Chevrolet Silverado on Elephant Hill

[Jigidy]

It's been years since I went over Elephant Hill, I think I was 14 so I wasn't driving. I was thinking of a trip to The Needles and was wondering if anyone had any experience taking a full sized truck over Elephant Hill? I have 2008 Chevrolet Silverado Z71 with the rear locking Diffs....all stock. I have done a lot of off roading but most of my southern Utah activities were in my youth thanks to my cool parents. What do you think is it doable? Thanks for the replies.

Jigidy
Driggs, ID.

 

[LS1matt]

I will be doing E Hill this weekend in my 08 Silverado, I will let you know how it goes! :wings:

 

[Pskhaat]

You should be able to do it. Elephant Hill is likely not cause for as much concern as the squeeze out by Devil's Kitchen and SOB Hill with the reduced turning radius. The Silver Stairs may be cause you to take some oblique driving angles. No worries though, many stock and unlocked vehicles have traversed those roads without issue.

 

[Jigidy]

Thanks for the info pskhaat

Good luck LS1matt, look forward to hearing your report.

 

[AndrewP]

I was just there in an 80 series Land Cruiser. The squeeze is narrow, but you'll do OK if you are careful. Climbing back over E-Hill may be hard due to your long turning radius. The corners are actually made to pull forward and back to the next the forward again etc. Watch your sheet metal making those turns.

Very worth it to do the hike in Chessler Park-I believe it's called the Joint Trail. To get there, go past Devils Kitchen near the end of the trail, short trail up and to the left goes to parking with a vault toilet. Hike from there about 1 mile following the cairns. Ascend the steps out of the slot into the rim of Chessler Park. Walk directly across to the big alter rock, climb up the carved sandstone steps. Great view and a great place for lunch.

On the way back, you'll bypass the squeeze (It's part of the 1 way) stay left at the Silver Stairs and go out to the confluence trail. Hike the 1/4 mile to the view of the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers. Probably a third of all the water falling on the lower 48 drains right past that spot.

 

[Pskhaat]

http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=26709

 

[LS1matt]

It's been years since I went over Elephant Hill, I think I was 14 so I wasn't driving. I was thinking of a trip to The Needles and was wondering if anyone had any experience taking a full sized truck over Elephant Hill? I have 2008 Chevrolet Silverado Z71 with the rear locking Diffs....all stock. I have done a lot of off roading but most of my southern Utah activities were in my youth thanks to my cool parents. What do you think is it doable? Thanks for the replies.

Jigidy
Driggs, ID.

So after a GREAT trip i am pleased to say, YES you will be ok, My 08 Silverado (6 in lift on 35's) fit through the squeeze just fine (well with great spotters of course) Keep a look out for my trip report once I catch up on a weeks worth of emails