Highlights
Enjoy the stunning desert scenery while hiking to balanced rock formations that resemble toadstools or capped mushrooms.
The Toadstools is a photographer's paradise — snapshots flaunt gorgeous formations and dazzling scenery.
Kids will love playing by the rocks and making up tales to go along with the forest of toadstools.
The Toadstool Hoodoos are an oft-overlooked and underrated adventure break in Kane County.
Toadstools in Grand Staircase Escalante
The Hike
The hike is about 1.5 miles round-trip and is easy to moderate.
To reach the Toadstools, head north along the trail from the trailhead, traveling through a wash towards the northern rim of a small canyon. The first toadstool you will see is giant and red, and often the "face" of the Toadstools as seen in the guidebooks and posters.
Continue past the red Toadstool, and you will find more patches of mushroom-like rocks along the trail. Towards the end, you will see a lone white stem with a red cap, alongside stunning Paria River Valley views. Past this scenic stop are even more toadstools. Return the way you came.
Toadstools in Grand Staircase Escalante
Things To Know
- The trailhead is off Highway 89, 45 miles east of Kanab and 12 miles west of Big Water.
- There are no fees to visit.
- The trail is open year-round.
- The area is dog-friendly.
- Avoid touching and climbing on these fragile formations.
When To Visit
- Spring and fall are generally good times to visit.
- Summer is hot and the whole hike is exposed, so avoid going during the middle of the day in the summer.
WHATS NEARBY
-
Bryce Canyon National Park
Less than an hour from East Zion are the Pansaugunt Plateau and Bryce Canyon, a series of rock amphitheaters cut into the plateau's edge. This 20-mile-long national park is a must-see in the East Zion area. It is an easy half-day experience that can be expanded to a full day.
-
Buckskin Gulch
One of the truly classic hiking trails in the United States, let alone the world, Buckskin Gulch swerves through a subterranean paradise for the senses. Attempt this visually arresting walk as a day trip or walk the 20 miles over four days.
-
Dixie National Forest
The Dixie National Forest is Utah's largest national forest, stretching 170 miles across Southern Utah. Red Canyon, one of the most spectacular colored cliff canyons in southern Utah, is located in the heart of the Dixie National Forest.
-
Glen Canyon Recreation Area and Lake Powell
Glen Canyon Recreation Area and Lake Powell are favorite regional spots to soak up the sun while water skiing, jet skiing or renting a houseboat. Relax and soak up the stunning scenery.
-
Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
This monument may be accessed through nearby Glendale, Utah, on the Glendale Bench Road, and is minutes away from the East Zion area. The Grand Staircase is a vast compilation of canyons, plateaus, and unique formations waiting to be explored. Dirt roads are the primary access into this area, so check road conditions and bring plenty of food, water, and appropriate back-country gear and supplies.
-
Things to Do in Zion National Park
If it isn't abundantly obvious, Zion National Park is the top attraction in Springdale, and you can even grab the park's multi-passenger shuttle from several stops in the town to avoid traffic congestion at the park's entrance. The park features spectacular outdoor recreation, including the iconic hikes of Angel’s Landing and The Narrows. Also, don't miss the Zion-Mt—Carmel scenic drive. The distinctive red asphalt leads to the narrow 1.1-mile tunnel, a triumph of 1920s engineering, the trailhead to the Canyon Overlook, and further east to a junction with historic U.S. 89
Utah’s Unexpected Pit Stops
You’re doing it wrong if you think road trip pit stops are boring layovers on your way to more exciting destinations. How many of these hidden gems have you been to? Here are 11 mini-adventures to check off your list next time you’re road-tripping through Utah.
