The Toadstools or Mushroom Rocks in Utah Close to Page
The Toadstools or Mushroom Rocks in Utah Close to Page

The Toadstools or Mushroom Rocks in Utah Close to Page

United States
United States

When Is the Best Time

Hidden Gems in Grand Staircase Esca...

The Toadstool Hoodoos are a magical place for spectacular shots in the early morning, during the golden hour or for stargazing. It's a photographer's dream, part of the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument and still not overrun. However, it has become more popular but not too crowded.

The most popular toadstool and balancing rock formation
This is the popular hoodoo which you can't miss.

These incredible rock formations are located between Page, Arizona and Kanab, Utah, on HW 89, half an hour's drive just 30 miles from Page. Make a stop here on your drive to Zion or Bryce Canyon. 

Toadstools Parking and Trailhead

The huge parking lot at the Toadstools
Vast parking for a few cars only.

The parking and trailhead are right off HWY 89 to the right, coming from Page, and left if coming from Kanab. It looks like you are in the middle of nowhere. There are two portable restrooms at the parking nowadays. It indicates the rock formations have started to get a little popular, but they are still a hidden beauty. 

The wash and trail to the Toadstool Hoodoos
You already see the first hoodoos in the distance shortly after the trailhead.

The 2 miles/ 3.2 km round trip plus picture stops takes up to 1 1/2 hours. Although it is a short hike only, you may spend hours exploring the area. There are more mushroom-shaped rock formations to the west. Enjoy the spectacular landscape.

Packing List

A smaller group of balancing rocks

  • Plenty of water, especially during the summer heat.
  • Protect your head and skin from the sun; a hat and sunscreen are essential.
  • The Toadstools hike is a family and dog-friendly walk of one mile/ 1.6 km one way. It is a sandy path in a wash and, in some sections, a bit slippery. I recommend trainers or shoes with traction.
  • Ray Downs, an excellent photographer from Texas, recommends a wide-angle lens, a tripod, and trying HDR for shots like those added here.

Grand Staircase Escalante Map - Access Roads

Grand Staircase Escalante Map with all 17 Highlights
Map High Resolution - the Toadstool Hoodoos and all other places of GSENM.

I have drawn this map to give you an overview of the massive Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, the location of each Must-Visit place, and a more detailed view. So, there is not only one entrance and exit to access Escalante, but multiple entrances from highways and gravel roads. Afterwards, you must hike to get to these spots from half an hour to an entire day.

Weather Page

A woman with umbrella because of the intense sun
The sun is intense in the desert at high elevations.

It is a desert climate; therefore, it's dry soil. It can be windy here, and sand gets easily into your eyes. Pleasant to cold temperatures from October to April. Winter daytime temperatures are usually mild, around 50°F/10°C.

Another perspective of the most popular toadstools hoodoo
They are accessible, but please walk carefully.

However, snowfall can occur from December to February. Nights occasionally reach freezing, and summer temperatures frequently top 95°F/35°C. The heat is another reason why I recommend an early or late visit during the day in the summer. We visited these hoodoos in Utah in the late afternoon. Although it is only roughly a 20-minute walk, carry a water bottle.

Crowds

The Trailhead and entrance sign of the Toadstools

The Toadstool Rock formations are a little busy during the day in summer from late June to August, especially during the weekends, but crowds are still bearable. Please do not underestimate the summer heat; drink plenty of water.

If you want to learn more about hikes in Grand Staircase Escalante, check out this guidebook.
The hikes featured in this book range from family-friendly day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips that excite the most adventurous of spirits and will educate readers.

Hotel Tips for Page and Kanab

Hotel Sleep in in Page
In Page we chose the Sleep Inn and Suites with a balcony. It was nice to sit outside in the summer.

Page is the main service hub and a good starting point with a population of 7.500. Page is excellently located at the Colorado and Lake Powell. You may think there are plenty of hotels in Page, and that's right, but each evening we figured out the hotels; also, ours were fully booked. Many visitors stay here for a couple of nights to visit Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, the Toadstools, Yellow Rock, and more beautiful places. If you plan to travel to Page in the peak season or at weekends, I highly recommend booking a room in advance.

La Quinta Hotel in Kanab
Our hotel La Quinta by Wyndham in Kanab had comfy beds, and a hearty breakfast was included.

To explore the area, you either stay in Page or in Kanab. Last winter, we spent two nights in Kanab because of a guided tour. Kanab is a fantastic town to explore the Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness's unique landscape and sandstone formations. Thx for booking via my website 😊

Best Months to Visit

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Location and Tips

Kanab, Utah
United States
United States

You can find lots of hoodoos and balancing rocks in this area. These hoodoos were developed by weathering and erosions millions of years ago, and they are constantly changing. The cap on top of the hoodoo and the spires are different sandstone formations.

Another huge hoodoo
Another huge hoodoo if you continue on the path.

Nearby Places

    The white Ghost with a clear blue sky in the morning
    The White Ghost - The most famous hoodoo.

    Nearby are other fascinating rock formations also, hoodoos at Stud Horse Point. Or how about giant hoodoos off the beaten path? I highly recommend the hike to the Wahweap Hoodoos if you are looking for the most stunning hoodoos without a soul in sight.

    Escalante Photo Collage with 5 highlights of this monument.

    Do you wish to know more about the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument? Check out my new guide and the 18 Must-Visit Places and their locations. Not all are difficult to get to; some are family- and dog-friendly.

    The professional photographer Ray Downs provides some of these pictures; the others are from our visit in the early summer.

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    Created by
    Ray Downs
    Ray Downs
    Professional photographer