Big Spring Canyon to Elephant Canyon Loop Trail

No permit or access details on file for this trail — check with the local land manager before you go.

<p>This loop features extended hiking on slickrock benches and mesa tops overlooking canyons. Excellent views of sheer cliff walls and other rock formations.</p>   <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="5" data-aria-posinset="1" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-listid="4" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{863dbba9-92a9-4926-86c7-97eb2e14b853}{150}" paraid="1792760086"><strong>Roundtrip Distance</strong>: 10.5 mi (16.9 km) </p> </li> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="5" data-aria-posinset="2" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-listid="4" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{863dbba9-92a9-4926-86c7-97eb2e14b853}{159}" paraid="1110728402"><strong>Time</strong>: 4-6 hrs  </p> </li> </ul> <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="5" data-aria-posinset="1" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-listid="4" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{863dbba9-92a9-4926-86c7-97eb2e14b853}{172}" paraid="422829055"><strong>Overall Elevation Change</strong>: 443ft (135m) <br /> <em>Cumulative elevation gain on this route is much greater. </em></p> </li> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="5" data-aria-posinset="2" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-listid="4" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{863dbba9-92a9-4926-86c7-97eb2e14b853}{181}" paraid="1904918403"><strong>Difficulty</strong>: Strenuous </p> </li> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="5" data-aria-posinset="3" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-listid="4" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{863dbba9-92a9-4926-86c7-97eb2e14b853}{190}" paraid="1570864325"><strong>Hike Description</strong>: You will have to climb two ladders in the pass between the canyons.  </p> </li> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="5" data-aria-posinset="4" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-listid="4" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{863dbba9-92a9-4926-86c7-97eb2e14b853}{199}" paraid="614746361"><strong>Bring</strong>: Water (at least 1 L per person, per hour), snacks, sturdy footwear, headlamp, map, and be prepared for, sun, rain, heat, or cold. </p> </li> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="5" data-aria-posinset="5" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-listid="4" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{863dbba9-92a9-4926-86c7-97eb2e14b853}{208}" paraid="422259802"><strong>Accessibility</strong>: This trail can be rough, uneven, and requires climbing two ladders. It is not accessible to wheelchairs. In winter, there may be snow or icy conditions; we recommend traction devices for hikers. </p> </li> </ul> <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="5" data-aria-posinset="1" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-listid="4" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{863dbba9-92a9-4926-86c7-97eb2e14b853}{221}" paraid="1092500356">Dogs are not allowed on this trail. Service animals are allowed in national parks. <a href="https://cms.nps.gov/planyourvisit/service-animals.htm">What is a service animal?</a> </p> </li> </ul>