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All Locations > Utah > Moab Area > Arches National… > Elephant Butte > Standard (West Fins) (5.3 3+ 10 III 9 VD 3a)
This is the crux on Elephant Butte. Some of us climbed it on the left and some went to the right.
ID 106674275 ·
This is above the first meadow. The crux is straight up the gully at the back of this meadow.
Us on Elephant Butte - 2009
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Brian C.
Feb 13, 2010
“This is the crux on Elephant Butte. Some of us climbed it on the left and some went to the right.”  

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Jeff Christbaum
Muskego, WI
Jeff Christbaum   Muskego, WI
The party of three I was in all went to the right. It wasn't a bad move, but maybe that we were all tall helped? The biggest issue is not looking behind you at the potential slide if you fall! :) Jun 6, 2012

Nearby Photos

topo
A google-eye view of the route. The biggest route finding issues are spotting the right turn to go up to the second basin and, on descent, traversing under the small vertical wall until past the obvious gash before heading down.
From the summit
Down the canyon marked 'view' on the toppo. Another great spot at the end too. Not to be missed while doing this route.
The hard to see pinnacle straight down in this photo is the left border of the gully leading to the descent rappel.
Taking a beginner to the summit. Not a bad day out.
Crux headwall
7' headwall crux with anchor cord as of 10-28-16. (Did it in Chocko sandals, so not too bad.)
scrambling above the slabby ascent into the next part of the canyon, good spot for lunch
On top of the crux. The rappel anchors are just out of sight over the lip.
Looking back down the rubble-filled gully. The short rib that needs to be climbed is visible coming out of the gully on the left.
Entrance to the first canyon-y part, looking out towards Rocky/Bullwinkle