Name: Elephant Rock Out and Back
Rating: 4.6

“A popular hiking / mountain bike trail to Elephant Rock with great views of the Great Salt Lake.”

— David Clayton

GPX File

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly The trail is well worn and not too steep, though sturdy hiking boots or running shoes are a good idea.

No closures, though November to May, snow pack is common on the trails.

Overview

A beautiful out and back hike to Elephant Rock with plenty of scenery along the way.

Description

Parking is limited at the first trailhead located on Mueller Park Road. This trailhead is located near the bridge over the creek, just before the forest service fee gates.

The trail is fairly well worn, with easy to follow tracks and easy uphill grades. Hikers will enjoy beautiful mature evergreen and scrub oak forests with many areas well watered by nature. Damp areas will have dense fern growth and many wildflowers, which can be a treat in the summer months.

Elephant Rock is located roughly 3.5 miles up the trail and has benches for resting on with a dramatic view of the valley and Great Salt Lake beyond.

Those wishing to continue further up the trail can reach Rudy's Flat and Grandview Peak, or even loop back to Bountiful via the North Canyon Trail.

The trail is highly popular with mountain bikers too, so keep an ear out for them!

Flora & Fauna

Mature lodgepole pines, quaking Aspens, scrub oaks, ferns, and many other wild shrubs keep the trail largely in shade most of the day. Small animals such as squirrels and chipmunks most common, with occasional sightings of moose, elk, or deer possible.