Read an Excerpt
Valley of Fire: Elephant Rock
- Distance 0.25 mile (out-and-back)
- Hiking Time 1 hour
- Elevation Gain/Loss +/-50 feet
- Difficulty Moderate
- Trail Use Leashed dogs good for kids
- Best Times Cold to warm
- Agency Valley of Fire State Park at (702) 397-2088; parks.nv.gov/vf.htm
- Recommended Maps Free Valley of Fire map; Valley of Fire East 7.5-minute
- GPS Waypoints Elephant Rock: 36.428° N, 114.459° W
- Vehicle Passenger Car OK
HIGHLIGHTS
During the last ice age, which ended 10,000 years ago, this area was much cooler and wetter, providing habitat for many animals that are now extinct, including saber-toothed cats, giant ground sloths, prehistoric horses and camels, and giant mammoths. The only relic of that time is a giant rock that looks like an ancient mammoth. Elephant Rock is a testament to the many varied stone shapes at Valley of Fire, thanks to the wonders of geology and the erosive power of weather.
DIRECTIONS
Take I-15 north from Las Vegas and take exit 75. Drive east on Highway 169 for 14 miles to the park entrance. Continue east on 169 through Valley of Fire for 7 miles to the signed Elephant Rock parking area and trailhead on the left (north) side of the road.
For a beautiful loop back to Las Vegas, follow 169 to the east exit of Valley of Fire State Park, then turn right onto Northshore Road, which heads south and west through Lake Mead National Recreation Area back to Las Vegas (give yourself at least another hour to drive this route).
FACILITIES/TRAILHEAD
Information and restrooms are available at Elephant Rock. Water, information, and rangers are available at the visitor center. The park offers two first-come, first-served campgrounds (51 sites) with shaded tables, grills, water, restrooms, and showers. Group areas are also available near the Beehive rock formations on the west end of the park, each accommodating up to 45 people. Reservations are required (call 702-397-2088). Backpacking and backcountry camping are not allowed in Valley of Fire State Park.
DESCRIPTION
From the parking area, hike west toward the rock formations until the trail soon forks. Follow the left, southerly fork for a couple hundred yards up over the rocks to the road. Elephant Rock stands tall on the right (north) side of the road. (There is a small pullout by the side of the road next to Elephant Rock, if you’d prefer not to walk). Retrace your steps to return.
At the same trail fork west of the trailhead, choose the right, northerly fork to follow the historic Arrowhead Trail around the north side of the rock formations and back to the paved road. This packed-dirt trail, built in 1916, was a favorite adventure for early drivers traveling between Los Angeles and Salt Lake City.
