Roadside Attraction Fantasy Canyon - Vernal

Overview

Thu

74° | 34°

Fri

82° | 42°

Sat

82° | 45°

Sun

81° | 43°

Mon

91° | 45°

( Rated 4.0 / 1 Ratings )

14 Todo Lists / 0 Ticks

RATING: Roadside Attraction

LENGTH: less than 1 hour

MAPS: None needed.

SEASON: Any, though roads can be difficult in the winter.

Thu

74° | 34°

Fri

82° | 42°

Sat

82° | 45°

Sun

81° | 43°

Mon

91° | 45°

Fantasy Canyon

Fantasy Canyon is a small roadside attraction of highly weathered rock formations in very strange shapes. Though not a destination, this makes a great, short, roadside attraction before or after floating the White River. It is only a few mile diversion from the Enron White River takeout. This is also a great place for kids to play and explore.

Note: The Vernal area is experiencing tremendous growth in the oil industry. The drive to the trailhead is dotted with an incredibly large number of oil wells and associated blight. The road should be passable by most all vehicles when dry, though keep an eye out for large trucks that frequent the roads.

Fantasy Canyon Scenery

Fantasy Canyon

Getting There

Travel east out of Vernal to Naples. On the south end of Naples, take UT45 south for about 20 miles. You will cross the Green River en route.

20 miles from Naples, a gravel road comes in on the right. This is the Glen Bench Road. Follow it for 12.6 miles. Turn left here, and go an additional 4.4 miles to Fantasy Canyon. As of 2011, the junctions were well signed.

View from the trail Fantasy Canyon

Interesting views Fantasy Canyon

Route Description

From the parking area, there is a large interpretive sign and information about the area. It is a 20 or 30-minute walk through the sculpted area to see all of the features.

Note: The formations are fragile. Please view them from a distance, and don't climb on, touch, or disturb them.