Another new location for me. Access to the trailhead can be tricky and has changed over time because of new construction and developments in Washington, UT. The access was well-signed, though, which we appreciated very much.
From the parking area, the hike begins along a dirt service road, then opens up into a massive dry wash. It’s impossible for me to imagine what this would be like during a flash flood. From there the trail is very easy to follow, until toward the end it starts braiding and forking, and it’s difficult so see exactly where the arch is.
We had to do a bit of exploring and backtracking, but finally saw the arch above us. It’s a bit of a climb to get up to the arch itself, but easy enough if you don’t mind using your hands a bit. Elephant Arch does indeed look like an elephant head, eye, and trunk. As with other places in the area near the winter solstice, the light and shadows can be tricky for good photos.
I love seeing critter tracks in the sand, trying to figure out what made the tracks, and imagine what it would be like at nighttime seeing everything scurry around.
After spending a few minutes around the arch itself, we found a wonderful area to sit nearby in the sun for lunch and tea/coffee. We were visited by a hummingbird, which was a treat on such a cold day. That tiny bird visiting us in the desert in wintertime warmed our hearts.
