Southern Utah and Arizona both are full of gems, a lot of places to visit, lot of things to see. The place I am going to talk about is from my last trip- the Wahweap hoodoos which are known as “white ghosts” due to their shape and pinnacle like structure. This unusual structure that is known as “hoodoo”, is basically a column of weathered rock. When a thick layer of soft rock is covered by a thin layer of hard rock, the shape is named as hoodoo. These white sandstone pinnacles may have started forming over 100 million years ago and these are the strangest geological sights I have ever seen. When I was standing near the formations, it felt like I am in the most strangest place on earth and if I wait longer, I may be able to see a T-Rex; blame it on all those science fiction movies!
These white sandstone hoodoos are located near Big water at the edge of Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument and are only accessible by hike. No vehicles are allowed after a certain point. Though we have seen some tracks which seemed like bike track, it’s illegal to take any vehicles in the wash. Please be mindful about it. The hike begins at the Nipple creek, the confluence of Coyote creek and Wahweap Creek. There are two parking lot; one is easily accessible by 2WD and to go to the other one, you have to cross a dry creek bed. Though we went during the winter month, still there was water on that creek. If it rains, it may be good idea to leave your vehicle in the first parking lot. We had a 4WD vehicle, so we moved to the second parking lot at the trailhead.
From the trailhead after walking around 0.5 mile, there is a hanging fence which you have to cross. Look for the gate at the beginning. We made a mistake and started walking by the side of the fence. After a while we had to turn back and look for the gate. There is no exact marked trail of this hike. The whole hike has no shade which means you have to hike under direct sunlight. For most of the part if you just follow the wide creek bed (towards north), you will reach the hoodoos. But I will recommend bringing a hand GPS and have the GPS track with you. Also, take a map with you in case if the GPS does not work. There is a good chance that you will see a very few people in this hike. I only saw two people in this whole hike. So, it’s better to go there well prepared. When you have walked around 3 miles, you will notice a change in the landscape; you will see the wall rising and the west fork wash will come in on the left. After crossing around 3.6-mile mark, you will be able to see the first set of the Wahweap hoodoos with brown caps on the left side.
After you cross the first set of hoodoos, just a quarter of mile north on the same side, there is second set of hoodoos. To reach there, try to avoid being close to the dense tamarisk and follow the creek bed. After a while (around 4 mile mark), you will be able to see the social trail that will lead you to a deep grotto with the second sets of hoodoos. If you continue couple of hundred feet towards the north (around 4.3 mile mark), there is another set of hoodoos; in my opinion these are the most beautiful and impressive ones. These are the hoodoos that are the most famous among the three. I have never seen anything this much white and any formation like this. The giant hoodoo, the soft sandstone spires, all the unusual rock formations has made the sight spectacular.
Though the hoodoos may look best during the early morning, the day we went was partly cloudy. So, we were able to see the white beautiful hoodoos with no harsh shadow. These enormous white hoodoos are formed due to the erosion of soft Entrada sandstone and they are very fragile. Please do not touch or climb around these delicate formations. We spent the most time near the third set of hoodoos. It took us total five hour to hike in, spend the time near the hoodoos, take pictures and then return back to the trailhead. To return to the trailhead, you have to follow the same path towards south.
At a glance:
Important coordinates:
Trailhead parking (1st one): 37.106117, -111.686767
Trailhead parking (2nd one, 4WD parking): 37.112817, -111.688483
Second sets of hoodoos: 37.160867, -111.712333
Third sets of hoodoos: 37.162483, -111.7118
Hike length: 9.2 mile out-and-back
Trail difficulty: easy, but you have to find the routes (route finding difficulty- moderate). Please bring a GPS and a map (highly recommended).
Elevation change: around 230 feet
Best time to go: March to November, though I prefer cooler months. It may get really hot during the summer.
Permit: permit or entrance fee is not required.
· Please be mindful about the hoodoos. No touching and no climbing.
· The whole hike has no shade. So, dress accordingly and wear sunscreen, hat. Take plenty of water. And please practice leave no trace.