April 30
White ROCKS Hoodoo Loop: The Ghosts of the Desert
If there’s a place in the Southwest that feels truly otherworldly, it’s the White Rocks Hoodoo Loop, tucked deep within the Grand Staircase-Escalante region near the Utah–Arizona border. Also known as the “White Ghosts,” these towering chalk-white hoodoos stand in haunting contrast to the surrounding red cliffs and blue sky. Getting there isn’t easy—you’ll need a high-clearance vehicle and a willingness to hike across remote terrain but the payoff is unforgettable.
The landscape here feels untouched, like something out of a dream. Slender hoodoos, some more than 20 feet tall, rise like ancient spirits from the cracked earth. Their white stone glows in soft light, especially during the golden hour when the desert begins to cool. This might be my favorite hikes in the area due to the unexpected formations, colors, challenging route finding and overall beauty. I had it all to myself.
About halfway on the loop I realized trail finding was going to be challenging. Partly due to going clockwise, it was difficult to see a safe way down the trail. And for much of the loop, the trail had no distinct path. This all added to the adventure and satisfaction of knowing I could do the problem solving. If I had to chose again, I’d go counterclockwise to be see the terrain above in a few key locations.