Directions:

From Del Norte, head north on State Hwy 112 and turn left onto Grand Ave. Pass the Elephant Rocks South and area and continue north on 112 to the Loop area about 1.5 mi further. Turn left onto English Valley Road, a good dirt road, to the parking and trailhead.

Hike Description:

At the same trailhead as the Elephant Rocks “Loop” Trail, the English Valley Trail starts and heads off to the west.  This is a beautiful trail, possibly the most scenic of the Elephant Rocks Recreation Area trails.  The hike explores English Valley, which runs beneath towering rock formations and provides some expansive views of the area.    

From the trailhead and trail junction just beyond, head west across the scrubby open plains and head for the obvious valley flanked by rocky cliffs.  The trail then turns north and enters the valley. These are some of the more impressive rock formations and cliff faces in the Elephant Rocks area.  Follow the trail up the valley until you arrive at the top of the pass and are treated to a view of the area beyond.  From here, the trail returns to the trailhead for a quick, but scenic hike through this often-overlooked hiking area.