Many people visit the national parks in Utah: Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Arches, Capitol Reef, and Zion; but The Toadstools at Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in southern Utah is a good stop to see some unusual rock formations and scenery — and perhaps escape the crowds.
The Toadstools At Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument In Utah
One small sign is the only indication that you have arrived at the Toadstools Trailhead — as well as a couple of portable toilets — so passing this spot is easy to do when driving at highway speeds along United States Highway 89.
Surrounding the trailhead area are small mountains and other formations…
…and their vibrant colors reveal layers of rock that have gradually built up — and yet eroded away — over eons.
Some of the views are majestic…
…while other views can be enchanting. The above photograph shows a beaut of a butte.
Although the hike between the trailhead and the Toadstool Hoodoos is approximately 1.6 miles round trip and is generally easy to navigate and moderate, some parts of the trail itself are uneven and sandy.
Looking back south towards the highway shows that the side of parts of the trail near the trailhead are naturally eroding, as you will be traveling through a wash towards the northern rim of a small canyon.
Some parts of the trail are at higher elevations; but the difference in elevation on the trail itself is only approximately 100 feet. The loose rocks and slippery sand can pose a potential threat to fall down a moderate slope and potentially cause injury.
Other parts of the trail are slanted at an angle. None of this is technically life-threatening; but rather these are just notes to take a few seconds of extra care and precautions when hiking towards The Toadstool Hoodoos.
Watch your head while hiking along this part of the trail, which leads north to an area where conditions were right for the development of toadstools.
Scenery of the landscape can be enjoyed along the way.
The first toadstool you will see is giant and red; and it is often the “face” or “representative” of the toadstools as seen in guidebooks and posters.
Avoid touching and climbing on these fragile formations.
A toadstool is a spire-like feature with a boulder perched atop a pedestal rock — like a mushroom or “toadstool” — which forms when softer rock erodes away and leaves a column that is sheltered from wind and water.
Look carefully and you will see other toadstools hidden in plain sight in unexpected places…
…such as this toadstool, which appears to be standing guard at the top of a rocky bluff, with stunning views of the Paria River Valley.
Final Boarding Call
The hike is about 1.5 miles round-trip, and is easy to moderate. Return the way you came.
Give yourself at least an hour to enjoy both the scenery along the trail and the toadstools themselves.
The Toadstools at Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Toadstool Hoodoos
The Toadstools Trailhead is located off Highway 89 approximately 45 miles east of 
Kanab and 12.1 miles west of Big Water in southern Utah.
No admission is charged to visit the toadstools; and the viewpoint is never closed to anyone who wants to visit it all year long. Other than two portable toilets, no facilities are available at the site itself. Complimentary parking is available in a small parking lot at the trailhead. The area is friendly for dogs to visit as well.
Please refer to the National Parks of Utah and Colorado: Itinerary and Master Guide article — which is still a work in progress — for links to other articles at The Gate With Brian Cohen which pertain to the national parks of Utah and Colorado.
All photographs ©2020 by Brian Cohen.
