A toadstool is a spire-like feature with a boulder perched atop a pedestal rock, like a mushroom, or "toadstool." It forms when softer rock erodes away, leaving a column protected from wind and water.
Diana and I hiked this trail to an area where conditions were right for toadstool development.
It is just one of many things we found to do while waiting to win the Wave lottery in Kanab, or things to do if we didn't win.
The trail follows a wash between tall and colorful sandstone formations.
You can see old and new ripple marks in the different layers here.
The toadstools come into view ahead.
There are huge alcoves in the white rock behind the toadstools.
Diana in front of the first large toadstool we come to.
This illustrates how a toadstool is formed.
More toadstools and alcoves in the white cliffs.
Notice the toadstool with the leaning cap on top of the white cliff.
It looks like part of the capstone has broken off this toadstool.
People are climbing inside one of the alcoves for a photo op.
Diana and I explored in this direction.
We found a place to climb up and see over to the other side of the white cliffs.
On top.
Looking down the other side.
There's another toadstool way up there.
Looking back the way we came from the top of the white cliffs.
Back down by the alcoves.
Our selfie in front of some toadstools.
Some are tall and skinny...
Others are short and fat.
Siamese Twins
The tallest one may topple if it erodes much further.
Next we explored in the other direction.
That looks like one giant lizard over there on the white rock!
But on closer examination...
Looking down...
And looking up, there are more toadstools ahead.
Diana looking over the strange formations.
There is a deep wash below, and the water looks milky.
Continuing on...
Someone has built cairns atop these formations.
Ahead are some white toadstools.
Making our way through a forest of giant white toadstools.
Looking back.
An alcove with a toadstool on top.
Looking out from the alcove.
We're not sure if the smaller rocks on top occurred naturally or not.
Erosion under the capstone.
There are some astounding views of the valley from up here.
The trail out and back is 1.6 miles, but we walked quite a distance while out there too, probably 3 miles total.
Views of the Grande Escalante Staircase from Hwy 89 east of Kanab, Utah.
There are a lot of beautiful sites to see around Kanab, whether or not you get to hike the Wave.
