Hoodoo

geology · erosion · rock formations

Soft rock towers. Hoodoos are super tall, thin spikes of rock that form when softer layers of stone get worn away by wind and rain, leaving behind dramatic columns that look like they're standing guard in the desert.

Hard rock hats. The trick that keeps a hoodoo standing is a cap of harder, tougher rock on top that protects the softer rock below from crumbling away too quickly.

Built by water and wind. These amazing shapes are carved out slowly over millions of years as rainwater, frost, and blowing sand gradually wear down the softer sedimentary and volcanic rocks.

Found in layers. Hoodoos form best in places where different kinds of rock are stacked on top of each other, like a geological sandwich with soft and hard layers taking turns.

Desert sculptors. You can see spectacular hoodoos in places like Bryce Canyon in Utah, where thousands of these spiky towers create an otherworldly landscape that looks almost like a fairy tale kingdom.