When Is the Best Time
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.
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 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 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
- 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
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
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.
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 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.
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If you want to learn more about hikes in Grand Staircase Escalante, check out this guidebook. |
Hotel Tips for Page and Kanab
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.
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
Location and Tips
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.
Nearby Places
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.
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.
