elephant hill

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.

There is so much of interest and most is spectacular this one is just another large rock but don't get me wrong in itself it is quite beautiful and definitely worth a stop on the way the Dome.

Had never been to Canyonlands and went to see the confluence. Beautiful, but very bumpy trail ride. Glad I went but won't do this trail again

We drove back here to find the picnic area that was shown on the map so we could have some lunch. There were maybe 2 lousy tables sort of near the parking lot. We didn't stay and instead went back to the nice covered picnic tables along the main road. Much better!

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)

This is a great Jeep road to check out when in the area. Must have more clearance that almost all stock 4x4 vehicles. You'd have a hard time getting a full-width truck through the narrow Squeeze-Box obstacle. Overnight permits required for the few campsites available.

I visited 'Elephant Hill' during my multi-day visit to the magical Canyonlands NP, as part of my month-long tour of the Utah/Arizona natural attractions last year. I have posted separate reviews for several individual trails/overlooks, plus an 'introductory' review for the 2 main areas within the NP ('Island in the Sky' and the 'Needles') and the NP as a whole under the TA webpage (incorrectly) entitled 'Canyonland' (sic).As it's almost the first (easily driveable) attraction after the visitor centre I proceeded straight for this viewing area, the panoramic scene that you are presented here is quite beautiful/colourful and offers a stark contrast to a lot of the tremendous and imposing views you can see on the drive into the area. You've no doubt seen the view (but in part probably) already in some way, as it is a photo of the view from here that often features as a part of those used in articles about Canyonlands !When I prepared to write this review I was amazed to find that a dedicated TA webpage for it didn't exist. So, post my request for one to be generated this should be the inaugural review !I have compiled an extensive Trip Advisor 'Trip List' for my tour, which includes 'extra' attractions and also has links to the other individual TA reviews I've contributed for the accommodation/attractions I visited - it has been made a Trip Advisor 'Itinerary'; I hope it is of interest and use to you - I plan to add visitor information sections/viewable media sections..... The most direct way to access it is by clicking my review-count below my profile name to the left of this review text. Alternatively, see after my review below the dashed line... You can also access my other Canyonlands reviews that way...After a westerly winding paved section of the main scenic road you have to then proceed (around an area of many track junctions and alternative routes) along another winding portion of a quite sandy/unpaved track (it's designated 'unpaved 2WD') for some 3 miles, still generally heading west - it was perfectly driveable in my low-clearance 2WD 'compact' hire car, so the designation is correct !At the 'end', before multiple trailheads (which includes a popular jeep trail), there is a parking area and the significant 'Elephant Hill' viewpoint/trailhead is reached. Like elsewhere in the 'Needles', I found the views here more of the 'panorama' type, easily occupying a 180degree scan - but with very little vertical 'aspect'.Across a shallow rocky basin a wide, low, 'castled' rock face is perched on the edge and features formations of distinctive horizontally-'banded' rock (sand rock I think), which is graded in such a way that it lightens in shade from bottom to top. The overall appearance is quite beautiful, especially as most of the relatively thick layers are separated by marked thin, black layers. This view was worth my 'Needles' visit alone, although I had already got some excellent views on the drive in....[There is a similar kind of panoramic view on offer in 'Canyonlands Lite' (sorry, I mean 'Arches' NP) BUT whilst the rocks have a similar shape, they are no where as variedly coloured - so they are missing the most pleasing part of the view as far as I am concerned.]I think that this viewpoint offers an impressive, colourful panorama with a interestingly-shaped rock formations enhanced with that attractive 'banding'. Along with the contrasting views from the northerly 'Big Spring Canyon Overlook' at the other end of the central scenic road, it forms the foundation of what normal 2WD drivers can see without the need for significant hiking - they complement the views you get on the approach into the area very well....I will add any relevant photos/videos after this review is posted by TA.----------------------------As well as the method described near the start of this review my TA 'Trip List' can also be accessed from the 'Utah Itineraries' link on the right of the Utah Forum page. Or the direct link is :http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/GoListDetail-i24850-Las_Vegas_to_Zion_Bryce_and_other.htmlAlternatively, to search via TA, it is entitled 'Las Vegas to Zion, Bryce and other SUtah Natl Parks + Monument Valley-May 2011'.Please feel free to send me messages with any questions.

キャニオンランズのニードルズのハイキングのスタート地点です。四駆のドライブのスタート地点でもあります。私はDruid Arch、Joint Trail等、日帰りロングハイクを二回楽しみました。地球に居るとは思えない最高の風景が広がります。こんな楽しいハイキングスポットは他にはないでしょう。上級者向けがほとんどですが、何度も訪れたい場所です。