Photo: TRONG NHAN LE
Photo: Traci Ratzlaff
Photo: Dr Elaine Jeffers
Toadstool Hoodoos
★4.7(1,139 reviews)FreeAdventure
🕑 2.5-3.5 hours👶 Best for ages 6 and up. The 4-mile distance and moderate terrain are ideal for elementary-aged children who have some hiking experience. Younger kids (4-5) with strong stamina can manage it with breaks, but it may be too long for toddlers.🧡 Saved by 16 families
About
The Toadstool Hoodoos trail offers families an otherworldly hiking adventure through unique mushroom-shaped rock formations that kids will find absolutely magical. This moderate 4-mile out-and-back trail showcases dramatic red and white striped hoodoos that look like something from a fantasy movie, making it an exciting introduction to desert hiking for adventurous families.
Highlights
- ✓Mushroom-shaped hoodoos with vibrant red and white striped layers that look like giant toadstools
- ✓Easy-to-follow trail with minimal elevation gain, perfect for building kids' hiking confidence
- ✓Incredible photo opportunities among the unique rock formations
- ✓Remote desert landscape that feels like exploring another planet
- ✓Wildlife spotting opportunities including lizards, rabbits, and desert birds
Pro Tips
- 1.Start early in the morning (around sunrise) to avoid intense desert heat and catch the best lighting for photos of the colorful hoodoos
- 2.Bring at least twice as much water as you think you'll need,there's zero shade on this exposed trail
- 3.The trailhead parking is small and fills quickly on weekends; arrive before 8am or after 4pm for better availability
- 4.Let kids bring a small magnifying glass to examine the fascinating striped rock layers and fossil deposits up close
- 5.Download offline maps beforehand as cell service is unreliable in this remote area between Kanab and Page
Best Time to Visit
Visit during spring (March-May) or fall (September-November) for comfortable temperatures. Early morning hours (6-9am) offer cooler temps and gorgeous lighting that makes the red and white rocks glow. Avoid summer midday when temperatures can exceed 100°F.
What to Know
This is a free, undeveloped trail with no facilities, so bring all water, snacks, and supplies. The trailhead is located on a dirt road about 9 miles from Highway 89, accessible by most vehicles in dry conditions but potentially impassable when wet.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round, but summer (June-August) brings extreme heat unsuitable for family hiking. Winter can be lovely but check weather as snow/ice occasionally occurs. Spring wildflowers add extra color to the landscape. Flash flood danger exists during monsoon season (July-September).
Nearby Eats
Stop at Rocking V Cafe in Kanab (about 17 miles away) for creative, kid-friendly fare including pizza and burgers, or grab provisions at Honey's Marketplace before heading to the trailhead.
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