Elephant Head Point Trail on Antelope Island

The Trail

This is an easy to moderate 4.6 mile (one way) trail (9.2 miles round trip) with an approximate 645 ft. elevation change. The beginning of this trail is quite flat as the trail follows the shoreline of White Rock Bay and then cuts through a valley. About a third of the way into it, the trail starts to climb and continues to do so until the last third of the hike. As the trail levels off, there is a turn off to the right that leads out toward Elephant Head. This part of the trail is fairly level with nice views of the lake and White Rock Bay for most of it. It does not go to the peak of Elephant Head but leads around the far side of the peak to a beautiful viewpoint that looks across the lake and over Split Rock Bay.

The trail is accessible to horses and bicycles as well as foot traffic. In fact, at least at the time we went, it seemed to be a very popular trail for horseback riders; we saw far more riders than hikers along our way. There is a parking area well suited for those with livestock as well. Pets are allowed if they are on a leash. This trail can also be used through much of the winter. For more information on the best time to visit, please read Antelope Island.

 

Topographical Map

 

 Trail on Google Earth

Graph of Trail Elevation

This is the first part of the trail as seen in spring

 

Views from the last part of the trail after turning off toward Elephant Head

Elephant Head in the distance from the trail

View from the end of the trail looking out toward Split Rock Bay

Directions

Traveling along the I-15 in Davis County, Utah, take exit 332 for Antelope Drive. Turn west onto Antelope Drive and continue straight until you reach the park entrance. There is a $10.00 entrance fee to access the park. After driving over the causeway and onto the island, keep to the left and keep going straight heading heading southward. When the road forks, go to the right. Then continue straight, keeping left so that you don't head up to Buffalo Point. The road will change to a dirt road. Take the next left and park in one of the designated parking areas. If you miss this turn, the road will still loop around to the trail. Maps are available at the visitor's center.