About
Length (round trip)11 mi
ShapeOut-and-Back
DifficultyStrenuous
Elevation gain1,400 ft up
Typical time6 hr 15 min
TrailheadElephant Hill trailhead, The Needles
SurfaceDeep sand, loose rock, one ladder
Best seasonSpring and autumn. Summer highs exceed 100F with no shade and no water on any trail.
DogsNot allowed
What you'll see 🌄 Big views🕳️ Cave or arch

Encounter spectacular rock formations on this unique trail. Roundtrip Distance : 10.8 mi (17.4 km) Time : 5-7 hrs Overall Elevation Change : 503 ft (153 m) Cumulative elevation gain on this route is much greater. Difficulty : Strenuous Hike Description : This trail offers one of the most spectacular views in The Needles. It follows the first part of the Chesler Park trail, then branches off to travel along the bottom of Elephant Canyon through deep sand and loose rock. The last 1.25 mile at the upper end is steep with one ladder and some scrambling. Bring : Water (1 L per person, per hour), snacks, sturdy footwear, headlamp, map, and be prepared for, sun, rain, heat, or cold. Accessibility : This trail can be rough, sandy, and requires climbing a ladder and some scrambling on rock. It is not accessible to wheelchairs. In winter, there may be snow or icy conditions; we recommend traction devices for hikers. Accessibility : This trail can be rough, uneven, and requires walking up and down a rocky hill and stone steps. It is not accessible to wheelchairs. In winter, there may be snow or icy conditions; we recommend traction devices for hikers. Dogs are not allowed on this trail. Service animals are allowed in national parks. What is a service animal?

Tips
The last 1.25 miles is steep with a ladder and real scrambling. Deep sand in the canyon bottom makes the middle section slow and tiring.
Location

Elephant Hill trailhead, The Needles

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