Toadstools Utah Overview
Located in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, the Toadstools are for sure worth a stop while you are your way to your next adventure. In my opinion, this is an “add on” stop and not a place you plan a day trip to visit.
The popular red toadstool seen in marketing materials and guidebook is the first one you will see once you are on the trail.
Toadstools in Utah Hikes
There is only one main trail in this area that takes you through unusual rock formations and a rock alcove at the end of the trail.
Toadstools in Utah Stats
Distance: The trail is .8 miles and 1.6 miles roundtrip.
Hiking Time: This is an easy trail and depending on much time you spend exploring the area, you should be able to hike in and out in approximately an hour.
Starting Elevation: 4,458′
Elevation Peak: 4,582′
Elevation Gain: The gain is approximately 120′
Toadstools in Utah Trail Information
Route Type: Out and Back (click here to read about Types of Hiking Trails)
Route Terrain: Sand and sandstone
Route Difficulty: Easy to hike
Accessibility: Easy to access as the trailhead is located immediately off of Highway 89.
Route Track: We did not run a track for this trail. When we return to the area we will run a track and upload to our site.
How to Get to the Toadstools in Utah
Directions
The trailhead for the Toadstool Hoodoos is located 45 miles east of Kanab, Utah, off U.S. Highway 89, just past mile marker 20 on the north side of the highway.
From Kanab, Utah: Drive east on Highway 89 for approximately 45 miles. Slow down when you pass the Paria Contact Station and watch for the BLM sign marked “The Toadstools.” Turn left into the parking area on the north side of the road, which is in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
From Page, Arizona: Drive west on Highway 89 for 27 miles. Look for the BLM sign and turn right into the parking area on the north side of the road.
Trailhead
The trailhead is easy to find off of Highway 89 and there is a sign-in book and sign before the trail starts.
GPS Coordinates
(37.101310, -111.873169)
Toadstools in Utah Weather
The information above is for Big Water, Utah from the NOAA.
Best Time of Year to Hike
The trail is open year-round.
The trail is exposed with no shade, so avoid going in the middle of the day during the summer.
The spring through fall are excellent times to hike here and based on the weather snapshots above, April and October are the perfect daily highs for me.
Best Time of the Day to Hike
The trail is open from sun up to sundown.
If you are visiting in the summer, consider going earlier in the day or as the sun is going down for the day.
RELATED ARTICLE >>>Hiking in the Heat, Tips to Stay Cool
What to Take to Toadstools in Utah
This is an easy hike so all I would recommend taking is the following
At least 1 liter of water
Snacks
Sun Protection
Hiking Poles
Permits and Fees
There is not a fee to visit the Toadstool in Utah.
Parking at the Toadstools in Utah
There is a small parking lot off of Highway 89, as seen in the photo above.
Restrooms at Toadstools in Utah
There are no restrooms at the trailhead or on the trail, so plan accordingly.
Kid-Friendly
This trail is very kid-friendly as it has very little elevation gain, easy trail to navigate, and there only a few drop-offs that can be easily avoided.
Dog-Friendly
Leashed dogs are welcome on the trail.
In the summer the sand and rocks will be very hot so grab some booties or go early in the morning or late at night to save the paws.
Wildlife
Along the trail, you may see Yucca, Sagebrush, and cryptobiotic patches.
Additional Photos
Transcription of the sign above:
A Bumpy Life
Cryptobiotic, or biological soil crusts, are the “bumps” in the sand pictured above.
– These crusts are a living web of organisms, a medley of lichen, fungi, and mosses.
– They benefit plants by absorbing water, adding nutrients, and stabilizing the soil.
– It takes years to build a crus like the one pictured above.
So… don’t bust the crust!
Toadstool Route Information
This route will lead you to an area of unusual rock formations and end at a stunning rock alcove.
The distance is .8 miles long one way, or 1.6 miles round trip.
Total gain in elevation is only 100 feet, but sandy soils can sap your strength.
Cell phone coverage is very limited here and throughout the region.
What is a Toadstool?
A toadstool is a spire-like feature with a boulder perched atop a pedestal rock, like a mushroom, or “toadstool.” It forms when softer rock erodes away, leaving a column sheltered from wind and water.
The route ahead leads to an area where conditions were right for toadstool development.
