There are at least three nice loop hikes at Big Springs and Elephant Canyon. The trails pass through three major canyons and several minor ones where a half-dozen springs make water available for most of the year. Numerous outcroppings of huge sandstone with streaks of red and white make the hike extremely attractive and allow for side trips as time permits during the hike.

The area near Big Springs and Elephant Canyon also houses a fantasyland of slick rock. Like a giant outdoor funhouse, it has steep wavelike slides, spiraling red-rock slot canyons, and several ladders bolted into the rock to help you up ledges and down drop-offs. For many, this hike is not only incredibly scenic, but also fun for all.

Hiking Trails

Dead Horse Point, Canyonlands National Park
Attraction type: State park

Island in the Sky, Canyonlands National Park
Attraction type: Scenic/historic walking area; Geological formation; Park;
National park

Green River, Canyonlands National Park
Attraction type: River

The Needles, Canyonlands National Park
Attraction type: Geological formation; Canyon