Hoodoo Basin, Geological basin in Park County, Wyoming, US
Hoodoo Basin is a geological basin near Yellowstone National Park marked by distinctive limestone columns that rise 5 to 7 meters high across the landscape. These pillars formed through slow erosion processes and create an intricate pattern of rock formations.
The limestone pillars formed over millions of years as water and weather slowly shaped the rock into its current state. This natural process began far before human presence and continues to alter the landscape.
The rock formations here held meaning for the Blackfoot and Cree peoples, who incorporated them into their own stories and understanding of the land. This cultural layer remains part of how visitors experience the landscape today.
Reaching this basin requires solid hiking experience and proper preparation, as the trails are remote and demanding. Start early in the day, bring plenty of water and food, and be ready for steep sections and changing weather.
The trail to this basin climbs steeply right from the start, testing visitors' endurance before they even reach the rock formations. This demanding opening section filters out casual hikers and rewards those committed to the journey.
Location: Park County
GPS coordinates: 44.71522,-109.85324
Latest update: December 6, 2025 19:09
Rock pillars and spires shaped by erosion stand as natural monuments across various locations worldwide. These geological structures, known as hoodoos, display different colors and shapes based on their mineral composition and environmental conditions. From the red rocks of Utah to the limestone formations of Turkey, these sites present geological formations created over millions of years through wind and water erosion. These formations develop through differential erosion, where softer rock layers erode faster than harder layers, leaving slender columns often capped with protective harder rock. Visitors find such structures in desert landscapes, canyons, and plateaus where conditions favor their formation and preservation. The color palette ranges from white to orange, red, and gray, depending on the minerals present such as iron oxide, limestone, or clay.
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