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Elephant Rock
4.7 ★★★★★ 159 Google reviews · Running trail in Bountiful, Utah · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Elephant Rock's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Popular hiking trail with scenic views that's suitable for biking and dogs.
What runners say about Elephant Rock
“Very gorgeous hike, but will admit it does get annoying by how many mountain bikers are on the trail so constantly having to move to side can get annoying.”
“Awesome hike it’s mostly in the shade.”
“Great easy hike, not difficult at all just very long so prepare to hike for a while if you want to get to the rock itself.”
This was my first hike in Utah a few years ago. This trail is where I fell in love with hiking. The trail is moderately difficult. The scenery along this trail is wonderful. There is a stream with a wooden bridge, fields of wildflowers and the views of the lake and Bountiful are incredible!
Easy hike, climbing up and down the giant elephant rock at the very top was risky but not that bad. It's about a two hour hike round trip if you're fast paced. Free parking is located before the gate, right next to the trail.
This is a great hike. It's also very popular. Expect to see plenty of other hikers and mountain bikers. You'll also see plenty of dogs, most of them are off leash, but friendly. There are also the occasional motorcycle and horse. That's really the only downside. It's a very popular trail.
Elephant Rock is a giant white rock jutting out of the side of the mountain. A few daring souls climb down a small steep descent to get to the actual rock for even better views than what you get from the recently-dedicated bench.
Trail conditions & character
“Very gorgeous hike, but will admit it does get annoying by how many mountain bikers are on the trail so constantly having to move to side can get annoying.”
“A few daring souls climb down a small steep descent to get to the actual rock for even better views than what you get from the recently-dedicated bench.”
“Watch out for bikers, most are nice but some seem irritated they have to share the trail with people and dogs.”
“The trail itself can get pretty muddy so prepare for that but it goes through the trees the majority of the time and is very pleasant!”
“Free parking is located before the gate, right next to the trail.”
Plan your run at Elephant Rock
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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