Random Erosion or Alien Playground? Why don’t you decide for yourself!
Rewind 50 million years to the Eocene Epoch. Utah was warm, humid, and littered with lush vegetation. Dinosaurs were coming up on their 16 millionth year of extinction, but infested with alligators, turtles, tapirs, early primates, and all sorts of tropical and subtropical wildlife.
Much of eastern Utah was submerged by Lake Uintah, a massive freshwater lake that also covered much of Colorado and Wyoming. Nearby rivers dumped massive amounts of sandstone, shale, and siltstone into Lake Uintah, which settled in unique geological formations that remained in-tact long after the lake dried up. Those formations are still preserved today, 40 miles south of Vernal in Fantasy Canyon.
Or at least, that’s how science explains the out-of-this world geological anomalies throughout the 10-acre stretch of land in Fantasy Canyon, also dubbed “Nature’s China Shop” for how fragile the structures are. Scientists say shifting tectonics, pressure, and over 50 million years of weathering and erosion are responsible for the intricate sandstone formations.
However, not everyone is quick to believe that these paper-thin, delicate features were produced naturally. Some distinguishable landmarks, including the “Flying Witch,” “Alien Head,” and “The Screaming Man,” lead some to believe that Fantasy Canyon was the intentional work of something or someone – possibly supernatural.
Fantasy Canyon is only about an hour from Skinwalker Ranch, one of the most documented paranormal hotspots on the planet. Both are located in the Uintah Basin, which makes way for a theory that a shared magnetic anomaly or dimensional rift could influence both places, possibly causing strange formations in Fantasy Canyon and bizarre activity at Skinwalker Ranch.
In fact, some paranormal investigators have reported experiencing a sense of disorientation, mild vertigo, or auditory hallucinations while exploring Fantasy Canyon. Locals will tell stories of feeling as though time behaved faster or slower in the canyon, and some even believe they experienced gaps in their memory after visiting.
Overall, there’s no way to tell for sure whether Fantasy Canyon is the work of Mother Earth’s most magnificent natural work, or the intentional work of extraterrestrial life. The only thing you can do is go and find out for yourself.
Quick Facts
Fantasy Canyon is composed of quartzose sandstone deposited into Lake Uintah about 30-50 million years ago.
Weathering and erosion after the lake dried up removed softer siltstone and shale, leaving behind the stronger (but still extremely delicate) sandstone.
People say the figures resemble familiar objects and forms such as faces, skulls, and talons, leading some to believe the shaping is too good to be unintentional.
Some of the more distinct structures were dubbed “The Flying Witch,” “Alien Head,” and “The Screaming Man.”
Fantasy Canyon shares the Uintah Basin with Skinwalker Ranch, which is known as one of the most documented paranormal hotspots on Earth.
Paranormal investigators report feeling disoriented, or experiencing mild vertigo and auditory hallucinations. Some of the locals say the time moves strangely or they experienced gaps in their memory after visiting.
Visiting Fantasy Canyon
So you’ve decided that the only way to know for sure is to visit it yourself, eh? You’re brave. (Although there are very few reports of dangerous activity in the canyon, so it’s not scary.)
Here are a few things to consider when planning your visit:
Plan your trip ahead – check the weather forecast, make sure to use the bathroom ahead of time (there are no facilities on-site), and bring plenty of food and water.
Be aware of potential safety concerns – including pygmy rattlesnakes, falling rocks, and exposure to the heat and sun.
Respecting the land – DO NOT touch, climb, or walk on the structures. They are incredibly fragile, so even a small interaction can cause irreversible damage and/or pose a serious safety concern.
Remember – always trust your instincts. Although the canyon isn’t officially haunted, if something feels off, leave the area and report it to officials.
Getting to Fantasy Canyon:
Directions – From Vernal, drive southeast on UT-45 for about 25 miles, then turn south onto Glen Bench Road, following signs for approximately 17 miles to reach the site.
Road conditions – the final stretch to the canyon is unpaved and challenging in wet conditions. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended.
Self Guided Trail – explore the canyon yourself on the 0.6 mile self-guided trail loop. You can locate it using the AllTrails app.
Nearby areas – Fantasy Canyon is located in a very remote part of the state. It’s surrounded by oil and gas fields, so make sure your vehicle is fueled up and in good condition.
Spring and Fall are the best seasons to visit, as they offer the most comfortable temperatures, however beware of wet or unpredictable weather events.
More Paranormal in Vernal, UT
Whether paranormal activity is your current hyperfixation, special interest, favorite movie series, or what you do for a living, be sure to check out PhenomeCon 2025. With renowned speakers, researchers, and figures from all over the globe discussing all things supernatural, from the paranormal, to bigfoot, to aliens, to skinwalkers, you’ll love every second of this 3-day event. This year’s convention is September 3-6 in Vernal, UT. Register now and plan a visit to Fantasy Canyon while you’re in the area!
