This track leads southward from Chesler Park Trail to Druid Arch. It leads through the canyon bottom of Elephant Canyon. The trail conditions change from smooth slickrock to deep sand to crumbling sandstone. Less than one mile from Chesler Park Trail is a junction. The track leading eastward from this junction is the Squaw Canyon Trail. The second campsite along this route lies at this junction and is creatively named EC2. Continue southward, right, through the drainage to reach Druid Arch.A short distance beyond this junction is primitive campsite EC3. Less than a half mile from EC3 is another trail junction. At this point the Joint Trail reaches our route from the west. Bear left at this intersection to continue toward Druid Arch. Beyond the Joint Trail the Elephant Canyon/Druid Arch track ascends slowly for one and a half miles where the gradient steepens. The last quarter mile of this hike ascends steeply along the slickrock, with the help of a ladder, to Druid Arch. As it begins this ascent the path leaves the drainage and climbs southeastward.
Directions from Needles Visitor Center: Follow the main park road to Squaw Flat Campground. Bear right onto Elephant Hill access road and follow that 2 miles to the trailhead. Hike 1.5 miles from the trailhead to a trail junction. Turn right and beginning hiking westward from this junction. In .6 miles you'll reach Elephant Canyon and another trail junction. Turn left at this junction and begin following the Elephant Canyon/Druid Arch Trail southward.
Seasonal Information:
Normally Open:
Year-round
(NOTE: This trail can become hazardous when wet, especially at the pass below Squaw Canyon Trail junction.)
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