If you’ve spent much time exploring the Beehive State, you know that it’s full of interesting rock formations. From the iconic Delicate Arch to the whimsical, other-worldly hoodoos at Goblin Valley State park, there are plenty of odd but interesting natural wonders to be found here. Near Kanab, you’ll find some really unique hoodoos that many Utahns have never seen. Check out these white ghosts:
The Wahweap Hoodoos are unlike most of the hoodoos that you’re familiar with in Utah. Instead of deep, rich shades of red and orange, these hoodoos are a ghostly white. They’re located on the edge of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and most Utahns have never seen them.
John Fowler/flickr
To reach the hoodoos, you’ll take a trail through some of Utah’s most desolate landscape. The trail is 9.2 miles out and back, and the journey there and back takes most people about five hours.
Sam Karson/flickr The trail starts near the town of Big Water. From the Big Water Visitor Center, take Ethan Allen Road until you come to a “T” in the road, then turn right. Drive on the gravel road past both fish hatcheries for a few miles. When you reach Wahweap Creek, park on the side of the road to begin your hike. If you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, you can cross the creek and drive another third of a mile before you start your hike.
The trail follows the creek bed, which is dry for most of the year…
Sam Karson/Alltrails
…but in the springtime, you’ll find water flowing here. It can be quite muddy and slippery, so it’s best to wait to hike this trail until the creek bed is mostly dry.
Leeza Todacheene/Alltrails
About two miles into your hike, you’ll see the hoodoos in the distance. You’ll reach the first area of white rock at around 2.3 miles…
Trevor Huxham/flickr
…then you’ll come to the hoodoos themselves. There are a few different coves along the trail where these magnificent white ghosts stand proudly.
Richard Schneider/flickr
You’ll notice that many of the hoodoos have flat caps balanced on their tops. Those caps are Dakota sandstone, which is 100 million years old! The white pinnacle beneath is made of 160-million-year-old Entrada sandstone.
Henrik Johansson/flickr The Entrada sandstone was softer than the Dakota sandstone, so over millions of years the Entrada sandstone was worn away, leaving just a pinnacle.
These white ghosts are otherworldly! If you make this trek, bring your camera along. The juxtaposition of the stark, white hoodoos against a bright, blue sky is absolutely stunning.
Trevor Huxham/flickr Remember if you take this trail to practice Leave No Trace principles. Please don’t climb on the hoodoos or sandstone, and pack out anything you pack in. You’ll want to carry plenty of water with you on this hike - it’s hot and dry, and completely sun-exposed.
Have you made the trek to see the Wahweap Hoodoos? Tell our readers about your adventure!
John Fowler/flickr
Sam Karson/flickr
The trail starts near the town of Big Water. From the Big Water Visitor Center, take Ethan Allen Road until you come to a “T” in the road, then turn right. Drive on the gravel road past both fish hatcheries for a few miles. When you reach Wahweap Creek, park on the side of the road to begin your hike. If you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, you can cross the creek and drive another third of a mile before you start your hike.
Sam Karson/Alltrails
Leeza Todacheene/Alltrails
Trevor Huxham/flickr
Richard Schneider/flickr
Henrik Johansson/flickr
The Entrada sandstone was softer than the Dakota sandstone, so over millions of years the Entrada sandstone was worn away, leaving just a pinnacle.
Remember if you take this trail to practice Leave No Trace principles. Please don’t climb on the hoodoos or sandstone, and pack out anything you pack in. You’ll want to carry plenty of water with you on this hike - it’s hot and dry, and completely sun-exposed.
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