
Wahweap Hoodoos
Hike through a desert wash to discover otherworldly white sandstone hoodoos, a truly unique geological wonder in Utah.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temps, less sun exposure

Wahweap Hoodoos
Best Time
Pleasant temps, less sun exposure

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike through a desert wash to discover otherworldly white sandstone hoodoos, a truly unique geological wonder in Utah.
"These hoodoos are otherworldly and you can see them in Utah."

🥾 Sturdy Hiking Boots Needed
The trail is a wash with rocks and sand. Good soles are crucial for comfort and stability.
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
No shade on this 9-10 mile hike. Hydration is key, especially in warmer weather.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Otherworldly Hoodoos
End of the wash
Towering white sandstone formations that resemble something from another planet. A truly unique geological wonder.

Exploring Side Canyons
Along the wash
The journey through the dry wash offers opportunities to explore fascinating side canyons with interesting rock features.

Winter Wonderland
Entire trail
Experience rare waterfalls and hoodoos peeking through snow for a magical winter desert hike.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for a Long Desert Trek
Best Footwear and Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Boots Needed
The trail is a wash with rocks and sand. Good soles are crucial for comfort and stability.
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
No shade on this 9-10 mile hike. Hydration is key, especially in warmer weather.
☀️ Avoid Summer Heat
The lack of shade makes this hike challenging and potentially dangerous in summer.
🐾 Dog-Friendly Trail
Leashed dogs are welcome on the Wahweap Hoodoos trail, making it a great option for pet owners.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Boots Needed
The trail is a wash with rocks and sand. Good soles are crucial for comfort and stability.
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
No shade on this 9-10 mile hike. Hydration is key, especially in warmer weather.
☀️ Avoid Summer Heat
The lack of shade makes this hike challenging and potentially dangerous in summer.
🐾 Dog-Friendly Trail
Leashed dogs are welcome on the Wahweap Hoodoos trail, making it a great option for pet owners.
✨ Respect Nature
Leave no trace and be mindful of the delicate desert environment.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the otherworldly beauty of the Wahweap Hoodoos, describing the hike through the wash as a unique desert adventure. While the 9-10 mile trek can be challenging due to sand and lack of shade, the stunning geological formations at the end are consistently praised as a rewarding sight. Some note that the trail conditions might be difficult in wetter seasons.
"Fun hike in the winter and the hoodoos at the end were great. Trail is just the river bed so not sure how that would go in spring. About 5 miles to the end and took us 4.5 hours round trip."
Nathan Northcutt
"This is a 9 mile round trip hike through a flat wash area. We hiked in March, temperatures 50 -60s. Easy hike under these conditions. Delightful!
However, not shaded and if hotter temps, please carry water!
Please be respectful of the natural wonders! Leave them undisturbed for others to enjoy!"
Tammy
"10 miles round trip, little elevation gain, maybe 300 feet."
Amble Along
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
There are two main access points. One is from Big Water, Utah, via Nipple Creek Road, followed by a 4.5-mile hike up the wash. Another access is from the west via a dirt road.
Always check local conditions for road accessibility.Some access points involve dirt roads, and a 4WD vehicle might be recommended or necessary depending on the route and recent weather.
It's wise to check with local resources before heading out.While kayaking is an option for accessing parts of the canyons near Page, Arizona, it's not the primary method for reaching the Wahweap Hoodoos themselves, which involves hiking.
The Wahweap Hoodoos are located near Big Water, Utah, and are also accessible from Page, Arizona.
Parking is available at the trailhead, often described as a 4WD parking lot, especially when accessing from the south via Nipple Creek Road.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, typically no permit or ticket is required to hike to the Wahweap Hoodoos, as it's an undeveloped area. However, always check for any local advisories or changes.
There are generally no entrance fees associated with hiking to the Wahweap Hoodoos. It's a natural, undeveloped area.
As an outdoor natural area, Wahweap Hoodoos are accessible at any time. However, hiking during daylight hours is strongly recommended for safety.
While not as common as for Antelope Canyon, guided tours might be available from local outfitters in the Page or Kanab area. It's worth inquiring locally if you prefer a guided experience.
The primary access to the hoodoos involves a significant hike (9-10 miles round trip). Shorter approaches might exist but are often less direct or require specific vehicle access.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The trail is a 9-10 mile round trip hike through a flat, dry wash. It's characterized by sand, rocks, and occasional side canyons, with no shade.
The hike typically takes 4-5 hours round trip, depending on your pace and how much time you spend exploring the hoodoos.
The hike has minimal elevation gain, making it physically less demanding in terms of climbing. However, the length and sandy terrain can make it challenging.
There are no facilities or restrooms directly at the Wahweap Hoodoos. You'll need to use facilities at your starting point or pack out all waste.
Wear sturdy hiking boots, comfortable clothing suitable for the weather, and sun protection (hat, sunscreen). Layers are recommended as desert temperatures can fluctuate.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon light provides the most dramatic and flattering illumination for photographing the hoodoos. Golden hour can create stunning shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the hoodoos and the surrounding landscape. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details.
The main hoodoo formations themselves are the primary subjects. Exploring the different angles and the surrounding rock formations in the side canyons offers diverse photographic opportunities.
Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or local authorities regarding drone usage in this area to ensure compliance.
Their unique, otherworldly appearance, the stark desert landscape, and the way light plays on their sculpted surfaces make them incredibly photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Alternatively, if you're looking for a shorter, more accessible desert experience near Page, consider Horseshoe Bend or Antelope Canyon tours (which require advance booking). These offer stunning scenery with less strenuous effort, making them more suitable for families with young children.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save money, pack your own food and plenty of water for the hike. Consider camping at nearby BLM campgrounds or finding affordable lodging in Kanab or Page. The hike itself is a significant adventure that costs nothing but your time and effort, making it a fantastic value for those looking to experience Utah's unique landscapes without breaking the bank.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't just focus on the main hoodoo formations; explore the side canyons for intricate rock textures, patterns, and unique geological features. The desert environment itself, with its subtle colors and textures, provides ample opportunities for creative shots. Remember to protect your gear from sand and dust, and always be mindful of the fragile desert ecosystem when composing your shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology of Wahweap Hoodoos
The surrounding area also features numerous side canyons that offer a glimpse into the ongoing geological processes. These canyons are carved by flash floods, which are common in the desert environment. Exploring these smaller canyons can reveal intricate patterns and smaller-scale erosional features, adding another layer of geological interest to the hike.
Visitors often compare the landscape to alien planets like Tatooine or Geonosis from Star Wars, highlighting the truly unique and otherworldly nature of these geological formations. The stark beauty and unusual shapes make Wahweap Hoodoos a must-see for geology enthusiasts and anyone fascinated by the power of natural forces.
Hiking the Wahweap Hoodoos Trail
One of the most significant aspects of this hike is the complete lack of shade. This makes it crucial to plan your visit for cooler parts of the day or year and to carry an ample supply of water. Dehydration is a serious risk, especially during warmer months. Many hikers recommend starting early in the morning to make the most of the cooler temperatures and to allow plenty of time for the trek and exploration at the end.
Despite the challenges, the journey through the wash is often described as interesting, with opportunities to explore side canyons and admire the desert landscape. The reward at the end – the magnificent hoodoos – makes the effort worthwhile for many visitors, who describe the experience as breathtaking and otherworldly.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit