Elephant Arch TrailLength
3.80 mi
Trail Traffic
Light
Route Type
Out and Back
Highlights
Trail Surface
Native
Accessibility
Suitability
Recommended Use
Hiking
Directions
From St. George, head north on I-15 for about 9 miles and take exit 10 to Washington. Turn left onto Green Springs Drive and take an immediate right onto Buena Vista Blvd. Follow Buena Vista for about 1 mile and turn left onto the dirt road immediately after the fire station. Follow this dirt road for about 1.2 miles and it will meet up with another dirt road that is heading north-south. Turn left onto this dirt road and follow it for about 0.6 miles and your will come to the gate and trailhead.
Description
Elephant Arch is a beautiful arch high in the red rocks of the Red Cliffs Desert Preserve.
The Elephant Arch trail is located north of Washington City, Utah. It is mainly used by hikers and horses to reach a delightful arch resembling an elephant’s head and trunk. Typical low land desert landscape, lots of red rocks, and a cool arch at the end for the payoff!
The trail is 3.8 miles round trip and begins at the Mill Creek Trailhead. It takes around 3 hours or less to complete. It is best used from March until November. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
The first half of the trail is easy walking along a dirt road, and the rest of the trail is very sandy once you meet the wash. Because of the sand, this trail is not super family friendly, but if you can pack the kids, or if they can walk the distance it’s not too bad. Keep in mind that it’s possible that you will get sand in your shoes as you navigate through the sandy washes. Boots are recommended if you have them. There are many different wild flowers and Navajo sandstone hills to enjoy along the way. The total elevation gain is about 180 feet and the total elevation change up and down for either route is about 300 feet. The arch is high up on the cliff face to the east. You can reach the arch by a steep scramble up the slickrock. People say the elephant’s trunk is worth every sandy step!
Pictures
