Visit Fantasy Canyon Near Vernal Utah: A Hidden Gem
We recently spent some time in Vernal, Utah where we heard about Fantasy Canyon. We are big fans of rocks (as we like to say in this family) and so we knew we had to go.
This post is to help you know what to expect when visiting Fantasy Canyon near Vernal Utah and a few things to know before you visit.
What is Fantasy Canyon in Utah?
Fantasy Canyon is a unique area of whimsical rock formations located just 1-hour south of Vernal, Utah. If you’re roadtripping through Utah you may have stopped at Goblin Valley State Park which is somewhat similar although much larger and comprised of red rocks instead of white rocks.
The spindly, layered rock towers are naturally weathered sandstone that have been formed over millions of years. They cover an area of 10 acres on Bureau of Land Management land and can be explored via a short, easy trail that loops through the area.
Where is Fantasy Canyon?
You may see Fantasy Canyon on many lists of things to do in Vernal, however, it’s not exactly IN Vernal. Rather, Fantasy Canyon is located about a 1-hour drive to the south but Vernal is the closest city.
If you’ve got the time, it’s worth the drive!
If this is the first time you’re hearing about Vernal, the main thing to know is that Vernal is known for all things dinosaur-related. Just a 20-minute drive from Vernal is Dinosaur National Monument with so many dinosaur fossils and footprints to see in their natural habitat.
Vernal also has a dinosaur museum and every store/restaurant/shop seems to have some sort of dinosaur twist to the name or service.
So, if you’re heading to Vernal for some dinosaur fun, you may want to make the drive to see Fantasy Canyon as well.
It’s located in a pretty remote area with its only neighbors being the occasional oil rig/field. We got there just fine by inputting Fantasy Canyon into Google Maps and following the directions. As you get close, there are also a few signs directing the way.
Is the road to Fantasy Canyon, UT paved?
The road to Fantasy Canyon is paved until the last few miles when it turns into a dirt road. We had no issues driving on the dirt road besides taking it slow over a few potholes.
From our experience, you do not need any type of 4wd or high-clearance vehicle. You may just need to take it slow occasionally.
Keep your eyes open on your drive as you may get lucky and see wild horses (like we did!) or antelope.
The Best Time of Year to Visit Fantasy Canyon
The best time of year to visit Fantasy Canyon is during the spring and fall. The summer months can be quite hot with next to no shade. The winter months can be very cold and snowy.
We visited one morning in November and it was quite cold before the sun got higher in the sky and it began to warm up. The months of April/May and September/October would be ideal.
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How long to spend at Fantasy Canyon
We spent about an hour at Fantasy Canyon. We were sure to take our time to let our kids scamper through the rocks, look at the snakeskins we found, snap some cute pictures, and admire all of the formations.
I feel like since it’s such a drive to get there, it’s nice to take your time and enjoy the area. You could also bring along a picnic to enjoy at one of the few picnic tables.
There is a 0.6-mile trail that loops you through Fantasy Canyon, however, we seemed to have a hard time finding the marked trail past the first 20 yards or so.
But since it’s a small area, we just stayed on what seemed like it could be the trail and eventually seemed to explore all of it.
That being said, if you’re in a hurry, you could be done in as little as 15-20 minutes.
Is Fantasy Canyon Good for Kids?
Fantasy Canyon is great for kids! Our kids loved all of the rock formations and exploring all of the nooks and crannies of the area.
The Fantasy Canyon trail is only a 0.6-mile loop which makes it doable for even very young kids. Our 4-year-old was happy to run about the entire time while our 1-year-old was mostly carried.
Is Fantasy Canyon dog-friendly?
Yep, Fantasy Canyon is dog-friendly as long as your dog is leashed and you pick up after it.
Are there toilets at Fantasy Canyon, Utah?
Yes, thankfully there are toilets at Fantasy Canyon. The toilets aren’t anything fancy (we’re looking at you pit toilet) but it’s nice to have one in such a remote area.
There are also a few picnic tables available and plenty of parking. Keep in mind that there is no shade at the picnic tables (or really in Fantasy Canyon in general) so plan accordingly.
Conclusion About Visiting Fantasy Canyon, Ut
Fantasy Canyon is a unique destination that’s great for a bit of exploring and taking fun pictures. It’s not very often that you find such unique rock sculptures and formations, so even though it’s a bit out of the way, it’s worth the drive.
Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions about things to do in Fantasy Canyon. I’ll be sure to get back to you!
Check out these other posts, I know you’ll love them:
- 11 Best Utah State Parks You’ve Got to Visit
- 27 Amazing Things to Do in Utah that Aren’t National Parks
- How to Spend One Perfect Day in Island in the Sky: Canyonlands National Park
- Things to do in Bryce Canyon in Winter: The Perfect 1-Day Itinerary
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