 • Couples
Elephant Hill is an area of geologic interest in the Needles district of Canyonlands National Park. Large red boulders of Cedar Mesa sandstone that are streaked and capped with white sediment dominate the landscape. The area is popular for the unusual scenery and outdoor recreation activities like hiking, mountain biking, camping, and backcountry jeep/4WD excursions. The Needles district is in the southeast corner of Canyonlands Park, about 75 miles southwest of Moab. Access is via UT211, a scenic route that goes 33 miles (one-way) to the park entrance, following Indian Creek among towering red rocks buttes. (Until recently, BLM has been managing this landscape of rocky canyons and prairie farmland, but in 2017 the Obama Administration designated this area as Bears Ears National Monument.) It's an awe-inspiring scenic drive so the miles pass quickly, though we found ourselves wanting to stop for photos frequently. Once you reach the entrance to The Needles section of the park (Admission $25/car or NPS passes accepted), proceed 3.1 miles and turn left toward Squaw Flat Campground. Keep right to continue on the dirt and gravel road to Elephant Hill. This scenic route winds about 3 miles (one-way) through colorful canyons and curious hoodoos. When we visited in late August, the road had been recently graded and was passable by our low-clearance 2WD car, but I don't recommend it if it has rained recently or is forecast because the road crosses several washes (best to stop at the visitor center to inquire about road conditions). If you are adventurous and experienced and have a 4WD high-clearance vehicle, Elephant Hill is the gateway to miles of backcountry trails to explore (permit required). There are also some moderate to strenuous hiking trails that can be accessed at Elephant Hill. A restroom and picnic tables are available at the parking area. There is not much in this area of the park that is accessible to people who use wheelchairs, but I still felt that the scenic drive alone was worth the visit.
Written January 19, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RB_Advisor
Los Angeles, CA448 contributions
Apr 2016 • Friends
We had half a day so we decided to hike from the Elephant Hill Parking area to the Chesler Park Viewpoint. By miles it was only about 6 miles round trip but what we experienced had a great variety of surfaces we had to traverse. It starts at the parking lot at what seems like a ridiculous climb up following no discernible trail and only Cairns. Then it levels out onto a very gentile hike for about 2 miles with fantastic vistas where you meet another trail originating from the Squaw campground. You then travel through one of the narrowest trails between rock structures I've ever been on, which opens into a beautiful canyon. But the big surprise is you have to descend that canyon and then climb up it again, only to discover you have to climb up another 400 feet with only Cairns to follow. But when you arrive at the viewpoint, the view of Chesler Park is magnificent. It's a very good half day hike, but you'll feel it in your knees days later.
Written April 13, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MN_Fernando
Bloomington, MN115 contributions
Nov 2015 • Friends
The 6 mile round trip hike to Chesler Park from the Elephant Hill Parking area is beautiful but demanding for a mid-60 year old guy like me. The hike starts with a very steep uphill. There are some areas where the trail is flat, but there are a lot of ups and downs. Along the way, you are surrounded by beautiful spires. There is one place where you have to walk through a very narrow path. It took us about three and a half hours to complete the round trip. We did take opportunities to rest, take in the scenery and make photographs.
Remember to take plenty of water and wear good hiking boots. Without good boots, you risk falling as there are many places where good grips are essential. You will not have cell service so help is not a phone call away. An injury, even a sprained ankle, could have serious consequences.
Remember to take plenty of water and wear good hiking boots. Without good boots, you risk falling as there are many places where good grips are essential. You will not have cell service so help is not a phone call away. An injury, even a sprained ankle, could have serious consequences.
Written November 21, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
computo
Boise, ID143 contributions
Sep 2016 • Couples
We spent an afternoon in the Needles section of Canyonlands and hiked part of the Elephant Hill trail, but didn't have enough time to take it as far as I'd like to have. There's a short uphill section at the start that might intimidate some, but after that it's a very gentle trail. I'm 70 and didn't have any problems.
It goes through several passes, and each section is different from the one before. You'll need to allocate several hours if you want to hike all the way to The Needles section (it's an out-and-back trail, not a loop), and be sure to bring lots of water. And bring your camera, too - lots of picture opportunities.
It goes through several passes, and each section is different from the one before. You'll need to allocate several hours if you want to hike all the way to The Needles section (it's an out-and-back trail, not a loop), and be sure to bring lots of water. And bring your camera, too - lots of picture opportunities.
Written September 24, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott M
Sydney, Australia516 contributions
Feb 2018 • Friends
We walked in the late afternoon, which seemed perfect given the light. You only need to walk 30 minutes from the carpark to see some of the best views in Needles. The climb is initially a bit steep but then is easy. Bring your camera!
Written March 1, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Insouciant1
San Francisco, CA160 contributions
Apr 2016 • Friends
Elephant Hill is a campground. It's the start of a 4WD road. And it's a trailhead for some of the best short hikes in the Canyonlands. The Needles District itself is unique, as spectacular as any other of Utah's national parks. But to see it in full you have to get out and hike. I recommend hiking any distance on the trailhead from Elephant Rock. After a steep half mile start, the trail becomes a rolling one, with many ups and downs and an incredible variety of views and experiences. There is redrock and white rock, close-ups of the hoodoo-like formations that give the park its name, and even a slot canyon (two if you go a little farther than I did). My friends went all the way to Chesler Park (11 mi.) and said it was one of the best hikes of their lives--and these are guys who have summited Mt. Whitney!
Written May 5, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greg S
Colorado Springs, CO19 contributions
Feb 2014 • Family
After 2 years and some upgrades to my XJ it returns to Moab to experience Elephant HIll
Well, it’s been 2 years since we went to Moab on the XJ’s maiden voyage. On our first trip we quickly learned that the Tarantula (a name that was coined by a friend on the trip,) would need a few upgrades. This was the first time we were able to use the trailer that we built in 2009. Moab is an amazing place! The whole town is centered around outdoor recreation of all kinds. If you enjoy 4-wheeling, mountain biking, ATV riding, Hiking, Motorcycles or River Rafting, Moab is a wonderful place to do it. The scenery is breathtaking!
The first day we chose Elephant Hill, a trail that is well off the beaten path. In fact we were the only “vehicle” on the trail the whole day. I suppose one reason for it’s sparse attendance is that there are many trails within a short drive of Moab, while Elephant Hill is about 80 miles south. I have to say that it was the most fun trail I have ever been on. We set out early because our trail guide book indicated it would take 5-6 hours (and we usually take longer :).
Elephant Hill is in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. The trail is rated difficult. You will find out very quickly if your rig is properly equipped. The trail head starts from of a parking lot and immediately snakes steeply back and forth up a rocky slope. After conquering the up hill challenge and crossing the top, you begin an equally steep and narrow descent. One switchback is so sharp, you must drive past the turn and back down the next leg. In addition to the entertaining trails, there are two equally amazing hikes and some ancient petroglyphs along the way. The trail comes to a “T” a few miles in. Go left to visit “The Joint Trail”. While there are a still few challenging obstacles on the way, you’re mostly driving in a valley with a soft, sandy one lane path. SOB hill will briefly entertain you with a tight left turn between to large rocks and then a steep rocky drop back into the valley. Once you reach the trail head for the Joint, it’s a half mile hike to see an incredible formation of rocks with splits just wide enough to walk through. There are many surprises at the joint and along the way (if you’re into smelling flowers, you just might find a rattle snake!)
On the other end of the “T” is the “Confluence Overlook”, this is where the Green and Colorado Rivers merge. The trail on the way to the Confluence is fun and scenic. There is a VERY NARROW passage you must navigate. Be careful, my Jeep barely fit. There were scratches on the sides of the rocks and evidence of broken mirrors. The view of the Confluence was spectacular and well worth the short half mile hike.
Elephant Hill is a loop that is part one way and part two way traffic. The challenge is that most of the trail is really just one lane wide. The trail guide book recommends checking to see if anyone is coming the other way before entering an obstacle. The exit is the same challenge you encountered on the way in (only in the opposite direction.) Incidentally, the entire trail including both hikes, time for pictures and video footage took us about 6 1/2 hours.
One last thing worth mentioning. Upon entering the park, we were instructed to stay on the trail. All around the area is what’s called “Biological Soil”. Apparently it takes as much as 100 years for this soil to form, and is foundation for all things that grow in the area. You’ll get a brochure at the entrance with pictures of what the soil looks like. We were disappointed to see that some hikers had walked across the soil leaving footprints. We could easily lose access to trails like this in the future due to the actions of just a few inconsiderate people.
Well, it’s been 2 years since we went to Moab on the XJ’s maiden voyage. On our first trip we quickly learned that the Tarantula (a name that was coined by a friend on the trip,) would need a few upgrades. This was the first time we were able to use the trailer that we built in 2009. Moab is an amazing place! The whole town is centered around outdoor recreation of all kinds. If you enjoy 4-wheeling, mountain biking, ATV riding, Hiking, Motorcycles or River Rafting, Moab is a wonderful place to do it. The scenery is breathtaking!
The first day we chose Elephant Hill, a trail that is well off the beaten path. In fact we were the only “vehicle” on the trail the whole day. I suppose one reason for it’s sparse attendance is that there are many trails within a short drive of Moab, while Elephant Hill is about 80 miles south. I have to say that it was the most fun trail I have ever been on. We set out early because our trail guide book indicated it would take 5-6 hours (and we usually take longer :).
Elephant Hill is in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. The trail is rated difficult. You will find out very quickly if your rig is properly equipped. The trail head starts from of a parking lot and immediately snakes steeply back and forth up a rocky slope. After conquering the up hill challenge and crossing the top, you begin an equally steep and narrow descent. One switchback is so sharp, you must drive past the turn and back down the next leg. In addition to the entertaining trails, there are two equally amazing hikes and some ancient petroglyphs along the way. The trail comes to a “T” a few miles in. Go left to visit “The Joint Trail”. While there are a still few challenging obstacles on the way, you’re mostly driving in a valley with a soft, sandy one lane path. SOB hill will briefly entertain you with a tight left turn between to large rocks and then a steep rocky drop back into the valley. Once you reach the trail head for the Joint, it’s a half mile hike to see an incredible formation of rocks with splits just wide enough to walk through. There are many surprises at the joint and along the way (if you’re into smelling flowers, you just might find a rattle snake!)
On the other end of the “T” is the “Confluence Overlook”, this is where the Green and Colorado Rivers merge. The trail on the way to the Confluence is fun and scenic. There is a VERY NARROW passage you must navigate. Be careful, my Jeep barely fit. There were scratches on the sides of the rocks and evidence of broken mirrors. The view of the Confluence was spectacular and well worth the short half mile hike.
Elephant Hill is a loop that is part one way and part two way traffic. The challenge is that most of the trail is really just one lane wide. The trail guide book recommends checking to see if anyone is coming the other way before entering an obstacle. The exit is the same challenge you encountered on the way in (only in the opposite direction.) Incidentally, the entire trail including both hikes, time for pictures and video footage took us about 6 1/2 hours.
One last thing worth mentioning. Upon entering the park, we were instructed to stay on the trail. All around the area is what’s called “Biological Soil”. Apparently it takes as much as 100 years for this soil to form, and is foundation for all things that grow in the area. You’ll get a brochure at the entrance with pictures of what the soil looks like. We were disappointed to see that some hikers had walked across the soil leaving footprints. We could easily lose access to trails like this in the future due to the actions of just a few inconsiderate people.
Written January 18, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KenLang
UK104 contributions
If you only have time to do one hike in the needles district, this should be it.
It took us about 2 hours to get to Chesler park but only about 11/4 to get back. The trail is well marked with cairns and leads through rocky ledges and narrow defiles, though it is never dangerous and is not too hard.
The scenery is just incredible and the photographic opportunities numerous ( that's why it took using longer to get there than to get back)
It took us about 2 hours to get to Chesler park but only about 11/4 to get back. The trail is well marked with cairns and leads through rocky ledges and narrow defiles, though it is never dangerous and is not too hard.
The scenery is just incredible and the photographic opportunities numerous ( that's why it took using longer to get there than to get back)
Written October 20, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tennistraveler_9
New Mexico7 contributions
Jun 2013 • Solo
If you have one day in Canyonlands this is the quintessential hike that allows for the best photographs of the iconic Needles. No need to go all the way to Chesler Park especially on a hot day. Squaw and Lost Canyons also amazing loops.
Written June 9, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How much does it cost just to show up and can I bring and atv on this trail
Written October 16, 2019
No ATV or OHV allowed in this National Park. Fees are normal NP fees. $30/vehicle (non-commercial) valid for a week. $15/per person (biker, hiker) valid for a week.
Written October 18, 2019
Thanks for the comments...but anyone has current information or condition of the Devil's Lane road; especially Bobby's Hole and SOB Hill as well as current conditions of Elephant Hill, please pass on to me. I would appreciate it. By the Way, I have a 1993 Ford Explorer 4x4 low range. It is stock with no lockers, winch, or other modifications.
Written May 15, 2015
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