How to Visit Toadstool Hoodoos in Utah [+ Trail Map]
The surreal landscape of Toadstool Hoodoos (also known as Paria Rimrocks) in Utah sits just across the border from Arizona’s renowned attractions like Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon. The hoodoos may not be as grand or awe-inspiring as the aforementioned, but this curious place provides peace away from the crowds. Plus these dramatic mushroom-like rock formations are certainly worth a stop on any road trip through the Southwest, particularly if you’re looking for something quick, easy and accessible!
This guide will cover how to get there, how to hike Toadstool Hoodoos, what to expect, as well as tips for your visit!
About Toadstool Hoodoos
Firstly, what is a hoodoo? A hoodoo is a tall, thin spire or pinnacle of rock often protruding from the bottom of an arid basin or badland. Typically these formations are composed of soft sedimentary rock topped by a harder, less easily eroded stone. Formed over millions of years by erosional forces, hoodoos are characterised by their interesting and sometimes whimsical shapes!
Now you understand what a hoodoo is, you might have a better understanding of why this area is named after toadstools. Simply because these standing rocks are shaped like mushrooms with larger sections on top.
In this small area, there is a large concentration of these mushroom-shaped rocks to admire. Visitors can explore this otherworldly landscape via a short hike, marveling at the intricate patterns and vibrant colors of the rock formations.
Where are Toadstool Hoodoos?
The Toadstool Hoodoos are a collection of unique rock formations located in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in southern Utah, USA.
Despite being situated in Utah, the nearest settlement is across the border in Page, Arizona (30 miles away). In the other direction, Kanab is 45 miles west of Toadstool Hoodoos.
The Toadstool Hoodoos trailhead begins from the car park just off Highway 89. Whichever direction you come from, you will need to take this highway. It’s easily accessible by car and there is generally plenty of space in the car park.
Toadstool Hoodoos Hike
Walk type: Out and back
Distance: 3km
Maximum Elevation: 1403m (feet)
Minimum Elevation: 1358m (feet)
Walk time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Hoodoos
Permit Required: No
Entrance Fee: None
Dogs Permitted: Yes (on lead only)
Toadstool Hoodoos Trail Map
To explore Toadstool Hoodoos, there is a winding trail (Rimrocks Trail) from the car park that heads towards the main hoodoos. It’s accessible for children and elderly walkers, though wheelchair users may struggle.
Use the Toadstool Hoodoos Trail Map below:
Toadstool Hoodoos: What to expect
Before I go into the details of the trail, I want to first say that if you’ve done much exploring of the Southwest (in particular Utah and Arizona), you probably won’t be left speechless by Toadstool Hoodoos Kanab. It’s not one of the top places I visited, nor the top hikes (there are so many other awesome things to do in Utah)… BUT that doesn’t mean it’s not cool and worth checking out! Particularly when it takes less than an hour!
Arriving at Toadstool Hoodoos
Arriving at Toadstool Hoodoos is simple as the car park is beside the road. The sign is easily missed if you’re not looking for it, but Google Maps directions are accurate so you know when to turn off.
The car park is a reasonable size and has no ‘official’ parking bays, which means it doesn’t usually fill up. It’s a dirt park, but the only ‘big rocks’ are on the trail, which means that 2WD is fine!
The best thing is that parking is free! Plus there are portaloos (I’m not sure how clean these are, but it’s better than nothing), so bring your own toilet roll.
Once you’ve parked your car and packed your bag, it’s time to get on the trail!
The Toadstool Hoodoos trailhead is marked by a sign with details of the hike.
Hiking to the Hoodoos
The trail is easy to follow after leaving the car park through the gate. There are signs indicating where to go as well as the natural landscape which makes it obvious.
The path weaves between the natural undulations of the land, meaning there is minimal elevation and only a few small uphill sections. Much of this first section feels like you’re following a dried-out river bed.
When dry, the terrain of the hike is solid and dusty. Away from the path, the rock can be a bit more crumbly, so try to stay on route.
After rain, the ground can become more sludgy and muddy, which can be slippery in places.
After a short walk (approximately 1km), you will come across the most prominent hoodoo in the area. This bright orange structure atop white-coloured rock stands proudly above the surrounding area. You can circle around the hoodoo and get reasonably close.
Most of the photos of Toadstool Hoodoos you may have seen online are taken here as it’s the most obvious landmark in the area.
The path continues to the left beyond the landmark. However, at this point, it largely disappears making it difficult to follow. This is your cue to do some exploring yourself!
There are a few hoodoos near the cliffs at the back that look… interesting (if you catch my drift 😉)!
You can get up close and personal with the hoodoos but don’t climb them as they can be delicate.
Beyond Toadstool Hoodoos and Back
Aside from the hoodoos, I took great pleasure in looking at the other rock formations on show. Over on the left side was another canyon with incredible white and orange textures in the rock. Whilst on the right side was a white rock formation overlooking the whole area.
After you’ve wandered as much as you want, you can turn around and walk back the way you came.
Keep watch for small lizards on the trail, as we spotted a few on the way back!
Best time to visit Toadstool Hoodoos?
Barring the middle of the day when it gets exceedingly hot, I wouldn’t say there is a best or worst time to visit Toadstool Hoodoos. In terms of time of year, the cooler months are preferable, so avoid June-August.
If I had the choice, I would visit in the early morning before other people and before the heat kicks in! But honestly, I think it’s best to visit whenever is convenient for you to align with your Page itinerary and any other activities you have planned.
It’s also worth noting that if you visit after it has rained, the trail gets muddy and will turn your shoes orange!
Tips for visiting Toadstool Hoodoos
- Get there early: Due to limited car parking spaces, you should try to do the hike early in the day. Plus, it gets extremely hot in the heat of the day without shade.
- Go to the toilet before you leave: There are portaloos in the car park. Alternatively, the are proper toilets at the visitor center at Big Water.
- Don’t climb on the hoodoos: They are formed over many years of erosion and can be fragile.
- Download offline maps: There is no signal at Toadstool Hooodoos, so download the hiking route in advance so you don’t get lost.
- Prepare for no shade: None of the hiking routes have any shade so pack protection.
- Leave no trace: Let’s make sure our nature is kept pristine for everyone to enjoy!
- Pack light: You don’t need much for this hike. Make the most of it by packing only the essentials.
Toadstool Hoodoos FAQs
Is Toadstool Hoodoos free to visit?
Yes, it is free to visit Toadstool Hoodoos in Utah.
Do you need a permit to visit Toadstool Hoodoos?
Unlike several other hikes in the area, no permit is required to visit Toadstool Hoodoos.
Are dogs allowed on the Toadstool Hoodoos Trail?
Yes, this trail is dog-friendly. However, you should keep your fur-babies on the lead.
Are drones allowed at Toadstool Hoodoos?
Despite Toadstool Hoodoos not being located in a National Park, you are not allowed to fly drones here as it belongs to the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
How are Toadstool Hoodoos Formed?
Toadstool Hoodoos are made from a mixture of rocks from the Jurassic and Cretaceous period. With older Carmel formation at the bottom, Entrada Sandstone in the middle, and topped with younger Dakota formation rock. As younger boulders of Dakota rock fell downslope, they landed on the soft Entrada sandstone, thus sheltering it from erosional forces while the other sections eroded away.
What to do near Toadstool Hoodoos
Utah and Arizona are home to a huge array of insane natural landscapes. It can actually be a bit overwhelming trying to decide between them all! Below are some of the other popular activities nearby:
- The Wave
- Horseshoe Bend
- Antelope Canyon (Upper and Lower)
- Alstrom Point
- Lake Powell
- Lone Rock Beach
- White Pocket
- Old Paria Mesa
On the day I visited Toadstool Hoodoos, I went to Horseshoe Bend in the early morning beforehand. Then ventured up to Alstom Point afterward for an epic sunset. Plus it was another free activity!
Before you go
Thank you for reading my guide on visiting Toadstool Hoodoos in Utah. If guides, itineraries and travel content like this interest you, head over to my blog page to find out more.
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