On the USGS quad for Fort Douglas, this large white outcropping is
identified as "Big Rock", but many locals have mistakenly referred
to it for years and years as "Elephant Rock". This big outcrop is
part of the Farmington Canyon Complex, composed of light-colored
gneiss and schist. These are some very ancient rocks--nearly 1,600
million years old.
Your hike begins at the lower end of Mueller Park, east of
Bountiful. To access the park, drive east on 1800 South (Mueller
Park Road) in Bountiful, until you arrive at the signed entrance to
Mueller Park. Right at the entrance there is a small parking area
and a sturdy bridge that crosses Mill Creek to the south. This is
the trailead that leads to Elephant Rock. Trailhead coords are: N
40- 51.829, W 111- 50.202. Mueller Park is a fee area, but fees are
generally not collected if you park just west of the park entrance,
then walk in and immediately cross the bridge to access the
trail.
This is a heavily used trail by not only hikers, but also
mountain bikers, dirt bikers, horse riders; and by XC skiers and
snowshoers in the wintertime as well. The trail winds in and out of
the hollows and draws on the south side of Mill Creek Canyon.
Distance on your GPS will probably show about 1 mile from the
trailhead to Elephant Rock, but the serpentine nature of the trail
will easily add another couple of miles of walking distance. Total
walking distance from the bridge is over three miles.
The views are gorgeous, particularly in the fall. Bring a lunch,
take your time and enjoy your walk. The trail is fairly level, with
a bit of an elevation gain mostly at the beginning. Please yield to
all mountain bikers and horses.
The cache is hidden east of Elephant Rock in the trees. This is
a newer hiding place from the original. To access the cache (and
the Rock) follow the cutoff near Elephant Rock (look for the bench)
northerly and slightly downhill from the main trail. If you find
yourself switchbacking to the south as you get close to the Rock,
turn back and look for the cutoff, near the switchback.
If you decide to descend to climb on the Rock, there are some
tremendous views of the canyon in every direction. PLEASE BE
CAREFUL CLIMBING THE ROCK! EXPOSURE ON THE WEST EDGE IS
EXTREME! It is not necessary to climb the rock to access the
cache! Please do not deface the Rock as others have. Have a
nice hike and be safe. Cache-u-later...
--Oly
|
|
 Cache In -
Trash Out!
Bicycles permitted on paths
 Equestrian
Trail  Scenic View
 Fire Danger, No
Campfires |
|
|
|