Located off highway 89 between Kanab, UT and Page, AZ are the Toadstool Hoodoos, a fun little hike worth stopping for if you’re passing through. Hoodoos are commonly referred to as “goblins” or described as “mushrooms” and create some of the most interesting rock formations in the Southwest. It took millions of years of erosion for these hoodoos to form, which makes them extremely rare!
In this post I list my 5 reasons why you should stop to visit the Toadstool Hoodoos the next time you’re passing by, plus some hike stats and details!
TOADSTOOL HOODOOS STATS
Distance: 1.8 miles RT
Type: Out and Back
Elevation Gain: 84 feet
Location: Off highway 89 near Kanab, UT
Trailhead: Toadstool Hoodoos Trailhead
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Permit: None
REASONS TOADSTOOL HOODOOS ARE WORTH STOPPING AT
1. IT IS A SHORT HIKE
The trail to Toadstool Hoodoos is only 1.8 miles round trip and has hardly any elevation gain which makes it easily accessible for many travelers. If you choose to wander around the hoodoos and surrounding area you may add some distance and/or elevation to your adventure. I highly recommend exploring a little more if you have time! Overall, the trail is easy to follow and is surprisingly stunning. You’ll know exactly when you reach the hoodoos for you can’t miss them!
2. EASY ACCESS OFF HIGHWAY 89
I’ve driven past the Toadstool Hoodoos trailhead several times when traveling from Page to Kanab and didn’t think anything of it. I can’t believe it took me this long to stop and hike! There is a small dirt lot with a trailhead sign literally right off of highway 89, making it an extremely accessible stop if you’re driving by. It can be easy to miss this spot if you’re not paying attention, but if you map it off Google Maps it will take you right to it.
When I visited for sunrise the lot was empty and I had the hoodoos to myself. After the sun had risen and I was headed back to my car only about 3 other groups were hiking in. The Toadstool Hoodoos definitely do get some visitation, but I imagine it is a quick turnaround since the trail is so short.
3. IT IS A FUN PITSTOP DURING ANY ROAD TRIP
Take a break from driving and step out to stretch those legs- your kids and dog will thank you for it! You’re able to walk around and climb on the hoodoos which is always a fun adventure for the little ones and a great way to let them burn off some energy. My dog Monty definitely needed a break from the car ride to get out and walk around. He loved this stop!
4. TOADSTOOL HOODOOS ARE A UNIQUE PART OF UTAH
Southern Utah has a handful of hoodoo formations, but the Toadstool Hoodoos are some of my favorite because of the coloring. The orange/red rock striped against the white rock creates an interesting contrast that is fun to photograph. You wouldn’t even know these colorful rocks were tucked back off the highway simply by looking out the window while driving by. Once you start hiking, though, you’re almost immediately transported into a what seems like a whole new part of Utah than where you started.
5. IT IS THE PERFECT SUNRISE HIKE
During my latest Utah road trip I decided to finally stop and hike to the Toadstool Hoodoos, something I’ve been meaning to do for quite some time. I made sure to time it just right for sunrise and am so glad that I did! The sun can be very harsh during the daytime out here, so the lighting at sunrise was much better. It was the perfect way to kick off my morning!
Insider Tip: If you’re nervous about hiking for sunrise because you think it will be dark, I will tell you I didn’t even need a headlamp. There was enough light to see the trail and get to the hoodoos just in time for the sun to start peeping over the mountains in the back!
You could also hike this one for sunset. Since the trail is short and easy it wouldn’t be too difficult hiking back in the dark. Just be sure you can find your way back and have a light source!
If you’re passing by in the summer I highly suggest not doing this one during the middle of the day when it is the hottest. Even though it is short, it still can be dreadful, you can get sunburnt, and if you have a dog the rocks and sand will be too hot for their paws.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON TOADSTOOL HOODOOS
I still cannot believe it took me so long to stop and explore the Toadstool Hoodoos, but I sure am glad that I did this time. The colors in the rock are stunning and the hoodoo structures are interesting to explore and photograph.
The area around the hoodoos is intriguing as well, so if you have extra time I highly suggest walking around the area for some more views. Either way it is a stop you won’t regret taking during your road trip!
As always, please be considerate of the environment so we can keep enjoying it and remember to leave no trace.
More in Utah:
- Big Horn Canyon in Escalante- a must see dog friendly slot canyon
- Hike to Observation Point in Zion National Park from Zion Ponderosa
- 6 Best Bryce Canyon Winter Hikes and things to do
- Lower Calf Creek Falls | Utah
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- Hiking with dogs- 10 essentials you should pack
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Wow this place looks just fab, I love that it’s accessible but not over crowded by tourists.
Hi Nicole, thanks for reading! I too love a good spot that isn’t overrun with tourists 🙂
We love this spot! Definitely a hidden gem in Utah, kanab has amazing landscape that a lot of people don’t know about! Perfect short hike for someone looking to get out!