Elephant Butte Canyon
Beta for Elephant Butte Canyon in Arches National Park, Utah
Imperial
Metric
Duration
3
- 5 hrs.
Longest Rappel
120 ft
Number of Rappels
2
Elephant Butte is a fun and unique canyoneering outing located in Arches National Park. This is a one of a kind ‘canyon’ as it uses rappels to access the scrambly route to the highest point in Arches and then escape after taking in the majestic views. This adventure takes less than 3 hours in most cases, and involves some lower 5th class climbing to the first rappel that can be tricky for those with little climbing experience. Some route finding is required for this canyon.
Country: united states
State/Province: UT
City or Nearest City: Moab
Approaches:
First Rappel:
Last Rappel:
Exits:
Calculate time for your adventure
Select your approach, exit, and any shuttles in order to calculate an estimated time
1. Approaches:
2. Canyon Time:
1 hour(s), 30 minute(s).
3. Exit Time:
Total Adventure Time:
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Essential Canyoneering Gear
Descender - Hoodoo
Carabiners
Quicklinks
Harness
Gloves
Rope
Helmet
Personal Anchor System
Canyoneering Shoes (LA Sportiva TX3)
Webbing (Bluewater)
VT Prusik
Pull Cord
Seasonal Gear Recommendations
for Elephant Butte Canyon
Flash Flood and Wet Sandstone Danger
This canyon is not recommended after storms with a lot of rain. The chance of flash floods or breaking rock is likely after weather events especially since this route involves climbing. Stay off of wet sandstone for at least 24 hours or until fully dry to avoid danger or defacing the rock for future canyoneers.
As always, be mindful of the cryptobiotic soil that keeps everything healthy in the deserts of Moab.
Elephant Butte Rappels
- 2 rappels
Rappel One will be your entrance into the canyon and Rappel Two will be your escape. At the top of Rappel One be sure to look North East for the highest point of the butte to get an idea of where you're going. Read the descriptions for info on how to find the rappels and essential navigation tips.
Rappel 1
Length: 120 ft
Coordinates: 38.69673,-109.54245
Anchor 1
2 bolts with chains
Overview
The entrance rappel is off a set of bolts with beefy chains. Be aware that this rappel used to be 70ft BEFORE the anchor was moved to prevent rope grooves and create an easier pull. It is now about 120ft and the direction of the rap is straight back off the platform rather than off the right side (when facing the anchors) like it used to be. After this rap, walk out into the clearing and head left (East) through the boulder field and up low angled sandstone walls towards the highest point in the canyon. There will be a series of cliffs above the slickrock with different colors than the sandstone below. Trend right along the walls until you find a way to scramble up as there are a few, one is a large crack that can be shimmied/scrambled up. Enjoy the view from the highest point in Arches National Park!
Tips
Watch for rope grooves or cracks that can trap your rope.
Rappel 2
Length: 60 ft
Coordinates: 38.69595,-109.54307
Anchor 2
Two glue in bolts and a chain make up this anchor.
Overview
This is a free hanging rappel off of 2 glue ins that lowers you onto a large 'step-like' area that you will then slide down into the scrambly exit area below and pick up the trail. This is the safest way out of the canyon. To find this rappel, go back down the cliffs you came from and look for a canyon branching to the left (West) off the top of the slickrock ramps from before. There should be a sandstone tower marking it's entrance. Follow the new canyon which will be water carved and dish-like in places until it ends at a drop off into a large cove. The anchor will be in the wall on the left if facing the cove. There may be small amounts of water in this side canyon.
Elephant Butte Photo Gallery
Rappel 1
The entrance rappel is off a set of bolts with beefy chains. Be aware that this rappel used to be 70ft BEFORE the anchor was moved to prevent rope grooves and create an easier pull. It is now about 120ft and the direction of the rap is straight back off the platform rather than off the right side (when facing the anchors) like it used to be. After this rap, walk out into the clearing and head left (East) through the boulder field and up low angled sandstone walls towards the highest point in the canyon. There will be a series of cliffs above the slickrock with different colors than the sandstone below. Trend right along the walls until you find a way to scramble up as there are a few, one is a large crack that can be shimmied/scrambled up. Enjoy the view from the highest point in Arches National Park!
Rappel 1
The entrance rappel is off a set of bolts with beefy chains. Be aware that this rappel used to be 70ft BEFORE the anchor was moved to prevent rope grooves and create an easier pull. It is now about 120ft and the direction of the rap is straight back off the platform rather than off the right side (when facing the anchors) like it used to be. After this rap, walk out into the clearing and head left (East) through the boulder field and up low angled sandstone walls towards the highest point in the canyon. There will be a series of cliffs above the slickrock with different colors than the sandstone below. Trend right along the walls until you find a way to scramble up as there are a few, one is a large crack that can be shimmied/scrambled up. Enjoy the view from the highest point in Arches National Park!
Rappel 2
This is a free hanging rappel off of 2 glue ins that lowers you onto a large 'step-like' area that you will then slide down into the scrambly exit area below and pick up the trail. This is the safest way out of the canyon. To find this rappel, go back down the cliffs you came from and look for a canyon branching to the left (West) off the top of the slickrock ramps from before. There should be a sandstone tower marking it's entrance. Follow the new canyon which will be water carved and dish-like in places until it ends at a drop off into a large cove. The anchor will be in the wall on the left if facing the cove. There may be small amounts of water in this side canyon.
Rappel 2
This is a free hanging rappel off of 2 glue ins that lowers you onto a large 'step-like' area that you will then slide down into the scrambly exit area below and pick up the trail. This is the safest way out of the canyon. To find this rappel, go back down the cliffs you came from and look for a canyon branching to the left (West) off the top of the slickrock ramps from before. There should be a sandstone tower marking it's entrance. Follow the new canyon which will be water carved and dish-like in places until it ends at a drop off into a large cove. The anchor will be in the wall on the left if facing the cove. There may be small amounts of water in this side canyon.
View of Exit Hike from Elephant Butte
View of Arches National Park from it's highest point
Cairn marking a break in the cliffband
Trend rightward after the sandstone ramp to find a break in the cliff bands and access the top of Elephant Butte.
View of the side canyon housing the exit rappel to Elephant Butte
If you look closely at the side canyon behind the cairn, it has a small freestanding rock tower in front of it. This is the escape canyon. Make sure to look for the tower to find the canyon's exit and don't expect cairns. They aren't always there and usually aren't reliable anyways. The second rappel is at the end of the side canyon.
Rappel 1
The entrance rappel is off a set of bolts with beefy chains. Be aware that this rappel used to be 70ft BEFORE the anchor was moved to prevent rope grooves and create an easier pull. It is now about 120ft and the direction of the rap is straight back off the platform rather than off the right side (when facing the anchors) like it used to be. After this rap, walk out into the clearing and head left (East) through the boulder field and up low angled sandstone walls towards the highest point in the canyon. There will be a series of cliffs above the slickrock with different colors than the sandstone below. Trend right along the walls until you find a way to scramble up as there are a few, one is a large crack that can be shimmied/scrambled up. Enjoy the view from the highest point in Arches National Park!
Rappel 1
The entrance rappel is off a set of bolts with beefy chains. Be aware that this rappel used to be 70ft BEFORE the anchor was moved to prevent rope grooves and create an easier pull. It is now about 120ft and the direction of the rap is straight back off the platform rather than off the right side (when facing the anchors) like it used to be. After this rap, walk out into the clearing and head left (East) through the boulder field and up low angled sandstone walls towards the highest point in the canyon. There will be a series of cliffs above the slickrock with different colors than the sandstone below. Trend right along the walls until you find a way to scramble up as there are a few, one is a large crack that can be shimmied/scrambled up. Enjoy the view from the highest point in Arches National Park!
Rappel 2
This is a free hanging rappel off of 2 glue ins that lowers you onto a large 'step-like' area that you will then slide down into the scrambly exit area below and pick up the trail. This is the safest way out of the canyon. To find this rappel, go back down the cliffs you came from and look for a canyon branching to the left (West) off the top of the slickrock ramps from before. There should be a sandstone tower marking it's entrance. Follow the new canyon which will be water carved and dish-like in places until it ends at a drop off into a large cove. The anchor will be in the wall on the left if facing the cove. There may be small amounts of water in this side canyon.
Rappel 2
This is a free hanging rappel off of 2 glue ins that lowers you onto a large 'step-like' area that you will then slide down into the scrambly exit area below and pick up the trail. This is the safest way out of the canyon. To find this rappel, go back down the cliffs you came from and look for a canyon branching to the left (West) off the top of the slickrock ramps from before. There should be a sandstone tower marking it's entrance. Follow the new canyon which will be water carved and dish-like in places until it ends at a drop off into a large cove. The anchor will be in the wall on the left if facing the cove. There may be small amounts of water in this side canyon.
View of Exit Hike from Elephant Butte
View of Arches National Park from it's highest point
Cairn marking a break in the cliffband
Trend rightward after the sandstone ramp to find a break in the cliff bands and access the top of Elephant Butte.
View of the side canyon housing the exit rappel to Elephant Butte
If you look closely at the side canyon behind the cairn, it has a small freestanding rock tower in front of it. This is the escape canyon. Make sure to look for the tower to find the canyon's exit and don't expect cairns. They aren't always there and usually aren't reliable anyways. The second rappel is at the end of the side canyon.
Rappel 1
The entrance rappel is off a set of bolts with beefy chains. Be aware that this rappel used to be 70ft BEFORE the anchor was moved to prevent rope grooves and create an easier pull. It is now about 120ft and the direction of the rap is straight back off the platform rather than off the right side (when facing the anchors) like it used to be. After this rap, walk out into the clearing and head left (East) through the boulder field and up low angled sandstone walls towards the highest point in the canyon. There will be a series of cliffs above the slickrock with different colors than the sandstone below. Trend right along the walls until you find a way to scramble up as there are a few, one is a large crack that can be shimmied/scrambled up. Enjoy the view from the highest point in Arches National Park!
Rappel 1
The entrance rappel is off a set of bolts with beefy chains. Be aware that this rappel used to be 70ft BEFORE the anchor was moved to prevent rope grooves and create an easier pull. It is now about 120ft and the direction of the rap is straight back off the platform rather than off the right side (when facing the anchors) like it used to be. After this rap, walk out into the clearing and head left (East) through the boulder field and up low angled sandstone walls towards the highest point in the canyon. There will be a series of cliffs above the slickrock with different colors than the sandstone below. Trend right along the walls until you find a way to scramble up as there are a few, one is a large crack that can be shimmied/scrambled up. Enjoy the view from the highest point in Arches National Park!
Rappel 2
This is a free hanging rappel off of 2 glue ins that lowers you onto a large 'step-like' area that you will then slide down into the scrambly exit area below and pick up the trail. This is the safest way out of the canyon. To find this rappel, go back down the cliffs you came from and look for a canyon branching to the left (West) off the top of the slickrock ramps from before. There should be a sandstone tower marking it's entrance. Follow the new canyon which will be water carved and dish-like in places until it ends at a drop off into a large cove. The anchor will be in the wall on the left if facing the cove. There may be small amounts of water in this side canyon.
Rappel 2
This is a free hanging rappel off of 2 glue ins that lowers you onto a large 'step-like' area that you will then slide down into the scrambly exit area below and pick up the trail. This is the safest way out of the canyon. To find this rappel, go back down the cliffs you came from and look for a canyon branching to the left (West) off the top of the slickrock ramps from before. There should be a sandstone tower marking it's entrance. Follow the new canyon which will be water carved and dish-like in places until it ends at a drop off into a large cove. The anchor will be in the wall on the left if facing the cove. There may be small amounts of water in this side canyon.
View of Exit Hike from Elephant Butte
View of Arches National Park from it's highest point
Cairn marking a break in the cliffband
Trend rightward after the sandstone ramp to find a break in the cliff bands and access the top of Elephant Butte.
View of the side canyon housing the exit rappel to Elephant Butte
If you look closely at the side canyon behind the cairn, it has a small freestanding rock tower in front of it. This is the escape canyon. Make sure to look for the tower to find the canyon's exit and don't expect cairns. They aren't always there and usually aren't reliable anyways. The second rappel is at the end of the side canyon.
Rappel 1
The entrance rappel is off a set of bolts with beefy chains. Be aware that this rappel used to be 70ft BEFORE the anchor was moved to prevent rope grooves and create an easier pull. It is now about 120ft and the direction of the rap is straight back off the platform rather than off the right side (when facing the anchors) like it used to be. After this rap, walk out into the clearing and head left (East) through the boulder field and up low angled sandstone walls towards the highest point in the canyon. There will be a series of cliffs above the slickrock with different colors than the sandstone below. Trend right along the walls until you find a way to scramble up as there are a few, one is a large crack that can be shimmied/scrambled up. Enjoy the view from the highest point in Arches National Park!
Rappel 1
The entrance rappel is off a set of bolts with beefy chains. Be aware that this rappel used to be 70ft BEFORE the anchor was moved to prevent rope grooves and create an easier pull. It is now about 120ft and the direction of the rap is straight back off the platform rather than off the right side (when facing the anchors) like it used to be. After this rap, walk out into the clearing and head left (East) through the boulder field and up low angled sandstone walls towards the highest point in the canyon. There will be a series of cliffs above the slickrock with different colors than the sandstone below. Trend right along the walls until you find a way to scramble up as there are a few, one is a large crack that can be shimmied/scrambled up. Enjoy the view from the highest point in Arches National Park!
Rappel 2
This is a free hanging rappel off of 2 glue ins that lowers you onto a large 'step-like' area that you will then slide down into the scrambly exit area below and pick up the trail. This is the safest way out of the canyon. To find this rappel, go back down the cliffs you came from and look for a canyon branching to the left (West) off the top of the slickrock ramps from before. There should be a sandstone tower marking it's entrance. Follow the new canyon which will be water carved and dish-like in places until it ends at a drop off into a large cove. The anchor will be in the wall on the left if facing the cove. There may be small amounts of water in this side canyon.
Rappel 2
This is a free hanging rappel off of 2 glue ins that lowers you onto a large 'step-like' area that you will then slide down into the scrambly exit area below and pick up the trail. This is the safest way out of the canyon. To find this rappel, go back down the cliffs you came from and look for a canyon branching to the left (West) off the top of the slickrock ramps from before. There should be a sandstone tower marking it's entrance. Follow the new canyon which will be water carved and dish-like in places until it ends at a drop off into a large cove. The anchor will be in the wall on the left if facing the cove. There may be small amounts of water in this side canyon.
View of Exit Hike from Elephant Butte
View of Arches National Park from it's highest point
Cairn marking a break in the cliffband
Trend rightward after the sandstone ramp to find a break in the cliff bands and access the top of Elephant Butte.
View of the side canyon housing the exit rappel to Elephant Butte
If you look closely at the side canyon behind the cairn, it has a small freestanding rock tower in front of it. This is the escape canyon. Make sure to look for the tower to find the canyon's exit and don't expect cairns. They aren't always there and usually aren't reliable anyways. The second rappel is at the end of the side canyon.
Rappel 1
The entrance rappel is off a set of bolts with beefy chains. Be aware that this rappel used to be 70ft BEFORE the anchor was moved to prevent rope grooves and create an easier pull. It is now about 120ft and the direction of the rap is straight back off the platform rather than off the right side (when facing the anchors) like it used to be. After this rap, walk out into the clearing and head left (East) through the boulder field and up low angled sandstone walls towards the highest point in the canyon. There will be a series of cliffs above the slickrock with different colors than the sandstone below. Trend right along the walls until you find a way to scramble up as there are a few, one is a large crack that can be shimmied/scrambled up. Enjoy the view from the highest point in Arches National Park!
Rappel 1
The entrance rappel is off a set of bolts with beefy chains. Be aware that this rappel used to be 70ft BEFORE the anchor was moved to prevent rope grooves and create an easier pull. It is now about 120ft and the direction of the rap is straight back off the platform rather than off the right side (when facing the anchors) like it used to be. After this rap, walk out into the clearing and head left (East) through the boulder field and up low angled sandstone walls towards the highest point in the canyon. There will be a series of cliffs above the slickrock with different colors than the sandstone below. Trend right along the walls until you find a way to scramble up as there are a few, one is a large crack that can be shimmied/scrambled up. Enjoy the view from the highest point in Arches National Park!
Rappel 2
This is a free hanging rappel off of 2 glue ins that lowers you onto a large 'step-like' area that you will then slide down into the scrambly exit area below and pick up the trail. This is the safest way out of the canyon. To find this rappel, go back down the cliffs you came from and look for a canyon branching to the left (West) off the top of the slickrock ramps from before. There should be a sandstone tower marking it's entrance. Follow the new canyon which will be water carved and dish-like in places until it ends at a drop off into a large cove. The anchor will be in the wall on the left if facing the cove. There may be small amounts of water in this side canyon.
Rappel 2
This is a free hanging rappel off of 2 glue ins that lowers you onto a large 'step-like' area that you will then slide down into the scrambly exit area below and pick up the trail. This is the safest way out of the canyon. To find this rappel, go back down the cliffs you came from and look for a canyon branching to the left (West) off the top of the slickrock ramps from before. There should be a sandstone tower marking it's entrance. Follow the new canyon which will be water carved and dish-like in places until it ends at a drop off into a large cove. The anchor will be in the wall on the left if facing the cove. There may be small amounts of water in this side canyon.
View of Exit Hike from Elephant Butte
View of Arches National Park from it's highest point
Cairn marking a break in the cliffband
Trend rightward after the sandstone ramp to find a break in the cliff bands and access the top of Elephant Butte.
View of the side canyon housing the exit rappel to Elephant Butte
If you look closely at the side canyon behind the cairn, it has a small freestanding rock tower in front of it. This is the escape canyon. Make sure to look for the tower to find the canyon's exit and don't expect cairns. They aren't always there and usually aren't reliable anyways. The second rappel is at the end of the side canyon.
Rappel 1
The entrance rappel is off a set of bolts with beefy chains. Be aware that this rappel used to be 70ft BEFORE the anchor was moved to prevent rope grooves and create an easier pull. It is now about 120ft and the direction of the rap is straight back off the platform rather than off the right side (when facing the anchors) like it used to be. After this rap, walk out into the clearing and head left (East) through the boulder field and up low angled sandstone walls towards the highest point in the canyon. There will be a series of cliffs above the slickrock with different colors than the sandstone below. Trend right along the walls until you find a way to scramble up as there are a few, one is a large crack that can be shimmied/scrambled up. Enjoy the view from the highest point in Arches National Park!
Rappel 1
The entrance rappel is off a set of bolts with beefy chains. Be aware that this rappel used to be 70ft BEFORE the anchor was moved to prevent rope grooves and create an easier pull. It is now about 120ft and the direction of the rap is straight back off the platform rather than off the right side (when facing the anchors) like it used to be. After this rap, walk out into the clearing and head left (East) through the boulder field and up low angled sandstone walls towards the highest point in the canyon. There will be a series of cliffs above the slickrock with different colors than the sandstone below. Trend right along the walls until you find a way to scramble up as there are a few, one is a large crack that can be shimmied/scrambled up. Enjoy the view from the highest point in Arches National Park!
Rappel 2
This is a free hanging rappel off of 2 glue ins that lowers you onto a large 'step-like' area that you will then slide down into the scrambly exit area below and pick up the trail. This is the safest way out of the canyon. To find this rappel, go back down the cliffs you came from and look for a canyon branching to the left (West) off the top of the slickrock ramps from before. There should be a sandstone tower marking it's entrance. Follow the new canyon which will be water carved and dish-like in places until it ends at a drop off into a large cove. The anchor will be in the wall on the left if facing the cove. There may be small amounts of water in this side canyon.
Rappel 2
This is a free hanging rappel off of 2 glue ins that lowers you onto a large 'step-like' area that you will then slide down into the scrambly exit area below and pick up the trail. This is the safest way out of the canyon. To find this rappel, go back down the cliffs you came from and look for a canyon branching to the left (West) off the top of the slickrock ramps from before. There should be a sandstone tower marking it's entrance. Follow the new canyon which will be water carved and dish-like in places until it ends at a drop off into a large cove. The anchor will be in the wall on the left if facing the cove. There may be small amounts of water in this side canyon.
View of Exit Hike from Elephant Butte
View of Arches National Park from it's highest point
Cairn marking a break in the cliffband
Trend rightward after the sandstone ramp to find a break in the cliff bands and access the top of Elephant Butte.
View of the side canyon housing the exit rappel to Elephant Butte
If you look closely at the side canyon behind the cairn, it has a small freestanding rock tower in front of it. This is the escape canyon. Make sure to look for the tower to find the canyon's exit and don't expect cairns. They aren't always there and usually aren't reliable anyways. The second rappel is at the end of the side canyon.
Rappel 1
The entrance rappel is off a set of bolts with beefy chains. Be aware that this rappel used to be 70ft BEFORE the anchor was moved to prevent rope grooves and create an easier pull. It is now about 120ft and the direction of the rap is straight back off the platform rather than off the right side (when facing the anchors) like it used to be. After this rap, walk out into the clearing and head left (East) through the boulder field and up low angled sandstone walls towards the highest point in the canyon. There will be a series of cliffs above the slickrock with different colors than the sandstone below. Trend right along the walls until you find a way to scramble up as there are a few, one is a large crack that can be shimmied/scrambled up. Enjoy the view from the highest point in Arches National Park!
Rappel 1
The entrance rappel is off a set of bolts with beefy chains. Be aware that this rappel used to be 70ft BEFORE the anchor was moved to prevent rope grooves and create an easier pull. It is now about 120ft and the direction of the rap is straight back off the platform rather than off the right side (when facing the anchors) like it used to be. After this rap, walk out into the clearing and head left (East) through the boulder field and up low angled sandstone walls towards the highest point in the canyon. There will be a series of cliffs above the slickrock with different colors than the sandstone below. Trend right along the walls until you find a way to scramble up as there are a few, one is a large crack that can be shimmied/scrambled up. Enjoy the view from the highest point in Arches National Park!
Rappel 2
This is a free hanging rappel off of 2 glue ins that lowers you onto a large 'step-like' area that you will then slide down into the scrambly exit area below and pick up the trail. This is the safest way out of the canyon. To find this rappel, go back down the cliffs you came from and look for a canyon branching to the left (West) off the top of the slickrock ramps from before. There should be a sandstone tower marking it's entrance. Follow the new canyon which will be water carved and dish-like in places until it ends at a drop off into a large cove. The anchor will be in the wall on the left if facing the cove. There may be small amounts of water in this side canyon.
Rappel 2
This is a free hanging rappel off of 2 glue ins that lowers you onto a large 'step-like' area that you will then slide down into the scrambly exit area below and pick up the trail. This is the safest way out of the canyon. To find this rappel, go back down the cliffs you came from and look for a canyon branching to the left (West) off the top of the slickrock ramps from before. There should be a sandstone tower marking it's entrance. Follow the new canyon which will be water carved and dish-like in places until it ends at a drop off into a large cove. The anchor will be in the wall on the left if facing the cove. There may be small amounts of water in this side canyon.
View of Exit Hike from Elephant Butte
View of Arches National Park from it's highest point
Cairn marking a break in the cliffband
Trend rightward after the sandstone ramp to find a break in the cliff bands and access the top of Elephant Butte.
View of the side canyon housing the exit rappel to Elephant Butte
If you look closely at the side canyon behind the cairn, it has a small freestanding rock tower in front of it. This is the escape canyon. Make sure to look for the tower to find the canyon's exit and don't expect cairns. They aren't always there and usually aren't reliable anyways. The second rappel is at the end of the side canyon.
Rappel 1
The entrance rappel is off a set of bolts with beefy chains. Be aware that this rappel used to be 70ft BEFORE the anchor was moved to prevent rope grooves and create an easier pull. It is now about 120ft and the direction of the rap is straight back off the platform rather than off the right side (when facing the anchors) like it used to be. After this rap, walk out into the clearing and head left (East) through the boulder field and up low angled sandstone walls towards the highest point in the canyon. There will be a series of cliffs above the slickrock with different colors than the sandstone below. Trend right along the walls until you find a way to scramble up as there are a few, one is a large crack that can be shimmied/scrambled up. Enjoy the view from the highest point in Arches National Park!
Rappel 1
The entrance rappel is off a set of bolts with beefy chains. Be aware that this rappel used to be 70ft BEFORE the anchor was moved to prevent rope grooves and create an easier pull. It is now about 120ft and the direction of the rap is straight back off the platform rather than off the right side (when facing the anchors) like it used to be. After this rap, walk out into the clearing and head left (East) through the boulder field and up low angled sandstone walls towards the highest point in the canyon. There will be a series of cliffs above the slickrock with different colors than the sandstone below. Trend right along the walls until you find a way to scramble up as there are a few, one is a large crack that can be shimmied/scrambled up. Enjoy the view from the highest point in Arches National Park!
Rappel 2
This is a free hanging rappel off of 2 glue ins that lowers you onto a large 'step-like' area that you will then slide down into the scrambly exit area below and pick up the trail. This is the safest way out of the canyon. To find this rappel, go back down the cliffs you came from and look for a canyon branching to the left (West) off the top of the slickrock ramps from before. There should be a sandstone tower marking it's entrance. Follow the new canyon which will be water carved and dish-like in places until it ends at a drop off into a large cove. The anchor will be in the wall on the left if facing the cove. There may be small amounts of water in this side canyon.
Rappel 2
This is a free hanging rappel off of 2 glue ins that lowers you onto a large 'step-like' area that you will then slide down into the scrambly exit area below and pick up the trail. This is the safest way out of the canyon. To find this rappel, go back down the cliffs you came from and look for a canyon branching to the left (West) off the top of the slickrock ramps from before. There should be a sandstone tower marking it's entrance. Follow the new canyon which will be water carved and dish-like in places until it ends at a drop off into a large cove. The anchor will be in the wall on the left if facing the cove. There may be small amounts of water in this side canyon.
View of Exit Hike from Elephant Butte
View of Arches National Park from it's highest point
Cairn marking a break in the cliffband
Trend rightward after the sandstone ramp to find a break in the cliff bands and access the top of Elephant Butte.
View of the side canyon housing the exit rappel to Elephant Butte
If you look closely at the side canyon behind the cairn, it has a small freestanding rock tower in front of it. This is the escape canyon. Make sure to look for the tower to find the canyon's exit and don't expect cairns. They aren't always there and usually aren't reliable anyways. The second rappel is at the end of the side canyon.
Elephant Butte Canyon Trip Reports
Trip reports coming soon.