Hiking The Toadstools - Outside Kanab UT
Toadstools, mushrooms, hoodoos whatever you want to call them is ok with me! This beautiful hike, located conveniently in between Kanab and Lake Powell, is a must do next time you are driving along HWY 89.
The Toadstools is a fun and easy hike with kids. The famous hoodoo/toadstool like formations have plenty of areas to run, play, and explore. This hike is the perfect way to get out some serious energy next time you are on your way to Lake Powell with kids.
My kiddos absolutely loved this hike.......and that is coming from kids who don't love to hike.....haha! We did this hike for the first time in March and then again 3 weeks later because it was so much fun. Running from toadstool to toadstool and playing hide and go seek kept my kiddos entertained for hours.
This is a hike that I had seen advertised a lot and had I known how easy and kid friendly the hike was I know I would have taken my kiddos much sooner.
LENGTH
1.5 miles round trip with very little elevation gain.
All the exploring will most likely add another half mile.....but whos counting when you are running from toadstool to toadstool.....haha! Depending on how long you explore at the end this hike can easily be done in under an hour.
DIFFICULTY
This trail has very little elevation gain and is ideal for younger kids or elderly hikers.
LOCATION
Located in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument 45 miles east of Kanab on HWY 89 and 12 miles west of Big Water. Click here for map & directions
GPS Coordinates(37.101310, -111.873169)
WHEN TO GO
We have only done this hike in February/March and it was a great time to go. I think the only time I would not recommend this hike is in the middle of summer from June-August......too hot!!!!!
There is no shade or water to play in so the heat would be brutal. If you go in the summer months go at sunrise or sunset.
TRAIL DETAILS
Located right along highway 89, there is a decent sized parking lot and a well-marked trailhead. You will follow the trail all the way back to an open area of Toadstools and rock formations.
Take plenty of time to climb, play and explore this vast open area and then continue on to the west for even more toadstools and some jaw-dropping views of the Paria River Valley. Make sure not to miss the 2nd section. We did the first time we went. It's hard to believe there is even more goodness! Return the way you came.
GOOD TO KNOW
There are no water fill stations or bathrooms in the area.
TIPS AND ADDITIONAL INFO
Best to go in the spring, fall, or winter due to no shade.
With time for plenty of exploring both times we did this hike we spent around 1-2 hours.
This is a great hike to check out if you are visiting Kanab, Lake Powell or driving along HWY 89.
There are no fees to do this hike.....yay!!!
Wear shoes with traction good for climbing on the rocks.
As always bring plenty of snacks, sunscreen, and water.
This is a dog-friendly trail.....yay!!!
Practice Leave No Trace principals. Do not mark on the rocks and pack it out!!!
Always practice Leave No Trace principals and leave the places you visit the way you found them. Better yet, bring a clean-up bag with you and leave it BETTER than you found it!
Another great family-friendly hike if you have the time is Wire Pass Trail. They are located about 40 minutes away from each other.
Happy Hiking,
Arika
