One of Utah’s most underrated trails, Toadstool Hoodoos is an easy-to-access hike to otherworldly balanced rock formations. This short, kid-friendly hike is located right off the highway and offers you up close views of incredible geologic formations.
You only need about an hour for this hike, so don’t pass up your chance to check it out if you’re in southern Utah!
- Distance: 1.5 out-and-back trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: ~140 feet
- Cost: Free
- Open year-round
- Kid-friendly, dogs allowed on leashes
What are the Toadstool Hoodoos?
The term “hoodoo” is often used to describe tall, thin rock spires or columns and makes most people immediately think of Bryce Canyon. However, that’s not the only place you can go to see explore hoodoos, nor the only shape they can take.
Toadstool Hoodoos are characterized by their distinct mushroom-like appearance, where a large, flat rock or “cap” sits precariously atop a narrow, tall column of eroded sandstone, much like a toadstool.
Geology of the Toadstool Hoodoos
The formation of Toadstool Hoodoos is a result of complex geological processes that have taken place over millions of years.
These structures are primarily composed of the Entrada and Dakota sandstones, which were deposited during the Jurassic period, approximately 180 to 140 million years ago. Over time, the sandstone layers were buried and subjected to immense pressure, solidifying into rock. As the region underwent uplift and erosion, these layers were exposed to the elements.
What we see is the top Dakota sandstone layer (a harder stone shaped like the top of a mushroom) sitting on Entrada sandstone (a softer stone that’s worn away more and looks like a spire).
Erosion over the course of millions of years is the key factor in the creation of formations like the Toadstool Hoodoos. Water, wind, and ice have sculpted the sandstone into its current shape. Water plays a significant role in this process, as flash floods have the power to erode the softer layers of rock beneath the harder capstones. Wind abrasion also contributes to the shaping of the hoodoos by slowly wearing down the sandstone columns.
Getting to the Toadstool Hoodoos Trailhead in Utah
These unique rock formations are located in the southern part of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, near the border of Utah and Arizona. The dirt parking area is located right off Highway 89 and is very spacious.
When we visited there was only one other car, and I’d estimate there are enough spaces to fit at least 20 cars.
Directions to the Trailhead
Hoodoo Coordinates:
- Parking: 37.10129, -111.87325
- Most well-recognized hoodoo: 37.1082, -111.87091
- More hoodoos: 37.10885, -111.87025
Driving Directions From Kanab Utah
Head east on Highway 89 for approximately 45 miles. Look for the signed trailhead on your right, which will be just before mile marker 19, approximately 1 mile past the Paria Contact Station (or the road to the White House Trailhead).
Driving Directions From Page Arizona
Head west on Highway 89 for about 43 miles. Look for the signed trailhead on your left, which will be after mile marker 19 and about a mile past the Paria Contact Station.
Hiking to the Toadstool Hoodoos
From the parking area, the trail is well-marked, easy to follow, and relatively well-maintained from foot traffic, plus there are some rock carins. You will meander through a wash alongside red, purple, and beige colored rock canyon walls.
The terrain consists of clay and areas of sand, but it’s not deep or particularly difficult to manage.
Not long after following the wash, you’ll come to an open canyon area. Here you can see the large red Toadstool that’s often the most recognized hoodoo in pictures and guidebooks.
You can continue hiking out further so you’re in the small canyon to find a grouping of more mushroom-like rocks. Take in the differences in each hoodoos’ color, shape, and size. Looking toward the Paria River Valley, there is a single white stemmed and red capped hoodoo in the distance.
Once you’ve explored the hoodoos, follow the trail back the way you came to get to the parking lot. For photographers, visit during sunset hours for the perfect opportunity to capitalize on the red and yellow hues from the rocks.
Leave No Trace
This area has been aptly referred to as a “playground on Mars” and “a life-size sandcastle.” These interesting, massive rock formations are eerily beautiful the closer you get.
While exploring this area is encouraged, do not touch the hoodoos. Leave this unique place the same way you found it – or in a better state by picking up trash if you see any. Further, don’t climb on the hoodoos. Respect this precious land and preserve it for future hikers.
Our Experience at Toadstool Hoodoos
My boyfriend and I planned to do this short trek after hiking in Buckskin Gulch earlier that morning given their close proximity to each other and our limited vacation time.
Unfortunately, things at Buckskin Gulch did not go entirely as planned (click the link to learn more about that unique slot canyon). We ended up doing much more mileage than anticipated, and therefore were exhausted by the time we got back to the car, with little protein-rich snacks leftover. Still, we wanted to check out the hoodoos and were committed to doing this trail.
Keep in mind, we visited during mid-August and pulled up at the trailhead around 1-2pm. We had little to no cloud cover overhead and it was a toasty 90 plus degrees F. So, not exactly ideal hiking conditions, especially if you’re already tired from trekking 12 miles.
The red and purple rocks in Utah are my favorite color scheme from mother nature, so I was in heaven at the beginning of this trail. We hiked through the wash and found it very easy to navigate. Plus, we didn’t see one other person while we were there (probably because of our timing) which was a luxury having the whole trail to ourselves.
When we came to the clearing, we could see the hoodoos in the distance ahead. They are so fascinating and stark in this unique desert landscape. We stood there for a bit soaking in the view, and then decided to turn around. Although we could have gone closer and explored more, our energy reserves were nearly depleted. We were much more excited to head back to our Airbnb to shower and put our feet up!
Hiking Tips and What to Expect
- The entire trail is exposed to the sun. If you’re visiting during the warmer months, wear sun protection with breathable layered clothing, sunglasses, and SPF to protect yourself.
- Fall and spring are perfect times to do this hike. It’s not as pleasant visiting during the middle of the day in the hotter months.
- If visiting during popular vacation times, try to beat the crowds by hiking during sunset or sunrise.
- Bring plenty of water for your hike as there are no water refill stations at the trailhead.
- There are no restroom facilities at the trailhead, but sometimes there are porta-potties. Do yourself a solid, and plan bathroom breaks accordingly. Big Water Visitor Center is 12 miles from the trailhead and offers restrooms if you really have to go!
- The trail can get muddy and slippery if there has been rain recently. Have a spare towel handy and another pair of shoes in your car in that case!
- Always wear appropriate footwear. You can easily get by in sneakers on this trail, but trail runners or hiking boots are always a great option.
Other Adventures Nearby
This area of southern Utah is a mecca for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Nearby Kanab or Page, Arizona, are both fantastic basecamps for many adventures.
- Buckskin Gulch via Wire Pass Trail: Explore the world’s longest slot canyon, only a short drive from Toadstool Hoodoos.
- Sand Caves: Another quick hike that’s perfect for the whole family, near Kanab.
- Hike more trails in Grand Staircase Escalante: This National Monument encompasses over 1.87 million acres with TONS of incredible trails.
- White Wave: Located just south of the Toadstool Hoodoos, the Nautilus is a great trail to hike if you have the proper vehicle to get to its trailhead.
- Horseshoe Bend: This iconic American landmark is absolutely worth visiting if you’re traveling near Page, Arizona.
- Bryce Canyon National Park: Explore more otherworldly hoodoos in this National Park.
- Grand Canyon National Park North Rim: For those traveling near Kanab, Utah, the North Rim is a couple hours south, and always worth the drive.
