Paria Rimrocks Toadstool Hoodoos

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Our guests enjoy this easy 1.6-mile round trip hike, only a fifteen-minute drive from Dreamkatchers Lake Powell Bed & Breakfast, guests have easy access to what Southern Utah has to offer. The Paria Rimrocks are an amazing collection of hoodoos, badlands, and other interesting rock formations found in the area located between the Cockscomb Fault and the southern section of Cottonwood Canyon Road just north of US 89.

The most easily accessible formation within Rimrocks is Toadstool Hoodoo—a spectacular mushroom-shaped rock spire that is accessed from the unmarked trailhead found along the north side of US 89 between mile marker 19 and 20. A toadstool is a spire-like feature with a boulder perched atop a pedestal of rock, like a mushroom—they form when softer rock erodes away, leaving a column sheltered from wind and water. To see this unique collection of such formations for yourself, turn into the dirt parking area and then walk through the hikers’ gate heading north into the wash—continue hiking within the meandering wash or follow the footpath that parallels the dry creek bed. The trail affords the hiker fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding scenery and on a macro level, excellent wildflower viewing including sego lily, yucca, and penstemon as it climbs through the colorful badlands.

Climb over a low badland and you will find yourself gazing upon the first set of toadstools in the hoodoo garden—among them, the Red Toadstool. Take your time exploring the Red Toadstool, and then feel free to wander about the rim discovering the other hoodoos found hidden within recessed areas of the cliffs.