The Pharaohs of the Fremont

A Walk Like an Egyptian
Nestled at the base of the Henry Mountains, Little Egypt is a surreal collection of red-and-white banded hoodoos. These weathered sandstone "gnomes" resemble ancient ruins and tiny pyramids, earning this hidden canyon its regal name.
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Little Egypt
A miniature kingdom of stone.

Little Egypt

Little Egypt is a geologic marvel located south of Hanksville, where the Entrada Sandstone has been sculpted into a playground of bizarre, rounded formations. Unlike the towering monoliths of Capitol Reef, the hoodoos here are stout, colorful, and densely packed, creating the illusion of a miniature city or a royal Egyptian tomb complex. The striking horizontal bands of red and white siltstone give the area a "candy-striped" appearance that is a dream for landscape photographers.

Because it is tucked away off the main highway and lacks official park status, Little Egypt offers a quiet, intimate experience. There are no paved paths or fences; instead, visitors are free to wander through the labyrinth of stone pillars and "mushrooms" at their own pace. It is a place of tactile beauty, where millions of years of erosion are visible in every stripe of the sandstone, offering a silent sanctuary away from the more crowded desert attractions.

Things to Do
Curated Experiences

The Gnomes of the Desert

Explore the striped labyrinth of the San Rafael Swell.
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Hoodoo Hide-and-SeekWander through the "Egyptian" pillars and find hidden alcoves tucked behind the red-and-white banded stone.
The Candy-Stripe ShootCapture the vibrant horizontal banding of the Entrada Sandstone, which glows with deep oranges and bright whites at sunset.
Picnic in the PillarsEnjoy a remote lunch surrounded by the "statues" of the Pharaohs in one of the desert’s most quiet and scenic corners.
Macro TexturesFocus your lens on the intricate weathering patterns and "popcorn" dirt that surround the base of these ancient formations.

Things To Do in Little Egypt

Little Egypt is an easily accessible BLM site that offers a great "bang-for-your-buck" experience without a long hike.

  • Family-Friendly Exploration: Because the area is compact and relatively flat, it is one of the best spots in the region for families and children to explore safely.

  • Photography: To get the best color saturation, visit during the late afternoon. The low sun hits the white bands and makes the red layers appear as deep as mahogany.

  • Geologic Comparison: While often compared to Goblin Valley, Little Egypt’s formations are generally more colorful and less crowded, providing a much more peaceful atmosphere for exploration.

Logistics

Know Before
You Go

Little Egypt is open year-round and is located just off Highway 95. The site is primitive; there are no restrooms, water stations, or trash cans. Please practice "Leave No Trace" principles and avoid climbing directly on the fragile hoodoos, as the sandstone is soft and easily damaged.
Fees There are no entrance fees to visit Little Egypt, and parking is located right next to the formations.
Weather The short access road is gravel and typically passable for all vehicle types in dry weather. However, the area is prone to flash flooding in the nearby washes, and the dirt can become muddy after rain. Summer temperatures can be high, but the small size of the site makes it a quick and rewarding stop.

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