If you find yourself driving through the Kanab area, you should plan to stop and explore Utah’s Toadstool Hoodoos. These tall rock spires, known as hoodoos, saturate the landscape in all shapes and sizes. Truly a sight worth stopping for.
How are hoodoos formed?
First, a hoodoo begins as a flat mesa with multiple layers of hardened sediment. A middle soft middle layer of rock and a top hard layer make up the formation. The soft middle layer then starts to disintegrate faster than the top layer causing the hoodoo shape to form.
Just as quickly as hoodoos form, they also disappear. Erosion can occur at a rate of approximately 2-4 feet every 100 years or so.
The next generation may miss the chance to see these exact formations because these arid landscapes are always evolving. New hoodoos and canyons continue to come to life through the natural destruction of old ones.
Mother Nature might get a pass for her natural erosion of these rock features, humans do not. Please don’t disturb these delicate structures & be careful where you walk!
Please follow these Leave No Trace principles that apply.
Toadstool Hoodoos – Hiking Trails
The Google map at the end of the post shows the many unmarked trails just a mile off HWY 89. From the parking lot to the middle of the main area is only a 1-mile easy flat walk.
We found that this area was dog-friendly, perfect for our husky traveling with us. Tim and I brought her collapsable water bowl and opted for a long retractable leash that allowed her more room to explore.
Hiking trails forThe Wave and White Pocket are also near HWY 89 and House Rock Road. Note: the wave requires all visitors to have a permit which you can try for at this link here. I recommend reading my post about how we got lucky with our walk-up permits on our trip. White Pocket’s off-road trail and hiking area do not require a permit. However, a 4×4 vehicle will be needed to get there.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
An hour west of Utah’s Toadstool Hoodoos is Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. A day pass is $15 and gets you access to a sea of coral-colored sand! These sand dunes can be as old as 15,000 years old. You are also able to ride ATVs in this area.
For an additional fee, dog-friendly camping spots are available. We visited in November and the cool sand was perfect for allowing pepper to run around on.
In conclusion, when visiting the Kanab area, both the Toadstool Hoodoos and Coral Pink Sand Dunes are great options. I highly suggest putting them on your road trip itinerary in the future!
Explore Utah’s Toadstool Hoodoos
Length: Approx. 2-mile hike roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy
- Parking is limited at the Toadstool Hoodoos trailhead.
- Be cautious of the tall delicate rocks and do not touch them.
- Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park day pass fee is $15. Camping is available for additional fees. ATVs are permitted in 90% of the park.
- Always pack out all your trash and make sure to bring water especially if visiting with high temperatures.
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