1. Introduction: Nature’s Sculpted Wonders
Tucked into the red desert landscape of Moab, Utah, hoodoos stand as dramatic rock spires crafted by time. These slender stone towers, often topped by darker capstones, resemble toadstools or fairy chimneys, creating a scenery that feels more mythical than natural.
In this guide, you’ll uncover:
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What hoodoos are and how they form
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Where to see Moab’s most iconic formations
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Best seasons, trails, and photography tips
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Nearby attractions and how the Hoodoo Moab hotel fits into the experience
2. Geology 101: How Hoodoos Form
Hoodoos are tall columns of rock with relatively soft sandstone at the base capped by harder, erosion-resistant stone—creating that slender pedestal look.
They evolve through a combination of:
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Differential erosion: softer rock erodes faster under hard capstones
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Frost wedging: repeated freeze-thaw cycles fracture the rock—particularly common in Utah winter climates
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Rain & acid dissolution: acidic precipitation slowly dissolves weaker layers, rounding and shaping each spire into its quirky form.
Though Bryce Canyon is most famous for hoodoos, Moab also showcases several collections, particularly within Arches National Park and along nearby trails.
3. Moab’s Hoodoos: Where to Explore
Arches National Park & Surroundings
While Arches is known chiefly for its arches, pockets of hoodoo-style formations appear in areas like Courthouse Towers and The Three Gossips. These columnar formations often catch visitors’ eyes along scenic overlooks or trail junctions.
Fisher Towers
Located just east of Moab, Fisher Towers are monumental sandstone towers capped with moenkopi sandstone. While technically climbing objectives, their corkscrew shapes are visually akin to hoodoos—rising hundreds of feet into the sky and popular among photographers and climbers alike.
Goblin Valley & Nearby Sites
About two hours west, Goblin Valley State Park contains thousands of hoodoo-like “goblins”: squat, mushroom-shaped stone pinnacles carved from Entrada sandstone. An immersive, almost playground-like experience for families and photographers.
4. Best Times to Visit & Weather Tips
Moab’s desert climate brings hot summers and cold winters. The best time to explore hoodoos is in spring (April–May) and fall (September–October), when temperatures are moderate and lighting conditions ideal for photography.
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Avoid midsummer midday light — shadows are harsh, and temperatures exceed 35°C
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Visit early morning or evening to capture warm, low-angle sun illuminating the spires
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Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and layers — elevations and shade vary rapidly along trails
5. Top Trails & Scenic Stops
Courthouse Towers View Area – Arches NP
These formations offer roadside viewpoints where you’ll spot slender hoodoo-like pinnacles against the sandstone cliffs. Short walks let you approach and frame them with dramatic foregrounds.
Fisher Towers Trail
A 4–5 hour moderate hike leads to the base of towering spires, offering both close-up geological study and sweeping views over the desert floor.
Goblin Valley Trails
Loop the informal trails through the goblin-covered valley. Freely explore the shapes—thanks to open roam policy—but always refrain from climbing and preserve their delicate structure.
6. Photography & Preservation Tips
When photographing or exploring:
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Use a wide-angle or zoom lens to emphasize height and scale
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Capture in golden hour (sunrise/sunset) for warm tones and dramatic shadows
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Respect rules: never climb, touch, or remove any rocks—especially hoodoos—since these structures can be fragile and may take thousands of years to form
7. Nearby Attractions Worth Exploring
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Arches National Park: Home to Delicate Arch and Double O Arch—just a few miles from many hoodoo spots
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Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky): Mesa Arch and Grand View Trail offer panoramic scenery just 40 minutes away
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Dead Horse Point State Park: Overlook offers sweeping views of the Colorado River canyon carved into sandstone mesas—ideal sunset destination
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Goblin Valley State Park: Unique hoodoo playground 2 hours west of Moab
8. Lodging Spotlight: Hoodoo Moab Hotel
For luxury lodging in Moab, the Hoodoo Moab Curio Collection by Hilton opened in 2019 and offers upscale amenities, fast Wi-Fi, pools, spa services, dining, and guided-activity assistance.
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Located minutes from Arches NP and many hoodoo viewpoints
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Stylish, geology-inspired interiors and on-property restaurants (e.g., Josie Wyatt’s)
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Ideal base for mountain biking, hiking, Jeep tours, climbing, and sunrise outings
9. Suggested Itinerary Sample
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Moab, evening stroll near Courthouse Towers viewpoints |
| 2 | Morning hike Fisher Towers, afternoon rest at Hoodoo Moab hotel pool |
| 3 | Day trip to Goblin Valley State Park, sunset shoot at Dead Horse Point |
| 4 | Explore Arches NP: Delicate Arch, Double O Arch trail, scenic drive |
| 5 | Canyonlands Island in the Sky and Mesa Arch at dawn |