Elephant Rock, also known as Big Rock, is a conspicuous sight on the mountainside in Mueller Park in Bountiful, Utah. It is great for hiking, trail running, mountain biking, and dog walking.
The trail begins at the top of 1800 South in Bountiful.
Mueller Park is a day-use picnic area, but parking in the lot there requires the $10 day-use fee, so you can park along the street below. There were cars parked kind of far, but even on a Saturday there was lots of parking nearer the trailhead. If you get to this sign, you’ve passed it and need to go back to the bridge.
The Mueller Park Trail is to the right, across the bridge. This time of year there isn’t much water in Mill Creek.
The Mueller Park Trail is nice and mostly shaded with a gradual incline.
This trail is popular even for those not wanting to go as far as Elephant Rock.
The colors are so beautiful this time of year!
One you get a little higher there are some beautiful views of the valley, the Great Salt Lake and out towards Antelope Island.
This is also when you get your first glimpse of elephant rock.
The trail isn’t fully shaded as you get higher, but there are still lots of trees.
As you come around another corner, you see what looks like a ski run on the opposite mountainside. This is the evidence of a gas pipeline put in. The views of the canyon are so beautiful!
This trail is so beautiful throughout this time of year.
There is another view of the valley and lake.
The trail keeps going up with more beauty.
Just above Elephant Rock there is a couple of benches where you can take in the view.
This is the view sitting on the bench.
If you want to keep this a moderate hike, the bench is your end destination. If you are up for a more challenging, steep trail, you can scramble down to Elephant Rock. Just beyond the benches and the big tree on the left of the trail, there is a steep path down the hill. Both these photos were taken partway down the trail, the first is looking up and the second looking down. I recommend squatting down close to the ground to make your way carefully so you don’t slide.
At the bottom of the hill, take a left and follow the little blue ribbons around the corner to the right.
Head through this crack between the rocks. It’s kind of narrow. I had a fanny pack and sliding through it made one of my waterfalls fall down, but luckily it didn’t slide so it was easy to retrieve. Once you are through, head to your right, straight to the big rock ahead.
You will climb up on the left side of the rock. This second photo is from the top looking down where you climb.
Elephant Rock has a cool texture with lots of little shiny parts in it. The views from the top are beautiful!
Distance – 6.8 miles roundtrip
Approximate hiking time – 3-5 hours
Elevation gain – 1099 feet
Difficulty – Moderate (Climbing down to Elephant Rock is difficult)
Trail – well maintained trail of dirt
Bathrooms – No
Seasons to hike – Year round
Permits needed – None
Pets allowed – Yes
Other close hikes nearby are Adam’s Canyon Waterfall, Farmington Creek Waterfall and Car Graveyard Meridian Peak, and Parrish Creek Pictographs and Waterfalls. Another similar hike is the Salt Lake Overlook in Millcreek Canyon.
