We did the Elephant Hill drive to Chessler Park and the Joint trail. Our guide, Justin, was phenomenal. I cannot say enough about what an incredible guide he was and super friendly/personable. I would definitely do another trip and request him.
Now, about Elephant Hill, I would say this is not for the feint of heart. I Had researched the trip and watched You Tube videos to make sure this wasn’t going to be too intense for my family. I will say the videos don’t do it justice. This is a very intense drive right off the bat. As soon as you leave the parking lot to ascend the trail, it is steep, uneven terrain with drop offs. I felt like I was strapped in to a rollercoaster and wanted to get off! I was terrified for the first 10 minutes. I would describe myself as a fairly adventurous person, (2 days earlier we went rappelling), and this is legitimately the scariest activity I have done
Before getting started on our hike, Justin set up a great picnic lunch and then we hit the trail which was spectacular. There was some scrambling, climbing and hiking through narrow passageways. My kids loved this. The views of the Needles and Chessler Park were spectacular.
That being said, it was an awesome day. We are a family of 4 with a 9 and 12 year old. To get to the Joint trail via hike would have been too much for us, so this was a reasonable alternative that included the fun of a 4x4 experience.
Before getting started on our hike, Justin set up a great picnic lunch and then we hit the trail which was spectacular. There was some scrambling, climbing and hiking through narrow passageways. My kids loved this. The views of the Needles and Chessler Park were spectacular.
I will say, after getting over the initial shock of elephant hill I really enjoyed the trip. There are a few other questionable sections in the trail, and you have to exit the same way you entered, so elephant hill must be completed a second time along with the frightening descent down to the parking lot.
Justin shared that this is one of the most technical trails in the area. I felt that our family was in good hands with his expert knowledge and safety training. He was always calm and in control which helped to allay my fears and as the day went on I actually enjoyed some of the obstacles.
I wish we had more time in Moab. I would love to do the half day Arches tour as well. We will just have to come back for that and I hope Justin is still there!