Big Rock (Elephant Rock) | Bountiful

Hiking Big Rock (Elephant Rock) - Bountiful Hiking Big Rock (Elephant Rock)

Bountiful

Overview | Getting There | Route | Photos | Maps | Comments

Overview

Wed Mostly sunny, with a high near 61. South southwest wind 6 to 9 mph.
61° | 37°
Thu Rain and snow showers likely before noon, then snow showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 51. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.
51° | 42°
Fri A chance of snow showers before noon, then a chance of snow showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 40. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.
40° | 25°
Sat Sunny, with a high near 51.
51° | 25°
Sun Mostly sunny, with a high near 62.
62° | 34°
View Full Forecast
RATING: Easy / Moderate Hike
MAPS: Fort Douglas, UT;
SEASON: Spring, Summer, Fall
GEAR: Standard Hiking Gear
WATER: A couple of small streams, bring all you will need.
Wed Mostly sunny, with a high near 61. South southwest wind 6 to 9 mph.
61° | 37°
Thu Rain and snow showers likely before noon, then snow showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 51. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.
51° | 42°
Fri A chance of snow showers before noon, then a chance of snow showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 40. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.
40° | 25°
Sat Sunny, with a high near 51.
51° | 25°
Sun Mostly sunny, with a high near 62.
62° | 34°
View Full Forecast
wildflowersfall colorsfamily friendlybeginneraccess: paved
View of the Great Salt Lake in the distance
View of the Great Salt Lake in the distance

I am not sure whom the creative genius was that named Big Rock, but they clearly were having a lazy day. Big Rock is just that, a big rock on the hillside above Mueller Park just east of Bountiful. The area is very popular with mountain bikers and locals out looking for a casual stroll.

The hike doesn't have a lot to recommend it, except the destination, the Big Rock. Along the way to the Big Rock, the hike contours along through dense dusty cover offering occasional views. Once at Big Rock, views to the west of Antelope Island, The Great Salt Lake, and Bountiful offer a nice reward for the effort. As a mountain bike ride, it is pleasantly wide and not too steep, which is likely why it is popular.

Log structures.
Log structures.

Getting There

The trailhead is at the entrance to Mueller Park in Bountiful. To reach the park, take exit 315 from I-15. Go east on 2600 S. At about 0.8 miles it becomes Orchard Drive. Follow Orchard Drive about a mile to 1800 South. Turn right on 1800 South and follow it 2.7 miles to the entrance of Mueller Park.

The view from Big Rock
The view from Big Rock
Log structures along the way.
Log structures along the way.

Route

The trail takes off from the parking area just before the entrance to Mueller Park. Follow the trail as it crosses the bridge and begins a zig-zag course gaining elevation up the hillside. Near the top of the zig-zags, after 0.75 miles, an open area has a couple of crude log teepees. Catch your breath, from here the hike becomes less steep and more of a mellow amble.

The trail meanders in and out of side canyons. As it gets higher up the canyon a couple of small streams offer pleasant places to hang out if it is hot. Just before Big Rock the trail splits. Right cuts back and continues climbing. Go left, to a bench that overlooks Big Rock. This is a good turn around for most, but the steep loose trail down to the top of Big Rock is worth doing for the adventurous.

Return the same way.


Maps

Route / 7.27 miles / Elevation Range 5,226 - 6,253 ft.
Printable Maps:

Trailhead

12T 429484E 4523976N

40°51'50"N 111°50'12"W
Log Structures

12T 429486E 4523602N

40°51'38"N 111°50'12"W
Jct. - Left

12T 431140E 4522894N

40°51'15"N 111°49'01"W
Bench

12T 431154E 4522926N

40°51'16"N 111°49'00"W
Big Rock

12T 431144E 4522965N

40°51'17"N 111°49'01"W

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