Elephant Arch is a beautiful arch high on the red rocks in the Red Cliffs Desert Preserve.
In April when we went the wild flowers were beautiful.
Trail Rating
Overall rating = moderate
Distance: 4.0 miles return – moderate
Elevation gain: ~600 feet – moderate
Terrain: mainly soft sand – difficult
Exposure: none unless you climb to the arch – easy
To see the trail rating system used here see Trail Rating System
Getting There
To get to the arch travel to the north end of Main Street of Washington City. At the end of the pavement continue north on the dirt road extension to Main street for about 1 mile until you come to a gate. Park here.
Road to the entrance of Red Cliffs Reserve
The Trail
From this gate walk 1/3 mile along the power line road to where the power line road veers to the right. Follow this road 0.6 miles to Bone Wash, a deep wide wash running east west.
Bone Wash is deep sand. Hike 1/2 mile to the point where the wash splits right and left. From this point you will notice a well-travelled trail straight ahead up a long sand hill. Follow this trail for about 0.4 miles to the arch. This section of the trail has some steep sand rises making travel difficult.
The arch is high up on the cliff face to the east. You can reach the arch by a steep scramble up the slickrock. From here you have excellent views of the surrounding area.
Trail to Elephant Arch
Here are some pictures taken along the trail.
