Picture Courtesy of Jim Kuntz

Picture Courtesy of Jim Kuntz

Picture Courtesy of Jim Kuntz

Welcome to Elephant Rocks State Park, and one of Missouri's most unusual geologic formations. These giant granite boulders were shaped and sculpted by natural forces over the years. The boulders called "elephant rocks" because of their huge shape and size, are some of the oldest exposed rocks in the state. Although similar, smaller outcroppings occur throughout the St. Francois Mountain region, the most outstanding formations are found at Elephant Rocks State Park.

The forces of nature continue to sculpture these boulders of solid rock. Even granite, one of the hardest rocks known, is no match for the relentless weathering actions that continue to shape our world.

Man's actions can speed up the natural weathering process and increase erosion around the boulders. Paved trails have been established to protect the soil around the boulders. Please stay on the trail and help us slow down this accelerated erosion.

The huge, isolated boulders you see today originated from a solid block of rock beneath the earth's surface. Their formation began approximately 1.5 billion years ago when hot molten magma near the surface of the landscape cooled, forming igneous rock and balled granite.

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