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Toadstool Hoodoos | Hike Overview
Visiting the Toadstool Hoodoos in southern Utah is a surreal experience. Thin needles of sandstone in every shape, size, and color are topped with a layer of dark rock, perfectly balanced to withstand the test of time. Wandering through the Toadstool Hoodoos, it’s hard to believe these wild rock formations are naturally made!
The Toadstool Hoodoos are located in the southern section of Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument in southern Utah, about 45 minutes east of Kanab, UT, and 30 minutes west of Page, AZ. If you are driving from Page to Zion or Bryce Canyon, this hike is the perfect quick stop to stretch your legs.At just two miles roundtrip, the hike to reach the Toadstool Hoodoos is family-friendly and accessible for hikers of all skill levels.Â
We had such a blast wandering around and photographing the Toadstools as the morning sun rose over the surrounding badlands. We both thought the experience was way cooler than we expected!
From serious photographers to playful kids, the Toadstool Hoodoos are sure to please any crowd!
Fun fact | Toadstool is just another name for a mushroom. Can you see how the Toadstool Hoodoos got their name?!
Toadstool Hoodoos | At a Glance
- Hiking distance | 1.8 miles
- Elevation gain | 150 feet
- Estimated time | 1-2 hours
- Difficulty | easy
- Why you’ll love it | A whimsical fairy tale-like destination with wild rock formations unlike anything you’ve ever seen and an easy, family-friendly hike!
- Location | Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (between Kanab and Page).
- Fees | None
- Trailhead & road conditions | Toadstool Hoodoos Trailhead, located off Highway 89 (paved and accessible by any vehicle).
- Leave no trace | Do not touch or climb on the hoodoos, as they are very fragile. Please help conserve these natural wonders for generations to come!
- Dogs | Dogs are permitted on the trail.
Highlights
- Unique, otherworldly landscape
- If you’re interested in photography, there are tons of unique shots to find here!
- Short, easy hike with minimal crowds
Lowlights
- No shade, can be very hot during the summer
- Less epic compared to other hikes in Grand Staircase Escalante
Remember to Leave No Trace. Pack out what you pack in, stay on trail, be well-prepared, leave nothing behind, take only photos and memories with you, treat the area with respect and help preserve this beautiful spot for generations to come.
Toadstool Hoodoos | Hike Guide
Our experience
We hiked to the Toadstool Hoodoos in February, after a recent snowstorm ruined our initial plans to hike into nearby Buckskin Gulch. Although we didn’t originally intend to do this hike, it totally exceeded our expectations and we were glad that we ended up getting to do it!
The thin layer of snow covering parts of the area added an extra element of beauty to this unique landscape.
toadstool hoodoos trailhead
The trailhead is located off Highway 89, about 45 minutes east of Kanab, Utah and 30 minutes west of Page. The parking lot is a small gravel area right off the road. Parking is limited, but this hike typically isn’t too crowded so you shouldn’t have trouble getting a spot.
From the parking lot, the trail starts to the north, through a barbed wire cattle guard.
HIKE TO THE TOADSTOOL HOODOOS
The start of the Toadstool Hoodoos hike slowly winds through a dry wash with red-striped badlands on either side of the trail. Hiking through the sandy wash may slow you down a bit, but the trail is mostly flat and easy-going.
Eventually, the trail will exit the wash, so be sure to keep an eye out for cairns to stay on track. As you head north, a patch of hoodoos will appear high up on a cliff above.
Toadstool Hoodoos
The trail then leads to the base of a tall canyon wall, where you will find the first set of Toadstool Hoodoos. The first hoodoo you will come upon is the largest and most iconic – a large pile of orange boulders with one tall and narrow hoodoo protruding out.
Exploring AROUND the Toadstool Hoodoos
Once you arrive at the first set of Toadstool Hoodoos, there is no longer a very clear trail. However, you don’t want to miss out on seeing the other hoodoos in the area! From here you can continue a short way to the left and right to find more hoodoos.
To the right, there are a few sets of hoodoos, some that have thick white bases topped with orange rocks and others that have narrow orange and white striped bases, topped with brown rocks. There are hoodoos of every shape, size, and color imaginable!
If you head to the left, you will come upon a beautiful view of the badlands and round-rock formations that cover the area.
Continue around the corner where you find another patch of white hoodoos with brown tops. This little patch was my favorite set of hoodoos we saw – so be sure to continue around the corner to the left!
As always, please be respectful of the fragile desert ecosystem as you explore. While there is no defined trail, it’s important to always walk on durable surfaces, avoid trampling cryptobiotic soil, and never touch or climb on the hoodoos.
Return hike
Once you have explored the entire area and taken plenty of pictures, head back to the first set of hoodoos to return to the trail and continue back to the trailhead.
Toadstool Hoodoos | FAQs
How hard is the Toadstool Hoodoos hike?
At just under 2 miles round trip and only 150 feet of elevation gain, the Toadstool Hoodoos is an easy hike, suitable for children and hikers of all skill levels. Once you reach the hoodoos, there is no clearly defined trail, it’s good to have some means of navigation to ensure you can find your way back to the trail.
You could easily complete the hike in under one hour, although you may end up spending more time than expected exploring the hoodoos…
When is the best time to hike?
The best time to hike to the Toadstool Hoodoos is during the spring and fall when temperatures are mild.
During the summer, Grand Staircase Escalante gets very hot during the day and this trail offers no shade. If you are visiting during the summer, plan to hike early in the morning to beat the heat.
Winter can also be a good time to hike – although snow is possible. the trailhead is located right off highway 89, so it’s typically accessible year-round. We hiked the day after a big snowstorm in Kanab and had no trouble accessing the trail.
Where should I stay nearby?
Because Grand Staircase-Escalante is so huge, the Toadstool Hoodoos are located several hours from many of the other great hikes in Grand Staircase Escalante. The best place to stay for easy access to the trailhead is Kanab, Utah or Page, Arizona.
Pro Tip | The Toadstool Hoodoos are even more epic at sunrise. We highly recommend hitting the trail early to catch the sunrise over the desert. Don’t forget to pack a headlamp!
Other southern utah resources
Looking for other great hikes in the Kanab area? You may also be interested in these resources.
What did you think of this whimsical hike? Questions about hiking to the Toadstool Hoodoos? Let us know in the comments below!
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