Use Your Imagination At Utah’s Fantasy Canyon To See Mystical Creatures In The Unique Rock Formations

We're pretty lucky to live in Utah, where the landscape is diverse and unique. From our soaring mountains and alpine lakes to our endless vistas over valleys of red rock, the beauty of the Beehive State never fails to delight and amaze. There's one spot here that stirs the imagination of everyone who visits. Check out Fantasy Canyon, one of the best rock formations in Utah:

You'll find Fantasy Canyon 40 miles south of Vernal.

To reach the canyon, take UT-45 for about 25 miles, then drive along an oil company service road and follow the signs to the canyon.

Compared to some of Utah's other places with rock formations, this canyon is pretty small - just 10 acres - but it's very special. You won't see formations like this elsewhere.

These rock formations are remnants of Lake Uinta, a huge lake that covered hundreds of miles around 50 million years ago. Fantasy Canyon is located on what was once the eastern shores of the half-mile-deep lake.

Deposits of sand and silt built up along the shores, and when the lake dried up, erosion wore away the softer rock, leaving these magnificent formations of sandstone.

Wander through the canyon to get a look at these strange formations, and use your imagination to see all kinds of creatures.

You might see a flying witch...

...a bear...

...and a host of other animals.

The BLM has a map to help you find other named rock formations, but you can always study these and come up with your own interpretation.

You can find castles, aliens, fantastical creatures, and all kinds of people and animals if you try.

The rock formations here have survived for millions of years, but they're still very fragile. Keep your hands to yourself as you explore - the slightest touch can cause the sandstone to crumble.

Don't climb up these rock formations! You could cause them to crumble, and also injure yourself. Keep a close eye on your children, and teach them how to show respect for this fragile environment.

When visiting Fantasy Canyon, make sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the elements. It's a remote location, so you'll want to be prepared.

Pygmy rattlesnakes call this canyon home, so watch where you step!

Learn more about Fantasy Canyon on the Bureau of Land Management's website, and if you love checking out Utah's interesting geology, you should also visit the 9,915 acres of rock formations at Goblin Valley.