Fantasy Canyon

Out in the Desert, not far from Vernal is the most unusual, most unique, more awe inspiring group of unearthly formations. Seriously these rock formations should not exist in our world, but they do and they are all condensed in the very cool Fantasy Canyon. There are windows, arches, twisted pinnacles, wavy walls and a slew of goblin like formations. It is definitely one of the most unique places I have ever been. The entire area is only about 10 acres and the trail is only 6/10’s of a mile, but there is so much to see that you will likely need a least an hour. Also plan on about an hour travel distance each way as the last 4.4 miles is on a very bumpy dirt road. Our little car made it okay, although very shaky and bumpy. If I had a truck I would have been much happier. Also watch out for oil and gas trucks! We got lucky and didn’t see any today.

Quick Details:

Length: .06 mile loop. We did it twice.
Difficulty: DR3 super easy.
Elevation Gain: Not much, 10 – 20 feet tops.
Restroom: There is a pit toilette at the parking lot.
Dogs? I am not sure.
Other Info:Keep an eye out for pygmy rattlesnakes. Also, this is in the desert. Bring plenty of water and dress appropriately.
These formations are extremely delicate. Please stay on the trail and do not touch.

To Get Here:

This is about 30 miles south of Vernal out in a confusing mess of oil rig roads. I recommend stopping by the Vernal BLM office in town. They can provide you with a current up to date map, give you directions, and answer any questions. They were really friendly and informative.

BLM Office.

Crossing the Green River for the 5th time this trip (DBP)

And heading out into the desert (DBP).

Luckily we noticed this antelope running full speed towards the road and had time to slow down and avoid hitting it (DBP).

She appeared to be running away from a pursuing mate (DBP). It’s like a freaking Looney Tunes gag, his tongue was hanging out and everything.

Alright, I know it’s a little gross, but some turkey vultures feasting on a horse (DBP). I have seen these back at home, but have only finally identified them while on this trip. The lady at Dinosaur National Monument kind of laughed at me, because they are actually rather common. In my defense, I have never been close enough to see it’s red head.

Onto the dirt roads (DBP).

There are a lot of weird formations to see along the way (DBP).

The wash you have to cross (DBP). Do not attempt if it is currently active. It doesn’t take much water to push your vehicle downstream.

The final turn off (DBP). As you can see there is some signage, however it is inconsistent and not one at every turn. That is why I recommend getting a current map and talking to the BLM folks. If nothing else though, the signs do help keep your mind at ease that you are on the right road.

Eee!! We are here! we are here!! I am so excited! (DBP).

The Trail:

The trail and the named formations. I kind of wish this was included in the little pamphlet we got at the BLM. There might have been another one we missed though.

That said, we did not find all of the named features. Some of the markers appear to have been stolen, and others we just couldn’t see. Not sure if they have changed, or the lighting was not right or what.

I recommend doing what we did and starting to the left and going clockwise. This way the formations just keep getting better and better.

The trail is lined with rocks.

The camel.

Here is what the named formation markers look like.

They have the formations name, a directional arrow, as well as how far away and how many feet up to look. Unfortunately.. quite a few appear to be missing, and some were turned. It made it a little difficult to find all the formations.

From the other side.

Another turkey vulture. This is how I usually see them back at home (another example on the Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge trail). So you can see how I thought they might be a large crow or some other hawk.

These 2 un-named features look like dinosaur mouths.

Cool formation.

Approaching the witches head. This is the easiest formation to identify.

The witches head.

Witches Head and 3 dogs. Not sure if the latter was a named feature or if we came up with it.

I lost track of how many times I said “that just shouldn’t exist”.

Little arch.

We haven’t even reached the main canyon yet.

Just bizarre.

My favorite is all the little windows and arches.

So, how were these created? Basically this used to be the bottom of an ancient lake. All the different sediments were buried under sand and dirt and compacted for thousands of years. After the lake drained the other stone eroded away via wind and rain and the harder sandstone left these amazing formations.

Every step you take there is just something amazing to look at in any given direction.

Just amazing.

Kings Throne.

Again… this shouldn’t exist.

There should be a few named features here but I don’t see them.

Continuing along.

Windows and pillars.

I think we are still in the middle canyon.

More fun formations. This place is absolutely incredible!

Approaching the 3rd, main canyon. You are in for a treat.

You have to cross above the little rock fall. A formation lost to the ages. Notice the trail sign just to the left and pass through that way.

Just… wow!

The final canyon is absolutely incredible.

I call the formation on the right the Archangel. It’s not an officially named formation, but that is what I see.

Seriously, these formations should not exist naturally!

There is a nice round bench to take in the views in the heart of the main canyon.

Just… what the heck?

So cool! Everywhere I look there is just another incredible formation.

Another window.

Stone strings.

Pinnacles and an arch.

I think this is the Diving Duck.

This is probably the most aptly named area ever, I just can’t believe these formations actually exist.

Nearing the end of the main canyon.

More cool formations.

A good example of A) That shouldn’t exist. B) How fragile the area is.

The arch on the left reminds me of Delicate Arch, just smaller.

This little alcove reminded me of The Little Mermaid and her Ocean Kingdom.

Triple window.

More cool arches.

Looking back into the canyon.

I love these formations.

The main area.

Looking back in.

Just loving the different views.

I see a triceratops head on the left there.

The beginning of the canyon again.

I call this one hourglass window.

Big mess of shapes.

This one looks like an alien that has given up on life.

More fun.

One last look back in.

Looking out across the desert.

Looking back towards the canyons.

Cool stacks.

I love all the little windows.

Larger arch.

We were having such a good time we decided to go around again but from the other direction. I won’t share all the pictures again, maybe a few more.

There is a great Native American Story in the pamphlet on this canyon. Since they got it from the Tribune I think I am okay using it here, while citing the source as being the BLM pamphlet and the Salt Lake Tribune.

The unique beauty of Fantasy Canyon inspired the following Native American legend, written by George E. Stewart over an interview with Muse Harris, Indian Chief Red Moose.

“One Day, the story goes, the evil creatures of the nether regions, tired of living in the dark and dank, decided to dig up to the surface and take over everything above and below the earth. They dug and the ground trembled and rumbled in their work.

Two coyotes heard the rumble, and curious, as all coyotes are, couldn’t resist the urge to investigate. The pair discovered the plot of the creatures from down under and in trice howled the alarm to all their fellow mortals round-about.

A great council was held to decide what to do; it would take more than mortal power to stop the invasion of these supernatural beings, this they understood. Finally, they determined to send for the greatest medicine man they knew.

Two eagles flew with the summons, and on the very first day, they found the great one in his mountain fastness.

The wild horses set up a relay of the fleetest stallions on earth; they bore the mighty one with the speed of the wind over mountains, rivers, valleys and plains. And it was none too soon, for as he came up White River the Sachem could see the red light in the sky where the underworld denizens had broken through.

Without sleep or rest or food the Medicine Chief went to work. First, he called on the Wind of the West and a great hurricane blew, carrying dust, dirt, rocks and trees to fill in the awful hole. But all this went for naught, it fell through to be burned in first down below.

The the Rain God was asked for help and he sent water in clouds and torrents, but it vanished away in steam and mist, while the Devil Chief laughed loud and long and his minions screamed with glee.

The Sachem called to the God of the North, “Help us, help us.” he chanted and drummed, “Oh, Great Lord of Ice and Snow.”

Help came as swift as an arrow; intense, deep, bitter cold. The North God caught the denizens of the deep as they gathered to spread over the world. In the wink of an eye he turned them all to ice. The Devil Chief, The Great Mother Witch, the magician and all the rest stand there just as they stood at the instant the cold struck long ago.

When the warmth came back, again the West Wind blew and as the ice melted, the dust took it’s place and now the monsters stand in the pit they dig all of them turned to stone. It is a warning to the evil ones down in hell to leave the good green earth alone.”

-Salt Lake Tribune, July 16, 1972

I like the broken arch.

Lizard!

A couple more arches.

This one looks like a proud dog.

I think the is the 1st, smallest canyon.

Back to the witch head.

Except, now I am a little confused because the formation below it that we called the 3 dogs, looks like a witch face from the other side. I am still pretty sure the formation above is the witches head. long pointy nose and pointy hat. However, this is pretty compelling as well.

Warning on the bathroom door. Luckily we didn’t run into any today. Something we did not think about until we were back home and reading up on it. Other visitors reported returning to their cars and finding the snakes hiding under it, in the wheel wells and such. So, just be aware and observant.

There are a few picnic tables here, however they are not shaded very well. So we had a quick snack in the car.

While waiting for Landis to finish up lunch I decided to explore the outskirts a little.

This one looks like a rhinoceros.

Little hoodoo.

Well, we had our fun, and then some but it was time we head back to civilization.

Back to the dirt road (DBP).

Cool formations along the way (DBP).

Pronghorn antelope (DBP).

The anthills out here are absolutely massive! (DBP).

Asphalt!!! (DBP). I was seriously tempted to get out of the car and kiss it… hahaha that just shows how rough the dirt roads were.

Cool desert (DBP).

Terrible shot, but the uh… happy couple is still hanging out right about where we saw them last(DBP).

Split Mountain (DBP).

Crossing the green river for the 6th time (DBP).

That. Was. INCREDIBLE!!! For such a short trail system there was just absolutely so much to see. All of the formations were amazing! and just, unearthly. I was really nervous about the roads, and how remote it is but it was absolutely worth it! And I later discovered the oil workers aren’t going to let anything happen to the tourists (they did seem friendly. The 2 we passed did wave a hello). We had it all to ourselves for the full hour and a half we spent here and we even saw some wildlife! I would give this one a good 12 squirrels out of 10! However, I only go to 10 so that is what I will give it.

As for difficulty, for the most part it was easy. very little elevation gain wide hard packed earth. To get into the main (best) canyon there is a small scramble, but it is not too bad. still going with a DR3.

I am not clear on the pet policy so so I am not going to comment on that.