The Toadstools hike is a short, 1.6 mile, out-and-back hike located in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument in Utah. It’s a dog friendly hike but should be done early in the morning, especially when daytime temperatures are getting hot.
On our last trip to Utah, we spent the night on the shore of Lake Powell in Page, Arizona before crossing into Utah on our way to visit Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab. We just happened to notice the trailhead off to the right hand side as we were heading west, and decided to stop and check out the trail.
Things To See On The Toadstools Hike
The area features several unique mushroom shaped sandstone hoodoos and balanced rocks, along with some nice big alcoves where you can find some shade if you need to take a break from the heat. Just to the west of the toadstool formations, the trail leads to an overlook where you can look down onto the desert below. Much of the trail follows a dry creek bed, where you may see small lizards darting among the rocks and bushes. It was peak tourist season and we saw maybe a dozen other hikers, but during off-peak times, you may very well have the Toadstools hike all to yourself.
Tips For This Hike
Even though the Toadstools are a short hike away from the parking lot next to Hwy 89, you should be sure to bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen. There is very little shade on this hike, aside from a couple of deep alcoves along the cliff edge. Also, the hot ground can burn a dog’s foot pads, so avoid bringing your pet on very hot days. There are some cactus and thorny bushes, so wear good hiking shoes as well. Please make sure to keep your dog on a leash and to pick up after your pet. Dogs are required to be on a leash at all times in the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument.
There is a porta-potty in the parking lot beside the trailhead, which we found to be surprisingly clean.
Directions To The Toadstool Hike In Grand Staircase Escalante
From Kanab, UT: Go east on Hwy 89 for approximately 44 miles. Just after passing the Paria Contact Station, look for a wooden BLM sign for The Toadstools. The parking lot is on on the north side of the road.
From Page, AZ: Go west on Hwy 89 for approximately 27 miles and look for the BLM sign on the right.
Below is a short video that we made while hiking the Toadstools with our dog Stevie Ray in mid-June of 2021.
Also see the article How To Keep Your Dog From Getting Lost While Traveling.
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