Wahweap Hoodoos
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Wahweap Hoodoos

4.3
·31 reviews·, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant temps, less sun exposure

CrowdMedium
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Wahweap Hoodoos

Wahweap Hoodoos

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant temps, less sun exposure

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.3
(31 reviews)

"These hoodoos are otherworldly and you can see them in Utah."

Vertical photo
TIP

🥾 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Otherworldly Hoodoos

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

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

Winter Wonderland

Entire trail

Experience rare waterfalls and hoodoos peeking through snow for a magical winter desert hike.

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Planning Your Visit

Prepare for a Long Desert Trek

The Wahweap Hoodoos hike is a significant undertaking, typically 9-10 miles round trip. It's primarily a walk through a dry wash, meaning no shade and potentially soft sand or rocks. Plan for a full day and bring ample water, especially if visiting during warmer months.

Best Footwear and Timing

Sturdy hiking boots are essential for navigating the rocky and sandy terrain of the wash. While beautiful year-round, avoid this hike in the peak summer heat due to the lack of shade. Early mornings or late afternoons in spring and fall offer the most comfortable hiking conditions.

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall mornings
Why
Pleasant temps, less sun exposure
Crowd
Medium
When
Winter
Why
Unique snow formations, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Wahweap Hoodoos Big Water, Utah #retiredlife #utah #bestofutah #beautiful #cool #breathtaking #hike #explore #nature #tatooine #geonosis #utahgeology #hoodoos #wahweap #desert
jump_ball
84 likes • 1.9K views

🥾 Sturdy Hiking Boots Needed

The trail is a wash with rocks and sand. Good soles are crucial for comfort and stability. TikTok

💧 Carry Plenty of Water

No shade on this 9-10 mile hike. Hydration is key, especially in warmer weather. Reddit

Wahweap Hoodoos Trail, UTAH! Near Kanab & Big Water. Also referred to as “White Ghost Hoodos.” Experience an OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD hike in southern Utah. The unique white sandstone and towering rock formations look like something from another planet and will leave you speechless! 10.46 mile round trip trek might be a bit challenging, but every step is worth it for these surreal views! 436’ Elevati...
apriltravelsutah
10.8K likes • 309.1K views
✨To say it’s mesmerising is an understatement! These hoodoos are otherworldly and you can see them in Utah.✨⁣ ⁣ 📍 Wahweap Hoodoos; Big Water, Utah ⁣ 🥾 9.2 miles out and back⁣ 💪🏼 Easy-Moderate ⁣ 📆 Best time to visit is September - mid June⁣ 🐶 Dogs are welcome⁣ ⁣ —> Save and share with your adventure buddy.⁣ —>Put it on your bucket list. ⁣ ⁣ ❗️Do not climb or bump these formations. They are frag...
hello_vikka
1.1K likes • 14.6K views

☀️ Avoid Summer Heat

The lack of shade makes this hike challenging and potentially dangerous in summer. Reddit

🐾 Dog-Friendly Trail

Leashed dogs are welcome on the Wahweap Hoodoos trail, making it a great option for pet owners. Instagram

Wahweap Hoodoos, white ghost area. . . . . . #exploreutah #naturalutah #wowutah #hoodoo #vermillioncliffs #earthoutdoors #yournationalparks #utahisbeautiful #intothewild #getoutside #lensbible #utah #utahillustrated #youmustsee #utahisrad #utahlife #igutah #artofdestinations #geomorphological_landscapes #hikingbangers #wondermore #adventurenthusiasts #visitutah #utahgram #utahunique #geomorpholog...
luisramirezphotos
425 likes • 2.1K views

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. TikTok

💧 Carry Plenty of Water

No shade on this 9-10 mile hike. Hydration is key, especially in warmer weather. Reddit

☀️ Avoid Summer Heat

The lack of shade makes this hike challenging and potentially dangerous in summer. Reddit

🐾 Dog-Friendly Trail

Leashed dogs are welcome on the Wahweap Hoodoos trail, making it a great option for pet owners. Instagram

✨ Respect Nature

Leave no trace and be mindful of the delicate desert environment. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(31 reviews)

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

Otherworldly hoodoo formations
Unique desert hike
Interesting side canyons

What People Dislike

Long, sandy trail
No shade
Potential for difficult conditions

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. Instagram 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. Instagram 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. Reddit

The Wahweap Hoodoos are located near Big Water, Utah, and are also accessible from Page, Arizona. Instagram+1

Parking is available at the trailhead, often described as a 4WD parking lot, especially when accessing from the south via Nipple Creek Road. Instagram

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

There are generally no entrance fees associated with hiking to the Wahweap Hoodoos. It's a natural, undeveloped area. Reddit

As an outdoor natural area, Wahweap Hoodoos are accessible at any time. However, hiking during daylight hours is strongly recommended for safety. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

🎫 🧭 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. InstagramReddit

The hike typically takes 4-5 hours round trip, depending on your pace and how much time you spend exploring the hoodoos. Reddit

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. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

Wear sturdy hiking boots, comfortable clothing suitable for the weather, and sun protection (hat, sunscreen). Layers are recommended as desert temperatures can fluctuate. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Early morning or late afternoon light provides the most dramatic and flattering illumination for photographing the hoodoos. Golden hour can create stunning shots. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

Their unique, otherworldly appearance, the stark desert landscape, and the way light plays on their sculpted surfaces make them incredibly photogenic. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Wahweap Hoodoos hike is a long one (9-10 miles round trip), which can be challenging for younger children. If you do decide to tackle it with kids, start very early to avoid the heat and carry significantly more water than you think you'll need. Reddit The sandy and rocky terrain can also be tiring for little legs. Consider it an adventure for older, more experienced hikers who can handle the distance and desert conditions. Instagram

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. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Wahweap Hoodoos is an excellent destination for budget travelers as it's a free natural attraction with no entrance fees. Reddit The main costs will be transportation to the area and any supplies you need, such as water and snacks. Instagram Since it's an undeveloped area, you won't incur costs for facilities or guided tours unless you opt for them independently. Reddit

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. Instagram 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

Wahweap Hoodoos offers a unique photographic playground with its otherworldly rock formations and stark desert beauty. Instagram+1 The best times for photography are during the golden hours – sunrise and sunset – when the soft light casts dramatic shadows and highlights the textures of the sandstone. Instagram Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur of the hoodoos and the vastness of the landscape, and consider a telephoto lens for isolating interesting details or patterns. Instagram

Don't just focus on the main hoodoo formations; explore the side canyons for intricate rock textures, patterns, and unique geological features. Reddit 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. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Geology of Wahweap Hoodoos

The Wahweap Hoodoos, also known as the White Ghost Hoodoos, are a spectacular example of erosion shaping desert landscapes. These formations are primarily composed of Navajo Sandstone, a rock layer formed from ancient sand dunes. Over millions of years, wind, water, and ice have sculpted these soft sandstone layers into the unique, towering shapes we see today. The process involves differential erosion, where harder, more resistant caprock protects the softer sandstone beneath from wearing away as quickly, leading to the characteristic mushroom-like or spire-like forms. TikTokInstagram

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. Reddit

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. TikTok 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

The hike to the Wahweap Hoodoos is an adventure in itself, covering approximately 9 to 10.4 miles round trip. The trail is essentially a walk through a dry wash, which means it's mostly flat but can involve navigating soft sand, loose rocks, and uneven terrain. InstagramReddit While the lack of significant elevation gain makes it less strenuous in terms of climbing, the distance and the conditions underfoot require good stamina and appropriate footwear. Reddit

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. Reddit 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. Instagram

Despite the challenges, the journey through the wash is often described as interesting, with opportunities to explore side canyons and admire the desert landscape. Reddit The reward at the end – the magnificent hoodoos – makes the effort worthwhile for many visitors, who describe the experience as breathtaking and otherworldly. Instagram+1

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