Elephant Rock Trail, Valley of Fire State Park | Moapa Valley, NV

If there’s one thing in nature that intrigues me most it’s rocks shaped like animals. I’ve seen rocks shaped like an eagle and now I can say I’ve also seen a rock shaped like an elephant. The Elephant Rock Trail in Nevada’s Valley of Fire State Park is an easy 0.4-mile roundtrip hike near the East Entrance. The rock can be found right next to the main road, however parking is prohibited there, and instead you must park at the East Entrance parking lot and hike 0.2 miles to get to the rock.

The trailhead for Elephant Rock is clearly marked, with a sign that indicates the Elephant Rock Trail which veers left and the 1.5-mile Arrowhead Loop Trail which veers right. Take the left fork through an open area of red rock bliss, heading toward the main park road.

At the road you will see the elephant above you along the trail, clear as day. To get a better vantage point of the elephant, follow the marked trail upward.

The elephant rock is easy to climb to the top and makes for a prime photo taking opportunity. Alternately, the rock formations directly above Elephant Rock are also a good spot to climb to get a different vantage point. Once you’ve had your fix of taking pictures of the rock from every angle imaginable, you can retrace your steps back to the beginning for a 0.4-mile hike or follow the trail around the rock formations to return back to the parking lot for a 1.2-mile loop.

Valley of Fire History

Valley of Fire State Park is known for its dramatic landscapes, unique hiking trails, Indian petroglyphs, and sense of eerie familiarity. This may be in part because it has been the set location for several films including T otal Recall , Transformers , and Star Trek . During the last Ice Age this area was much cooler and wetter, making it a suitable habitat for mammals such as the saber-tooth tiger and giant mammoth. Red sandstone rocks take over the state park however Elephant Rock is the most distinct of them all. The creation of this rock can be largely attributed to the power of weather and erosion. Elephant Rock in Nevada is not to be confused with the other elephant rock in Taranaki, New Zealand .

Elephant Rock Trail Tips

Tip #1: Hike the Elephant Rock Trail in the winter or springs to enjoy in cooler temperatures. With no shade coverage this hike can be brutal in the summer.

Tip #2: The trail itself is only 0.4-miles or 1.2-miles roundtrip, however because of the uniqueness of this hike, allow for additional time for picture taking and exploring.

Tip #3: Noticeable cairns will guide you the entirety of the time. Follow the marked sings to ensure you stay on track.

Tip #4: Hike to and climb the rocks above elephant rock to get a stellar view of not only the elephant, but the Valley of Fire State Park.

Tip #5: Pair this short hike with other hikes in the park to get the full Valley of Fire experience. I’d suggest the White Domes and Fire Wave Trail.

Driving Directions

From Las Vegas, follow I-15 North and take exit 75 onto the Valley of Fire Highway and travel 14.5 miles to the west park entry station. Continue along the road passing Arch Rock, the Beehives and Seven Sisters toward the East Entrance. Park in the East Entrance parking lot.