Elephant Butte Canyon

Beta for Elephant Butte Canyon in Arches National Park, Utah

Duration

3

- 5 hrs.

Rating

3

Technical Class Indicates the technicality of the terrain and the tyoe of rope work require.

1 - 

Canyon Hiking Non-technical. No rope is required. See the route description for difficulties.

2 - 

Basic Canyoneering Scrambling, easy climbing or downclimbing. A rope may be handy for handlines, belays, lowering packs and emergency use. Exit or retreat possible upcanyon without fixed ropes.

3 - 

Intermediate Canyoneering Rappels or technical climbing and/or downclimbing. A rope is required for belays and single-pitch rappels. Retreat upcanyon would require fixing ropes.

4 - 

Advanced Canyoneering Aid climbing, multi-pitch rappels and/or complex rope work (such as re-belays, tyrollean traverse, or guided rappels) may be required. Might also require difficult pothole escapes, serious squeezing, extensive high-risk downclimbing, or have difficult-to-establish natural anchors. Rappels longer than 200 feet will usually earn a canyon a Class 4 rating.

A

Water Rating indicates complications due to flowing or still water, under normal conditions.

A - 

Normally dry or with very little water. Wading to waist deep at most.

B - 

Water with no current or light current. Still pools. Falls are normally dry or running at a trickle. Swimming expected.

C - 

Water with strong current. Waterfalls. Wet canyon rope techniques required.

II

Time or Grade indicates the length of the adventure.

I - 

Short. A couple of hours.

II - 

Requires about a half day.

III - 

Normally requires most of a day.

IV - 

Expected to take a long day. Get up early, bring a headlamp. Possible bivy.

V - 

More than one day. Normally done in two days.

VI - 

Two full days or more.

Additional Risk Rating indicates the presence of more risk factors than might be expected.

No Rating - 

Normal risk factors are present on this adventure.

R - 

One or more extraordinary risk factors exist that complicate the descent. Solid technical skills and sound judgment required. Not appropriate for beginners, even with competent leadership.

X - 

Multiple risk factors exist that will complicate the descent. Errors in technique or judgment will likely result in serious injury or death. Descent should be attempted by expert canyoneers only. This is the least-well-established part of the rating system, and the most subjective. Use by beta-providers varies widely, to the point that this part of the rating means very little.

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:

Approach Icon

First Rappel:

First Rappel Icon

Last Rappel:

Last Rappel Icon

Exits:

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Calculate time for your adventure

Select your approach, exit, and any shuttles in order to calcualte an estimated time

1. Approaches:

2. Canyon Time:

1 hour(s), 30 minute(s).

3. Exit Time:

Total Adventure Time:

(select route options above)

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.

A view looking up from the bottom of rappel 1 in Elephant butte canyon

Rappel 1

Length: 120 ft

Coordinates: 38.69673,-109.54245

Anchor 1Anchor Icon

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.



Looking up from the bottom of Elephant Butte's 2nd rappel

Rappel 2

Length: 60 ft

Coordinates: 38.69595,-109.54307

Anchor 2Anchor Icon

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 Canyon Trip Reports

Trip reports coming soon.