Trail Report: Utah’s Otherworldly and stunning Toadstool Hoodoos
Alec Sills-TrauschJust a mile off State Route 89, north of the Utah-Arizona border, lies rare Toadstool Hoodoos. This easy and nearly flat walk is accessible to most people – though it is on dirt – and allows for a reprieve from what is most likely the long drive to Zion or someplace else in Utah.
The toadstool hoodoos, or giant mushroom rocks, are really, really neat, and will have you wracking your brain to how they are still standing. So let’s get cracking on the Toadstool Hoodoos trail in southern Utah!
Toadstool Hoodoos Trail
The Details:
Distance: 2 miles
Elevation Gain: 100 feet
Difficulty: Low
Beauty Level: Sweet
Hiking the Toadstool Hoodoos Trail
The trail is relatively well-marked and you shouldn’t have any issue making it to the Toadstool Hoodoos. There is one part where you walk on a narrow path, but it’s for 10 feet and doesn’t pose a risk. After a rain, the hike could be a bit slippery – just as a heads up.
Once you’ve reached the plateau, it’s like nature’s playground. Walk amongst the toadstools and its fantastic formations. I’d recommend walking to the left side of the area (as you walk in), as the textures in this area are insanely cool.
We were treated to one of the best sunsets I’ve encountered, and I had to pick my jaw up off the group several times.
Related: 12 things to do near Page, Arizona
Background of the area
These unique rock formations, also known as fairy chimneys, result from millions of years of erosion. The hoodoos are made up of a harder rock layer called the cap rock that sits atop a softer layer of rock. Over time, the softer rock has been worn away by wind and water, leaving behind the more durable cap rock to form the towering hoodoos.
The Toadstool Hoodoos Trail is located in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, a 1.9 million-acre area home to various geological wonders. The hoodoos are situated in a remote area of the monument, making them a true hidden gem.
The hoodoos themselves are indeed a sight to behold. They range in height and are made up of various colored rock layers. The cap rock comprises white, cream, and red sandstone, contrasting beautifully with the dark red rock layers that make up the softer rock beneath.
As you explore the hoodoos, you will find that each has a unique shape and character. Some are tall and slender, while others are wide and squat. Some have large openings at the base, while others have narrow spaces you can barely squeeze through. This diversity adds to the intrigue of the hoodoos and makes each one a new and exciting discovery.
Have a great trip, and enjoy the beauty of Page and the Grand Staircase Escalante region!
Until next time adventurers, take care and be safe.
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