Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
303.00 ft (92.35 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
1.20 mi (1.93 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Elephant Rock is one of the famous rock features found within Valley of Fire State Park. Located just inside the park’s eastern entrance, Elephant Rock is a popular spot. This 1.2 mile loop will take you past the prominent rock formation and around the backside to some lesser traveled terrain.

Finding a parking spot, especially if it’s midday, may be the hardest park of this hike. Once parked, follow the popular trail alongside the road to the namesake Elephant Rock. This impressive rock formation does in fact strongly resemble an elephant. Please do not climb on or near the formation.

Continuing along the trail will take you on a clockwise hike of this loop. You’ll follow the park road for a ways further. The trail will then begin to turn to the right (north) and away from the road where you’ll come across the Arrowhead Trail junction.

Continue along the Elephant Rock Loop Trail as it curves around the backside of the rocks. The trail here is a bit sandy in areas and also gains a bit of elevation.

Soon you’ll find yourself back on the eastern side of the loop and heading down toward the trailhead as you pass a few more intriguing rocks. Once finished with the loop be sure drive into the heart of the park and check out some of the other great trails such as the Seven Wonders Route or White Domes Loop.

 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Fall

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

State Park Fee

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Easy hike. Beautiful rock formations.

Cons

A portion of the trail follows near the road.

Trailhead Elevation

1,781.00 ft (542.85 m)

Highest point

1,859.00 ft (566.62 m)

Features

Vault toilet
Family friendly
Geologically significant
Big vistas

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

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