About Fantasy Canyon
Fantasy Canyon is one of Utah’s most unique and delicate destinations. With intricate rock formations, eroded by wind and rain over millions of years, the dramatic stone figures stand out from the many other rock formations in Utah’s southern wilderness. Only covering an area of a few acres, this miniature Canyon can be viewed and explored up-close on an easy loop trail spanning .6 miles.
Fantasy Canyon Geology
The stunning pinnacles, pillars, arches, and knobs that form Fantasy Canyon are formed from the sandstone layer formed from ancient river channel sediment deposits. Both the rock above and below the sandstone trapped the sandstone layer resulting in the classic badland topography found in and around the main Canyon.
Between 55 and 34 million years ago, the landscape where fantasy canyon currently resides was a vast subtropical lake know as Lake Uinta. At its peak, this lake extended from the Wasatch Plateau all the way to what is now western Colorado. This period known as the Eocene was a drying phase for Lake Uinta. As the lake contracted, long rivers formed depositing sand, silt and a large amount of clay from the nearby peaks and over millions of years solidified into the sandstone layer described above forming the Uinta Formation.
As the rock was eroded from the wind and rain, the different types of rock eroded at different rates. The softer rock such as mudstone and claystone were stripped back from the more durable sandstone leaving the strange and mysterious rock that remains today in Fantasy Canyon.
Despite the more durable sandstone remaining today it is still extremely fragile relative to other types of stone and breaks very easily. For this reason, if you’re planning a visit, we ask that you stay on the marked path within the Canyon and not touch the stone. This will help preserve this one of a kind natural treasure for future generations.
As a testament to just how delicate this Canyon is, one of the highlight formations in Canyon known as the “Teapot” collapsed in September 2006. While the reason for the Teapot’s collapse is unknown, it’s a sign of the fragility of Fantasy Canyon.
Getting There
By this point, you’re probably ready to see this incredibly cool Canyon for yourself. Below we’ve included some useful information to help you plan your own trip to this remote but stunning destination.
Fantasy Canyon is run by the Bureau of Land Management or BLM. The Canyon is remote, and we recommend visiting the BLM Field Office in Vernal for more up to date information.
Want to visit the BLM Field Office? Here’s some information that will help.
Address: 170 South 500 East, in Vernal
Phone: 435-781-4400
Directions
From Vernal, Utah U.S. Highway 40 until it curves southeast and then turns south onto Utah State Route 45. After having crossed the Green River, continue down the road roughly 13 miles, then turn right onto Glen Bench Road. There is a small BLM sign for Fantasy Canyon. Remember, this area is remote and can be difficult to navigate.
After turning right on Glen Bench Road continue driving .3 miles and veer left. Do not leave the paved road. After 13 miles on the paved road take a left onto the unpaved road known as Watson Road.
Warning: Before turning onto Watson Road, check weather conditions to avoid getting stuck. This road becomes impassable during bad weather.
Once you turn on to Watson Road, continue 2.4 miles before veering right. Then another .9 miles down the road turn right, then .5 miles cross Red Wash and turn left and then right another.6 miles to reach the last tenth of a mile stretch.
Warning: Avoid dirt roads when wet. These roads are dangerous, filled with potholes, washes and other hazards such as large trucks headed to nearby gas fields.
According to the BLM, Fantasy canyon also is home to pygmy rattlesnakes, and in the summer the Canyon is extremely hot and at times buggy.
Despite the warnings, Fantasy Canyon is an amazing place and worth the visit.
Where To Stay?
Despite being an easy day trip from Vernal, Utah, staying the night at Fantasy Canyon can be a powerful experience. with the exception of a few gas field operations in the distance there is nothing but beautiful wide-open wilderness and with it dark skies that are great for seeing the milky way. In the parking area, you will find a couple of campsites. These are free to use. However they are first come, first serve so make sure to get a campsite early if you plan on camping during prime season. If you’re not looking to camp Vernal is your best bet with plenty of hotel accommodations.
Admission & Fees
Fantasy Canyon is on BLM Land. That means it’s on public lands with no fees or cost to visit. Many people don’t understand that public lands are owned by the public for the public which means that all U.S. citizens collectively own this land. Despite that fact that there are no fees doesn’t mean that it doesn’t cost money to maintain. So please be respectful of all posted signs, rules and regulations and above all else, respect the landscape.
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