Elephant Canyon Permit: Route
Elephant Canyon permits are booked by advance reservation in Canyonlands National Park. The route covers 9 miles.
Camp in a deep sandstone canyon where massive fins of rock create sheltered alcoves and the silence of the desert night envelops you completely.
This guide covers the Elephant Canyon permit.
1-2 nights
Duration
9 miles
Distance
500'
Elevation Gain
moderate
Difficulty
About Elephant Canyon
Elephant Canyon offers sheltered canyon camping with 3 designated sites (EC1-EC3). The canyon provides natural shade and wind protection while serving as the primary route to Druid Arch.
Elephant Canyon provides a different Needles experience than the open meadows of Chesler Park. The canyon walls create intimate campsites with natural shelter, and the route to Druid Arch passes directly through.
The Elephant Canyon route
- Distance
- 9 miles
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Elevation gain
- 500 ft
- High point
- 5,200 ft
- Low point
- 4,800 ft
- Trip length
- 1-2 nights
- Difficulty
- moderate
Elephant Canyon permit detailsandAll Canyonlands National Park permits
The Experience
The canyon walls rise on both sides, striped in bands of red and white. Your campsite sits in an alcove where overhanging rock provides shade and shelter. At night, the canyon frames a narrow band of stars. In the morning, the walls glow orange as the first light hits.
What to Expect
4.5 miles to campsites
3 designated campsites (EC1-EC3)
Canyon provides natural shelter
Route to Druid Arch passes through
Some scrambling required
Get Elephant Canyon Alerts
Be first to know when cancellations happen.
Permit Requirements
Backcountry permit required
Specific site assigned
Maximum 7 people per backpacking site — the 10-person figure belongs to the Needles 4WD vehicle campsites, which are a different permit
No fires
Pack out all waste
Gear & Preparation
Required Gear
- •4L water capacity
- •Bear canister
- •Sun protection
- •Sturdy hiking boots
Hazards & Safety
Flash floods in canyon
Water scarcity
Steep scrambles
Heat in summer
Best Time to Visit
March-May and September-November.
100+ wilderness permits, extensive backcountry experience
This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a Elephant Canyon permit?
+
Elephant Canyon permits require advance reservations. Book online as soon as reservations open for your desired dates.
When is the best time to visit Elephant Canyon?
+
March-May and September-November.
How long is the Elephant Canyon route?
+
The route is 9 miles, as an out-and-back. Plan on 1-2 nights.
How difficult is the Elephant Canyon route?
+
Backpackers seeking canyon camping with natural shelter.
What gear do I need for the Elephant Canyon route?
+
Essential gear includes: 4L water capacity, Bear canister, Sun protection, Sturdy hiking boots.
Don't Miss Your Elephant Canyon Permit
Cancellations happen every day. PermitSnag monitors Elephant Canyon availability 24/7 and alerts you the moment a spot opens up.
Get Permit Alerts
