The Three Gossips

Overview

Three slender Entrada Sandstone spires, about 350 feet tall, line up like friends in conversation—hence the name. Set in the Courthouse Towers area, The Three Gossips is one of the park’s most recognizable silhouettes and an easy win if you’re short on time.

What You’ll See

From the roadside viewpoint you’ll get a classic profile of the trio, often framed with nearby Sheep Rock, The Organ, and Tower of Babel. The grouping looks almost human, which is exactly why photographers love it. For a closer perspective, some visitors drop into the wash on the east side for low-angle shots—slickrock can be slick, so step carefully.

Getting There & Access

Pull into the Courthouse Towers viewpoint along the main park road. From here, The Three Gossips is front and center without any real hiking required. A short wander toward the wash brings you closer, but it’s optional.

Photography Tips

• Best light is early morning or late afternoon when the spires glow and shadows add shape.
• After rain, shallow potholes can hold water and create mirror-like reflections.
• Common compositions include Sheep Rock to the right to tell the broader Courthouse Towers story.

Geology Snapshot

Carved from Jurassic-age Entrada Sandstone, the same stuff that builds many of the park’s arches and fins, these towers were sculpted by wind and water over millions of years. The anthropomorphic forms are part of what makes Courthouse Towers so striking.

Climbing Note

The Three Gossips has established technical routes and a mountaineering history, but it’s soft sandstone and not for beginners. Seasonal raptor nesting closures can apply; climbers should verify current restrictions before any attempt.

Best Time to Visit

Catch it at sunrise or late afternoon for flattering light and fewer harsh shadows. It’s a quick stop, so slot it between longer hikes—morning is usually more comfortable in hot months. After a storm, swing by for those rare reflection shots.

Practical Notes

Courthouse Towers has a paved pullout, parking, and vault toilets, but no water. Expect crowds in peak season and limited shade anywhere near the formation.