If you’re into weird rock formations that look like they belong on Mars, then the Toadstool Hoodoos hike in Utah is a must-see hidden gem on your next Utah road trip. This easy, family-friendly trail takes you through a landscape filled with towering hoodoos—mushroom-like rock formations sculpted by erosion over thousands of years (think Goblin Valley, not Bryce Canyon). Located conveniently along Highway 89 near Kanab, Utah, it’s a quick stop that delivers big on unique desert scenery.
In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about hiking to the Toadstool Hoodoos, including how to get there, what to expect, and why it’s worth the stop. Whether you’re road-tripping through Southern Utah or looking for a short but stunning hike near Kanab or Page Arizona, this is one for the list.
Trail Information
HIKE TO: Toadstool Hoodoos
MILES: 1.6 mi out and back
TIME: 30 mins (but give yourself time to explore)
DATE I WENT: 11/27/18
DIFFICULTY: easy
ELEVATION GAIN/ LOSS: 100 ft
HIKE PERMIT: no
ENTRANCE FEE/ PARKING: no
LOCATION: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (between Kanab, Utah and Page, Arizona)
What Are the Toadstool Hoodoos?
Hoodoos are rock pillars formed by differential erosion, where softer rock erodes away, leaving behind a harder capstone perched on top. The Toadstool Hoodoos get their name from their mushroom-like appearance—narrow bases topped with large, rounded rocks. These formations are similar to the famous hoodoos in Bryce Canyon but on a much smaller, more accessible scale.
What makes them special? Their unique color palette and shapes! The contrast of deep red sandstone against creamy white rock layers creates a striking landscape that looks straight out of a sci-fi movie.
You can read more about them here:
Where Are the Toadstool Hoodoos?
The Toadstool Hoodoos are located in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, just off Highway 89 between Kanab, Utah, and Page, Arizona. The trailhead is easily accessible with a small parking area right off the Northern side of the highway.
Trailhead Coordinates: 37.1015° N, 111.8734° W
Driving Distance:
- Kanab, UT to Toadstool Hoodoos: ~30 minutes (30 miles)
- Page, AZ to Toadstool Hoodoos: ~30 minutes (27 miles)
- Zion National Park to Toadstool Hoodoos: ~1.5 hours (80 miles)
This is a great roadside hike to add to your Southern Utah road trip itinerary!
Travel Pro Tip:
If you are planning a visit to the popular Horseshoe Bend & Antelope Canyon, this fits nicely into your schedule for the day if you are arriving from the west. Book a tour to visit Secret Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Overlook here.
Hiking to the Toadstool Hoodoos
The trail to Toadstool Hoodoos is well-marked and easy to follow. From the parking lot, you’ll head along a sandy, slightly rocky path that gently ascends into a small canyon. After about 0.8 miles, the landscape opens up, revealing the first set of toadstool formations which is also the main attraction.
It only took us 12 minutes to hike to the main Toadstool Hoodoos and from there you can explore on your own.
The hike is south-facing so it is very exposed to the sun. Be sure to apply sunscreen and pack a hat, even with this being a very short hike.
What to Expect on the Trail:
- Initial Sandy Path: The first part of the trail is relatively flat with some sections of soft sand.
- Short Rocky Climb: A very minor incline leads you into the main hoodoo area.
- Wander & Explore: Once you reach the hoodoos, there are several formations scattered around, and you’re free to wander (respectfully) and take photos.
If you keep going past the first hoodoos, you’ll find more formations tucked behind the main area, along with beautiful desert views stretching into the distance.
This little hidden gem is a great stop to break up the drive on a road trip to stretch out your legs and see something unique and with some photo ops.
Best Time to Visit
The Toadstool Hoodoos are accessible year-round, but some seasons are more enjoyable than others:
- Spring & Fall: Best times to visit with mild temperatures and great lighting for photography.
- I visited in late November and the weather was a perfect 43 degrees in the afternoon.
- Summer: Very hot! If you visit in summer, go early in the morning or near sunset.
- Winter: Cooler temperatures, but occasional snow or rain can make the trail muddy.
Photography Tips for Toadstool Hoodoos
If you love capturing epic desert landscapes, here are some photography tips for getting the best shots:
- Golden Hour: Sunrise or sunset provides the best lighting and enhances the red and orange tones in the rocks.
- Wide-Angle Lens: Great for capturing the full scale of the hoodoos and surrounding desert.
- Silhouette Shots: If you visit at sunset, try getting a silhouette of the hoodoos against a colorful sky.
FAQ: Toadstools Hoodoos
How long is the Toadstool Hoodoos hike?
The hike is approximately 1.6 miles round trip with a slight elevation gain of only 100 feet. It’s an easy, well-marked trail that takes about 15 minutes to hike one-way at an average pace, so I’d give it 1 hr, depending on how much time you spend exploring and taking pictures.
How to visit Toadstool Hoodoos?
The Toadstool Hoodoos are located off Highway 89 between Kanab, Utah, and Page, Arizona. There’s a small parking lot at the trailhead, and the hike is free with no permit required. Just follow the well-marked trail for about 0.8 miles to reach the hoodoos.
How are Toadstool Hoodoos formed?
Toadstool Hoodoos are formed through erosion, where softer rock layers erode away faster than the harder capstone rock, leaving behind these unique mushroom-like formations. Over thousands of years, wind and water continue shaping the landscape, creating the fascinating hoodoos we see today.
Other Nearby Attractions
If you’re in the area, consider checking out these nearby spots:
- Horseshoe Bend (40 min drive): One of the most famous viewpoints of the Colorado River.
- The Wave (requires permit, 30 min drive): A bucket-list sandstone formation in the Vermilion Cliffs.
- Buckskin Gulch (40 min drive): One of the longest and most stunning slot canyons in the world.
- White Pocket (requires high-clearance vehicle, 1.5 hr drive): Unique swirling sandstone formations without the permit hassle of The Wave.
- Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park (1 hr drive): A great spot for sandboarding and photography.
Final Thoughts: Toadstool Hoodoos near Kanab Utah
The Toadstool Hoodoos trail is short, easy, and packed with unique rock formations that make it well worth a stop. Whether you’re a casual hiker, photographer, or just passing through on a Southwest road trip, this hike is a great way to experience Utah’s incredible geology without much effort.
So, if you’re cruising through Kanab or Page and need a quick but jaw-dropping hike, pull over and stretch your legs at Toadstool Hoodoos. You won’t regret it!
Have you hiked the Toadstool Hoodoos? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
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Tiff, the owner and author of Follow Tiff’s Journey, is a California/ Colorado-based adventurer and outdoor connoisseur who divides her heart between the Eastern Sierra Mountains and the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Despite her fear of heights, she’s become a seasoned mountaineer, ultralight hiking and backcountry camping enthusiast, expert road trip planner, and a fervent explorer of alpine lakes, natural hot springs, and sandstone canyons.
With 10 years of experience exploring the outdoors, her blog is your go-to source for all things wilderness, offering invaluable insights and pro tips, essential gear recommendations, and awe-inspiring stories from her adventures.
Join Tiff on her quest to share the wonders of nature and inspire others to follow their own path in the great outdoors.
