Explore Elephant Rock, NV
Clark County, Nevada
Description
Added by Derrick Lytle
Unique sandstone arch. Short hike. Fun. Trail head offers a great start to the rest of the park. Great for sunrise.
Elephant Rock is a beautiful red sandstone arch right at the West Entrance of Nevada's first state park, The Valley of Fire.
Elephant Rock is easy to find. From I-15 take exit 75 and travel west. The exit is easy to find and there's an indian smoke shop and casino. If you forgot to get supplies you can stock up on snacks and drinks there. Follow the road west for about 17 miles until you get to the west entrance of the park. Park at the self pay station. For Nevada residents entry is 8 dollars, everyone else pays 10. It's a state park so your national park pass won't get you in.
At the fee station you'll find easy parking with bathrooms, park info, and maps of the park's trails. The trail head to Elephant Rock is also here. Follow the signs for about a 1/2 mile and you will end up at the rock. It's an easy hike with a great view especially at sunrise.
During the day the arch is popular with visitors so I'd recommend photographing it at sunrise or at night. Sunset also works but I like sunrise there. While the park is technically closed at night, the park's rangers are great and allow photographers in. Please be courteous and respectful so we don't lose this privilege.
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Reviews
Awesome cross between the green covered mountains and dessert terrain of the valley. This was an awesome, quick hike; make sure to stop by the visitors center to catch a map and pair it with a few others in the park!
5.0
I am in love with the Valley of Fire thanks to an impromptu visit to elephant rock. It's an easy walk from the first parking lot and there is so much to explore in the park. Note: not part of the national park system so you will need to pay a self-pay fee of $5 UNLESS you go after hours (sunset or sunrise) when the boxes are locked. Great as part of cross country drive from the Colorado river/ Hoover Dam to The Grand Staircase/ Escalante National Park. Author recommends sunrise. I found sunset with a backlit and lower up-angle to be my favorite time and angle. So much to photograph. Could be a half day trip or several days of exploration.
4.0
This park is always worth a trip to if you're in the Vegas area. Or in my case you drive an extra 5 hours to see it because it was that amazing. Elephant rock was one of the coolest parts of the park and the easiest part to access.
4.0
One of the easiest spots to get to in Valley of Fire, definitely a must if you're passing through!
4.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Hiking Charlie's Spring in The Valley of Fire
Five Canyon Overlook
Hike the Petroglyph Canyon Trail to the Mouse's Tank
Hike to Mouse's Tank in Valley of Fire State Park
Hike the Rainbow Vista Trail
Photographing Rainbow Vista
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