Toadstool Hoodoos Trail

Hike stats: 1.8 miles RT (plus a little more if you explore), 150 ft elevation gain

Location: on Hwy 89 near mile marker 20, approx. 45 min east of Kanab, UT.

After spending the morning exploring the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park and a few other roadside attractions (the Sand Caves + the Belly of the Dragon) in Kanab, UT, I started making my way down Hwy 89 towards Page, AZ, for a quick look at Lake Powell and the Glen Canyon Dam when I zoomed past a sign for the Toadstool Hoodoos Trail. I had previously heard about these wacky rock formations and had been wanting to see them, but had no idea I would pass right by the trailhead. It was too perfect an opportunity to pass up, so I did a mildly illegal U-turn and parked at the trailhead. The entire hike was less than 2 miles so it would be a great leg stretcher, plus it would be another good way to see part of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (part of the Bureau of Land Management).

The trail to the toadstools follows a dry wash, winding its way through the multi-colored “badlands” that the Kaiparowits Plateau is known for. These gumdrop-like formations were swirled with red, whites, oranges, and blues and really made the first part of the hike almost as stunning as the main attraction. A heads up - while fairly flat, the sand plus high winds (I swallowed a lot of sand that day!) can make this hike more challenging that it appears.

The first main toadstool I saw was impressive indeed! With the tall brown toadstool contrasted against the white wall of rock and with the other toadstools peppered in the background, it truly felt like I was on a different planet.

*Warning, geology lesson ahead*

These Paria Rimrocks toadstools look quite different from the famous hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, although their geological formation is relatively similar. Toadstool hoodoos, however, are notable for the rock “hat” that sits up top of the spire. In this particular location, these caprocks are made out of Dakota Sandstone, which sat atop the softer Entrada sandstone. As wind, snow, and rain weathered the stone, the harder Dakota Sandstone boulders on top protected the softer sandstone below, allowing for the creation of the capped rock spires.

Many people turn around at this point - DON’T! If you continue past the main toadstool and turn left and head around the bend, you’ll be treated to some additional toadstools plus some incredible views of the badlands in the valley below. Serious Mars feels.

There’s a cool little “grotto” carved out of the white rock back there. But what I really enjoyed was being able to climb up the little hills (there are a few social trails that I recommend you stick to due to the fragile soil - this keeps you plus the environment safe) and getting a bird’s eye view of all the different rock formations, both near and far.

This hike is definitely worth a stop, especially if you are passing by on Hwy 89. There is no shade whatsoever on this hike which can be dangerous during certain times of the day and year. That being said, this would be a fantastic hike to bring kids on; the kids I saw on this hike were having a blast!

Scroll through to see a few more of my favorite pics from this hike!