Elephant Rock is a sandstone formation with a natural arch resembling an elephant’s trunk, located near the east entrance of Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada. This guide covers access hours, park entrance fees, how to get there, parking, trail options, what to see, and practical tips for planning your visit.
To book a small group Valley of Fire tour from Las Vegas, which visits Elephant Rock, head this way.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Access hours | Open year-round, sunrise to sunset |
| Park entrance fee | Nevada residents: $10 per vehicle | Non-Nevada residents: $15 per vehicle |
| Trailhead location | East entrance parking area, Valley of Fire Highway |
| Distance from Las Vegas | Approximately 55 miles northeast (1-hour drive) |
| Trail distance | Short route: 0.3 miles round trip | Loop route: 1.2 to 1.3 miles |
| Time needed | Short route: 15 to 20 minutes | Loop route: 30 to 45 minutes |
Elephant Rock access hours
Elephant Rock is accessible year-round from sunrise to sunset daily. Valley of Fire State Park closes at sunset, and visitors must exit the park before dark. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). The best time to visit is October through April when temperatures are cooler, typically ranging from freezing to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius). Summer visits should be planned for early morning to avoid extreme midday heat.
Valley of Fire State Park entrance fees
Day-use entrance fees for Valley of Fire State Park are $10 per vehicle for Nevada residents and $15 per vehicle for non-Nevada residents. Fees can be paid at the self-pay station in the east entrance parking area or at entrance stations on Valley of Fire Highway. The park does not accept advance online payment for day-use entry. Cyclists pay $2 per bike.
Nevada State Parks annual passes are available for $100 and provide unlimited entry to all Nevada state parks for 12 months. Federal passes including America the Beautiful passes are not valid at Valley of Fire State Park, which is operated by Nevada State Parks, not the National Park Service.
Book a Valley of Fire tour from Las Vegas, and the entrance fees are included in the tour price.
Entrance fees and information were checked and updated in January 2026.
Why book the Small-Group Valley of Fire half-day hiking tour from Las Vegas?
- Discover Valley of Fire State Park: Explore Nevada’s oldest state park, known for its vivid red sandstone formations and dramatic desert scenery.
- Guided hiking experience: Enjoy led walks with a local guide who shares insight into the geology, wildlife and history of the area.
- Small-group format: Limited group size keeps the experience personal and relaxed, with plenty of time to ask questions and enjoy the landscape.
- Photo opportunities: Visit iconic spots like the Fire Wave, Elephant Rock and scenic overlooks perfect for striking photos.
- Easy half-day adventure: A compact outing ideal if you’re short on time but still want to experience Nevada’s spectacular desert landscapes without self-drive stress.
How to get to Elephant Rock
From Las Vegas, take Interstate 15 north for approximately 35 miles to exit 75, signed for Valley of Fire State Park and Lake Mead National Recreation Area. At the end of the off-ramp, turn left and continue southeast on Valley of Fire Highway. Drive 14.5 miles to the park’s west entrance and continue another 6.8 miles through the park to the east entrance parking area on the left (north) side of the highway, immediately before the east entrance station.
From Overton and the northeast, from the intersection of Routes 169 and 167 near Lake Mead, drive west on Valley of Fire Highway for approximately 2 miles to the park’s east entrance. Immediately after passing through the entrance station, turn right into the parking area on the north side of the highway. Parking along Valley of Fire Highway below Elephant Rock is not permitted. The nearest major airport is Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, approximately 60 miles southwest.
Parking at Elephant Rock
The east entrance parking area is a paved lot accommodating cars, motorcycles, and recreational vehicles. Parking is free with valid park entrance. The lot has ample space but can fill during peak season (October through April on weekends and holidays), particularly during mid-morning through mid-afternoon. Arrive early morning to secure parking. When the lot is full, visitors may need to wait for departing hikers to vacate spaces. Parking along Valley of Fire Highway is not permitted.
If you don’t have your own car, consider visiting as part of a tour.
How long to spend at Elephant Rock
The short route to Elephant Rock (0.3 miles round trip) takes 15 to 20 minutes for most visitors. The loop route (1.2 to 1.3 miles) takes 30 to 45 minutes to complete, though terrain can make it feel longer due to loose sand and rough surfaces. Visitors who climb to vantage points above the formation for photographs may spend additional time. The site is often combined with nearby Beehives (approximately 0.2 miles west) for a quick two-stop visit totalling 30 to 40 minutes.
Accessibility at Elephant Rock
The trail to Elephant Rock is not wheelchair-accessible. The short route follows primitive terrain along slickrock ledges with a gentle climb. The longer loop travels over loose sand and rough terrain. Both routes require walking on uneven surfaces.
Restrooms are available in the east entrance parking area. A covered ramada provides shade near the trailhead. No drinking water is available at the trailhead; the nearest water is at the Visitor Center (approximately 7 miles west) or at picnic areas within the park. Visitors should bring adequate water, particularly during warmer months.
Dogs are allowed on the Elephant Rock trails and must be kept on a leash. The sandy and rocky terrain can be hot and uncomfortable for dogs’ paws during warmer months. Bring water for dogs and avoid midday heat.
What to see at Elephant Rock
Elephant Rock is a sandstone formation with a natural arch resembling an elephant’s trunk extending from the main body of the rock. The formation sits in a grouping of lighter-coloured sandstone against red rock hills. The trunk-like arch drops off the west side of Elephant Rock, and visitors with imagination can visualise the elephant’s legs and body. The top of the arch features brick-like blocks that appear different from other arches in the park.
The formation is composed of Aztec sandstone, dating to the Jurassic period and formed from ancient sand dunes. The red colour results from iron oxide in the sandstone. Erosion has shaped the formation over millions of years, creating the distinctive elephant shape visible from the highway and trail.
The short direct trail begins on the west side of the parking area near the entrance road, following a primitive route along slickrock ledges. The elephant formation comes into view within a few hundred yards. Visitors can climb to vantage points above the rock to take photographs from elevated positions.
The longer loop trail begins behind the self-pay station. The trail intersects with the Old Arrowhead Trail (also called Arrowhead Trail Historic Trail), a longer route through the park that can be used for extended loops. Turning left at the junction provides the shorter route to Elephant Rock. The trail angles southwest toward Valley of Fire Highway, where Elephant Rock is visible on the rocks to the right. The loop continues along the road, then bears right and circles around the rock formations, leading back toward the parking lot from the opposite side.
Smaller natural arches and balancing rocks appear along the longer loop route. The surrounding landscape features dramatic red sandstone formations, desert vegetation including creosote bush and barrel cactus, and views toward the Muddy Mountains. Wildlife including lizards and occasionally bighorn sheep may be spotted in the area.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip |
|---|
| Visit between October and April for cooler temperatures; summer temperatures frequently exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. |
| Parking along Valley of Fire Highway below Elephant Rock is not permitted; use the east entrance parking area only. |
| The short direct route (0.3 miles) provides quick access to the formation; the loop (1.2 to 1.3 miles) offers a longer walk with additional scenery. |
| Bring adequate drinking water, as no facilities or water sources are available at the trailhead beyond restrooms. |
| Climb to vantage points above the formation for the best photographs showing the elephant shape. |
| Combine Elephant Rock with the nearby Beehives (0.2 miles west on Valley of Fire Highway) for a quick two-stop visit. |
| The loop trail crosses loose sand and rough terrain that can feel longer than the stated distance; allow extra time. |
| Check weather forecasts before visiting; thunderstorms can develop quickly in summer, creating lightning hazards. |
Frequently asked questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Elephant Rock suitable for children? | Yes, the short 0.3-mile route is manageable for children aged 5 and older. The longer loop (1.2 miles) may tire younger children due to loose sand and rough terrain. |
| Do you need to book in advance? | No advance booking is required. Park entrance fees are paid at the self-pay station in the parking area or at entrance stations on arrival. |
| Is Elephant Rock accessible in winter? | Yes, the trail is open year-round. Winter offers cooler temperatures (freezing to 75 degrees Fahrenheit) and is the best season for comfortable visits. |
| Are restrooms available? | Yes, restrooms are located in the east entrance parking area. No drinking water is available. |
| How long does the hike take? | The short route takes 15 to 20 minutes round trip. The longer loop takes 30 to 45 minutes. |
| Is there wheelchair access? | No, both trail routes are not wheelchair-accessible due to slickrock ledges, loose sand, and rough terrain. |
Things to do near Elephant Rock
The Beehives, located approximately 0.2 miles west on Valley of Fire Highway, are distinctive sandstone formations resembling beehives with prominent cross-bedding patterns. The formations are visible from the roadside parking area. The Petrified Logs, located across Valley of Fire Highway from the Beehives, are accessible via a quarter-mile trail featuring four fossilised logs from an ancient forest approximately 225 million years ago.
The Seven Sisters, a series of seven rock formations visible from Valley of Fire Highway approximately 3 miles west of Elephant Rock, can be viewed from the roadside. Rainbow Vista, located on Valley of Fire Highway between the Visitor Center and east entrance, provides panoramic views of the surrounding red sandstone landscape from a pullout with interpretive signs.
The Valley of Fire Visitor Center, located on Valley of Fire Highway approximately 7 miles west of the east entrance, provides exhibits on park geology, ecology, prehistory, and history. The visitor centre is open daily from 09:00 to 16:00. Atlatl Rock, accessed from Scenic Loop Road approximately 10 miles from Elephant Rock, features ancient petroglyphs accessible via a metal staircase with approximately 60 to 70 steps.
Other Valley of Fire highlights include Fire Wave.
More Nevada travel
Other Nevada travel stories on Planet Whitley include:
- Is it worth visiting Seven Magic Mountains from Las Vegas?
- The best stops on the drive from Las Vegas to Williams, Arizona.
- The quirky tour of the Techatticup Gold Mine.
- How to see Hoover Dam from the water.
- A practical guide to visiting Rhyolite, Nevada’s most spectacular ghost town.
