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Fantasy Canyon
Nat'l Recreation Area

Fantasy Canyon

United States

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We display cached information from agency feeds. Hours, fees, permits, closures, fire restrictions, and conditions change without notice. Outdoors is not the permitting authority. Confirm current conditions for this park using the links above before you go — you are responsible for compliance. Last verified by us: May 20, 2026. Spot an error in our data?

About

Imported description
Fantasy Canyon gets its name from the whimsical structures that mark the landscape. Visitors often note that it reminds them of descriptions from science fiction and fantasy novels - some people mention seeing witches heads, diving seals, prowling coyotes or other figures in the rock. Known for these intricate and peculiar stone figures, Fantasy Canyon offers a mystical landscape and opportunities for visitors to see unique rock weathering and erosion patterns. Visitors enjoy exploring this miniature canyon packed full of delicate sandstone designs. A short hike of less than a quarter mile will take you from the parking area to the back of the canyon,  40 miles south of Vernal. This day use area is ready for open exploration however the features are created from sandstone. Although the sandstone is more resistant to erosion than the adjacent rock, it is actually extremely fragile. The sandstone is fine grained, porous, soft, poorly cemented, and brittle. When touched, the grains of sand break away from the rock surface. Please help us keep this fantasy alive for other visitors by not climbing the rock walls or features. Look around and see what catches your imagination! DirectionsFrom Vernal, from Vernal Ave.East 4 miles on Highway 40South 20 miles on UT-45West 12.8 miles on Glen Bench East 2.4 miles on Coyote Wash RdTurn Right .8 miles continuing on Coyote Wash Rd Turn Right .5 miles  continuing on Coyote Wash RdTurn Left .4 miles on Rd 032502Turn Right and arrive at Fantasy Canyon **Some roads to Fantasy Canyon are unpaved, they are generally well maintained and are accessible by most vehicles. However they may become slick or impassable when wet. Always check recent and current weather conditions before driving out to the site.HoursFantasy Canyon is open year round, however camping at this site is not allowed.  

Source: recreation.gov

From Wikipedia

Fantasy Canyon is a 10-acre (40,000 m2) canyon containing unusual rock formations that were created through erosion and weathering. It is located about 27 miles (43 km) south of Vernal, in Uintah County, Utah, United States. Fantasy Canyon is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and is only accessible via the Fantasy Canyon Trail.

Source: Wikipedia — text licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Verify alerts and operational details with the managing agency below.

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Hunting in this park

Hunting is generally prohibited in this National Park Service unit

Verify current park-specific rules with the National Park Service before planning any hunt. See NPS regulations

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