Fantasy Canyon is one of the strangest landscapes in Utah — and given the competition, that is saying something. Located about 40 miles south of Vernal in the Uintah Basin, the canyon contains a dense collection of eroded sandstone formations in extraordinary shapes: spirals, arches, arching figures, and abstract forms that look like something from a science fiction film set.
The canyon is small — a walk through the main area takes less than an hour — but the density of weird formations makes it feel bigger. The surrounding landscape is flat, sagebrush desert; Fantasy Canyon appears suddenly at the edge of a dry wash. The BLM maintains a basic parking area and a marked trail. Bring your own water and food, as there are no facilities. The drive from Vernal takes about an hour on paved and gravel roads; check road conditions before setting out in wet weather.