Fantasy Canyon, Sandstone canyon in Uintah County, United States.
Fantasy Canyon is a sandstone canyon in Uintah County shaped by wind and water over countless years into unusual rock formations. The eroded structures display varied colors and textures that create an otherworldly landscape within a small area.
Earl Douglass, a prominent geologist, first documented this location in 1909 and called it "The Devil's Playground" and "Hades Pit" in scientific journals. His observations brought attention to the site's unusual geological formations and helped establish it as a destination.
The rock formations within the canyon received names based on their shapes, creating a natural outdoor gallery of mineral sculptures for visitors.
A loop trail winds through the canyon allowing visitors to walk among the rock formations and observe them from multiple angles. The path is short and manageable for most people, though sturdy footwear is recommended due to uneven and rocky ground.
Black bands of magnetite run through the sandstone structures along the trail and create detectable magnetic properties. This unusual geological feature allows visitors to witness how certain minerals can affect metal objects.
Location: Uintah County
Elevation above the sea: 1,475 m
Website: https://blm.gov/visit/fantasy-canyon
GPS coordinates: 40.05560,-109.39500
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:40
Utah preserves thousands of years of human history alongside some of North America's most varied geological landscapes. The region contains extensive rock art panels and Ancestral Pueblo ruins, including the 13th-century stone structures at Bears Ears National Monument and the 650-plus petroglyphs...
Skinwalker Ranch
47.7 km
Morrison Formation
43.7 km
Desolation Canyon
88.5 km
Red Fleet State Park
58.7 km
Lone Rock
81.5 km
Josie Bassett Morris Ranch Complex
45.2 km
Steinaker State Park
52.7 km
Quarry Visitor Center
43.6 km
Ouray National Wildlife Refuge
21.1 km
Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum
45.7 km
Dinah the Pink Dinosaur
45.7 km
Quarry Exhibit Hall
43.6 km
Rial Chew Ranch Complex
59 km
Big Sand Wash Reservoir
75.7 km
Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum
45.7 km
Upper Wade and Curtis Cabin
86.8 km
Earl Douglass Workshop-Laboratory
43.6 km
Lewis Curry House
44.7 km
Manfred and Ethel Martin House
46.2 km
St. Paul's Episcopal Church and Lodge
46.1 km
Gibson-Sowards House
51 km
Vernal Tithing Office
45.9 km
Moonshine Arch
57.1 km
Argyle Canyon
86.7 km
Hole in the Wall Canyon
62.2 km
Kenney Reservoir
58.7 km
Cooper Canyon
40.6 km
Fenn-Bullock House
46.3 kmVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes