Hiking Southern Utah: Elephant Arch
Trail: Elephant Arch
Location: Mill Creek Area north of St. George
Trailhead: Mill Creek Trailhead
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 3.7 miles round trip
Average Time: two hours
Directions: Access the trailhead on the north side of Interstate 15, exit 13.
Elephant Arch is a spectacular red-rock arch that requires considerable effort to reach but is well worth it. To reach the trailhead, follow the dirt road that extends from the north side of exit 13 on I-15. A high clearance vehicle is needed as the road contains deep ruts. Head toward the power-line road and then turn right and follow it to the step-over gate that leads into the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve.
The route starts off on the Mill Creek Trail which is a two-track trail that is used by equestrians and mountain bikers as well. Follow this trail for about a quarter-mile and then you will turn off onto the Bone Wash trail on your right. The Sand Hill Trail will split off to your right after another quarter mile, but you will stay on the Bone Wash trail. Another quarter mile will find you dropping down into Bone Wash itself. If you rode your mountain bike this far, you will want to leave it here. The wash is very sandy, so be ready for your legs to get a good workout.
After a half-mile through the sandy wash, you will see a trail splitting off to the right, with a marker showing the way to Elephant Arch. Follow this trail another 0.4 miles up to the base of the arch. It will take a careful eye to pick out the arch at first among the other red-rock cliffs, but when you see it you will be amazed at how much the arch really does resemble a pachyderm.
If you want to scramble up some slick-rock, it is fun to explore around the arch, and with caution, one could even get on top of the elephant’s back for a photo op. Take a few minutes to enjoy the beauty of the area before heading back through the sand the way you came.
The route is rated moderately difficult due to the soft sand but can be hiked in about two hours with as much additional time for exploring around the arch itself as you want. The total elevation gained is about 200 feet. Be sure to check a weather report before you go as you would not want to get caught in the wash during a thunderstorm.
