Utah’s Fantasy Canyon: The Devil’s Playground
Apr 14, 2020, 10:11 PM
VERNAL, Utah – The Beehive State is famous for some of the world’s most unique rock formations. Just 40 miles south of Vernal, you can find a little geological treasure at Fantasy Canyon.
As KSL photojournalist Aubrey Shafer shows us, Fantasy Canyon is a great place to explore.
It has this magical sandcastle-y feeling with these sand towers that we have.
The unusual rocks were formed around 38-50 million years ago. Those sediments were deposited as part of the lake that used to occupy the Uinta Basin.
Over time as those rocks solidified, the varying strengths and resistances to erosion left the amazing formations.
The canyon features formations like the flying porpoise, screaming man, alien head, and diving otter.
A rock cluster called the teapot formation, unfortunately, doesn’t exist anymore. Due to the fragile nature of the environment, it collapsed in 2006.
The area is beautiful and stunning because it’s fragile. But for the same reason, it won’t last forever.
Fantasy Canyon is a perfect place to come spend a couple of hours with the family. Just make sure you bring lots of water.
