Wahweap Hoodoos: Nature’s Spectacular Rocks

Hoodoos are eye-catching rock formations that stand tall like thin spires in dry, desert areas. They’re usually made of soft rock with a harder layer on top, giving them that cool, totem pole look with a mix of thicknesses.

Toadstools are similar to hoodoos, but they have a chunk of hard rock on top, kind of like a mushroom. While both are super interesting, hoodoos tend to be taller and have more unique shapes because of how they’ve eroded over time.

The Wahweap Hoodoo Hike is a great way to check out these formations up close, with a mix of hoodoos and toadstools, each shaped by millions of years of nature doing its thing.

Before visiting the Wahweap Hoodoos, I recommend printing this handy map, courtesy of the Kane County Utah Office of Tourism. 

If coming from Page, AZ, head west on US-89 for 14 miles until you reach Big Water, Utah. Turn right onto Ethan Allen Street, the first road in Big Water, and continue north for 0.6 miles. Merge left onto Fish Hatchery Road, a gravel road, and follow it for 3.2 miles past the fish hatchery to reach the trailhead. Along the way, you’ll encounter a creek bed. If you prefer to avoid crossing the creek, you can drive 2.5 miles on Fish Hatchery Road instead of 3.2 and look for a pull-out along the side of the road before the creek. From there, follow the road to the trailhead until you start seeing the Wahweap Hoodoos appear.

If coming from Kanab, UT, drive east on US-89 for 57 miles until you reach Big Water, UT. Turn left onto Ethan Allen Street and continue north for 0.6 miles. Then, merge left onto Fish Hatchery Road, a gravel road. Follow Fish Hatchery Road for 3.2 miles past the fish hatchery to reach the trailhead. Along the way, you’ll encounter a creek bed. If you prefer to avoid crossing the creek, you can drive 2.5 miles on Fish Hatchery Road instead of 3.2 and look for a pull-out along the side of the road before the creek. From there, follow the road to the trailhead.

The hike to the Wahweap Hoodoos is about 10 miles roundtrip, and while there isn’t an official trail, it’s easy enough to follow the route through the wide, dry wash. Here’s how it breaks down:

• Start at the Trailhead: From the parking area, begin your hike by heading north into the dry wash. You’ll be walking on mostly flat, sandy terrain for the first few miles. There aren’t any signs, but the wash is wide and easy to follow.
  
• 3-Mile Mark: After about 3 miles, the canyon walls start to rise around you, and you’ll notice West Fork Wash coming in from the left. Continue north, sticking to the main Wahweap Creek, which is the same wash you’ve been following.
  
• Hoodoos Appear: About a mile past the West Fork Wash, the hoodoos start popping up on the left. This is where the magic happens! Take your time here—there are paths that lead you closer to the hoodoos, allowing you to explore them up close. Some of them are massive, towering structures that seem otherworldly.
  
• Explore: This is the highlight of the hike, so feel free to wander around the area, snapping photos and taking in the unique rock formations. Each hoodoo has its own character, and the whole area feels like a natural playground.
  
• Head Back: Once you’ve soaked it all in, just retrace your steps. Follow Wahweap Wash back the way you came, enjoying the easy, scenic walk back to the trailhead.

Though it’s a longer hike, the relatively flat terrain and stunning views make this a rewarding trek for all skill levels.