Trail Overview

Elephant Hill is one of the premier rock crawling experiences in America's National Parks. This route features significant intermediate rock crawling, as drivers wind their way on a road through the twisted canyons of the Needles district in Canyonlands. Those who make the journey have the opportunity to get up close and personal with exceedingly unique rock formations throughout the drive as well as views overlooking multiple rivers within Canyonlands. This includes named obstacles such as Devil's Pocket, SOB Hill, and the Silver Staircase. Expect to find steep drives up and down slick rock, small boulder gardens, and ledges that require care in navigating. This trail must be driven in a clockwise direction, as much of the trail is too narrow for any form of passing. This makes recovery tricky if you break down, so make sure your rig is capable enough, and in good condition. This trail also requires a relatively high-demand permit. While day-use permits are available, completing the whole trail between sun up and sun down is challenging for all but the most experienced rock crawlers. Back-country camping permits tied to specific sites are available, but fill up very quickly, so make sure to plan in advance. Note that like most NPS trails, Elephant Hill only allows street-legal vehicles. Those who can navigate these hurdles, are rewarded with one of the best offroad adventures the 4 corners have to offer, featuring stunning vistas paired with consistent levels of offroad challenge.

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Difficulty

Elephant Hill is a great intro to serious rock crawling. There are no "high consequence" obstacles where a screw-up is likely to cause injury or significant vehicle damage. Additionally, in dry conditions, it does not require a locker or winch. However, I would not attempt this with a vehicle that has less than 32" tires and a low range. Stock Wranglers should be capable of completing the trail by experienced drivers, but those newer to rock crawling may want a little margin. Skid plates are advised for lower-clearance vehicles.

Technical Rating

Chris V

Oct 12, 2025

Open

Started the trail just minutes after 2 days of rain stopped, the ranger in the visitor's center said the trail should be passable, which it was. We were the first on the trail, all the creeks were full, but no more than about 2 feet of water anywhere. Some obstacles were slicker than normal, but nothing too difficult with our 3.5" JKUR on 35s. Saw a stock JLUR in the afternoon. Ran the loop twice with a stop at confluence overlook, 4 hours total. 2nd day was mostly dry with a few avoidable puddles and pools. Stay left going through Devil's Pocket.

Mathew Watson

Aug 20, 2025

Open

First trail both my buddy and I did with our new broncos let’s just say the Raptor doesn’t fit the squeeze save yourself some scratches on the fenders and hardtop. Badlands Sasquatch fit no problem. No lockers needed with our rigs coming down is harder than going back out. Would do this trail again, just gotta remove the hardtop and fenders and you can work it out. Beautiful trail nonetheless.

Troy Harris

Jul 21, 2025

Open

OnX shows this trail as taking 14hrs which I found to be incorrect. Matter of fact, way off. We completed the trail in about 6.5hrs including two stops at the hiking waypoints, the joint/confluence. That time does not include our travel time to the traihead. Moderate difficulty for someone in a lifted Jeep with offroad experience. Nothing too crazy. Trail was well marked and easy to navigate.

Aaron London

May 18, 2025

Open

David Gray

Apr 10, 2025

Open

Kevin C

Dec 31, 2024

Open

Pete Bronco

Sep 28, 2024

Open

We were on the trail 9/14-15. Camped at devils. Road to the joint and SOB hill at the time was washed out. So we had to hike the 10+ miles from camp to the joint Worth it. Multiple rangers indicated the trail was more technical after the August storm that washed the road. We had a Bronco Badlands non-squach on 33s and Jeep Gladiator on 37s. In my opinion the Broncos wheel base was the winner vs the Gladiator. I had some minor scrapes on the skids with the Bronco but nothing the vehicle couldn’t handle. One Ranger indicated the road to confluences main obstacle was pretty nifty. We didn’t try. Otherwise, as a novice it was doable for me, thanks to the proper rig. We saw a guided tour on the way in and one jeep on the way out. Rad place.

Jeff K

Sep 25, 2024

Open

We had a 2 door Jeep JK Rubicon with 33s and 2.5 lift. With spottings and careful lines, no scrapes.For stock or near stock 4x4s, my advice is take your time and you'll be fine. The backside of the hill lives up to reputation. I think this trail is mostly a 6 rating but the decent and climb back out of the back of Elephant Hill was pretty steep grade and that portion I think is worthy of a 7. While the initial portion is definitely the gnarliest part, there are several other areas with ledges to keep you on your toes throughout. it took us approximately 4 hours including with a stop for lunch.

Doug Strahm

May 13, 2024

Open

Trail was in good condition. Trail hasn’t been run much this year as evidenced by brush growing into trail giving minor pinstripes. Obstacles were in good condition. It was very dry so dust was everywhere.