Elephant Canyon
The hike described here extends from the Elephant Hill Trailhead up Elephant Canyon to an overlook offering great views of Druid Arch - one of the most unique natural arches on the Colorado Plateau. It also provides spectacular views of The Needles.
Trail Head: 38.1415, -109.827
Trail Type: Hiking
Length: 11 miles round trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
A maze of trails in this area provide options for loop hikes and extended backpacks.
The trailhead is located at Elephant Hill, at the end of the improved access road in The Needles District of Canyonlands national Park.
This route follows the Chesler Park Trail to the bottom of Elephant Canyon. The Chesler Trail forks right and climbs out of the canyon while the Elephant Trail continues up the canyon to its head.
The arch is located near the top of Elephant Canyon. The final quarter mile is a steep climb involving one ladder and some scrambling. The arch is massive, sitting on top a sandstone ridge where it is easy to see and photograph. The arch gained its name because some think it resembles structures at Stonehenge, built by the Druid people.