Toadstool Hoodoos Hike, Utah: Trail Info & What to Expect
Welcome to the Toadstool Hike in Utah!
When I first heard about the Toadstool Hoodoos hike, I was not expecting such a cool landscape just off the highway. This short and easy trail sits between Page, Arizona, and Kanab, Utah. It takes you through a sandy wash surrounded by white rock formations, leading to a giant mushroom-shaped hoodoo that looks like it belongs on another planet. It is weird, it is photogenic, and it is way cooler than you would expect for a random pull-off in the middle of nowhere. In this post, I am sharing everything you need to know before hitting the Toadstool hike—how to get there, what to expect, and why I think it is worth the stop.
Oh & as always, practice sustainable tourism while traveling, please :)
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The Toadstool Hoodoo Hike
Toadstool Hoodoos Trail Overview
The King of the Toadstool Hoodoo Hike on the Utah-Arizona Border.
The Toadstool Hoodoos is one of my favorite hikes along the Arizona-Utah border. The trail is easy and doable for all fitness levels and ages. Even dogs are allowed! When I hiked here, there were only about three other families around. Aside from the Toadstool hoodoos, there are some other unique landscapes and rock formations to explore around them.
What is a Toadstool Hoodoo? —A toadstool hoodoo is a unique rock formation where a big, flat rock sits on top of a tall, skinny column like a mushroom. This happens because the softer rock underneath erodes faster than the harder rock on top, which protects the hoodoo from wearing away as quickly. Bryce Canyon National Park has hoodoos, but on a much larger scale than this hike.
Official Trail Name: Toadstool Hoodoos Trail
Location: Off Highway 89 between Kanab, Utah & Page, Arizona
Fees & Reservations: No entrance fee and no reservation needed.
Best Time to Hike: Anytime! But, I would skip this trail on windy or rainy days since it is in a wash.
Facilities: A good-sized parking lot is off the main road before the trailhead. Parking is quite easy here. A portable bathroom is available.
A view of some of Toadstool Hoodoo Hike Trail!
Me along the Toadstool Hoodoo Trail in Utah.
Trail Details: An easy 1.7-mile out-and-back trail, with 127 feet of elevation. It is a flat, curvy hike to the big Hoodoo around the wash. It is easy to lose track of the trail, but the large Hoodoo in the back makes heading in the right direction quite easy.
Difficulty: Suitable for most fitness levels
Estimated Time: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on pace (out and back).
Trail Surface: There are many loose rocks along the trail, so it is best to wear sturdy shoes with good grip. You will be walking through a wash, and although the trail is not well-marked, it is hard to get lost—the towering hoodoo in the distance makes it easy to stay oriented.
Dog-friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on leash
How to Reach the Toadstool Trailhead
The Toadstool Hoodoo Hike is a quick 30-minute ride West from Page, AZ, or a 45-minute ride East from Kanab, UT. The Google Maps location is accurate! The ride there is on a paved highway, so all vehicle types can easily access it.
There is a FREE gravel parking right off the main road. There is even a sign to guide you there. When you pull into the parking lot, you are welcomed by beautiful, rainbow-red sandstone rocks!
Although the Toadstool Hoodoo hike is located in Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument in southern Utah, it is still quite far from the other trails.
If you do not have a US SIM card, download one here, so you have cell service.
Best Time to Visit the Toadstool Hodoos
You can visit the Toadstool Hoodoos Trail year-round, 24 hours a day, depending on your preferred weather conditions.
The best time to hike the Toadstool Hoodoos Trail is in spring or fall, when temperatures range from 60°F to 85°F and crowds are lighter. These seasons offer the most comfortable hiking weather.
Summer can get extremely hot, with average highs often reaching over 90°F, and sometimes above 100°F. If you plan to visit during these months, start early, bring plenty of water, and take precautions against the heat.
Winter is quieter and colder, with temperatures between 20°F and 55°F. While snow is rare, light snow or rain is possible. Dress in layers.
Always check the local weather forecast before your hike, as conditions can change rapidly in desert environments.
What to Expect on the Trail
The other hoodoos along the trail.
The unique landscapes on the Toadstool Hoodoo hike.
Trail Surface: As previously mentioned, it is mostly sandy and gravel, with a few rockier spots. It is not too rough, but I always reccomend having good, durable shoes. I imagine the trail easily flooding during rainstorms. The trail is not clearly marked, so use the big Hoodoo in the distance as your reference. You can also download the AllTrails map to your phone.
Crowds: The trail is less crowded than the others nearby. When I was here in March, I saw around 6-8 people. So you will likely have the trail to yourself (aside from a few lizards).
What to See: Aside from the tall Toadstool Hoodoo, you will also spot a few smaller ones and some pretty unique landscapes along the trail. If you stand near the tallest hoodoo and look back toward the parking area, there’s a really cool white and orange wash off to the right. You can see what I am referring to in the photo above.
Photography: Head here during the early morning or golden hour/sunset for the most unique photos.
Essential Hiking Tips
Always check the weather before booking your trip to ensure you choose your preferred conditions and know what to pack, especially in the hot summer months when extra water is essential and heat strokes are more prominent. Bringing layers is your best option to accomodation the cooler morning and evenings.
Stock your car with snacks, water, and electrolytes to stay hydrated during your travel.
Be sure to know how far destinations are and where the closest gas station is to avoid running out in the middle of nowhere.
Pack sturdy hiking shoes to prevent falls, navigate slippery trails, and avoid injuries. If you are traveling from outside the US, purchase travel medical insurance in case of an emergency. My boyfriend (UK) uses Safety Wing’s US plan while he is here.
If you do not have a US SIM, I suggest downloading an eSIM such as Airalo to access maps, trails, and emergency phone calls during your trip.
Download AllTrails to your phone so you have access to the trail maps!
Is the Toadstool Hike Worth It?
Yes—I think this trail is absolutely worth it, especially as a stop-off between Kanab and Page. It is a fun, short hike with unique landscapes and an up-close view of a big hoodoo. Sure, there are more impressive hoodoos in places like Bryce Canyon or Goblin Valley, but this is still a great chance to see one up close. The hoodoo really stands out against the landscape since it is one of the only ones around, and its orange color pops against the white sandstone. The trail is short, easy, and great for all levels.
Other Things To Do Nearby
Visit Page, AZ— see Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, & The Wave
Sandboard in Coral Pink Sands State Park
Walk through Sand Caves
Hike in Zion National Park
Find more Hoodoos in Bryce Canyon
Looking for your next otherworldly hike? Check out Moonscape Overlook in Utah.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to the Toadstool Hoodoo trailhead from Page or Kanab?
From either direction, hop on Highway 89. The trailhead is marked by a small parking lot and a sign for the hoodoos. It is super easy to miss, so keep your eyes open!
Can kids hike to the Toadstool Hoodoo?
Yes— it is short, not too steep, and fun for kids to explore. Just be mindful of the heat and bring water.
What can you see on the Toadstool Hoodoo hike?
The main attraction is the big toadstool-shaped hoodoo, but you will also see a few smaller hoodoos, colorful layered sandstone, and a cool white-and-orange wash.
What is the best time to hike the Toadstool Hoodoos Trail?
I prefer spring and fall, with mild temperatures and fewer people. Summer gets VERY hot, so start early and bring lots of water. Winter is quiet and chilly, but still doable with layers if you prefer the colder climate.
Do I need a permit or pay a fee to hike here?
Nope!
