Usually, not the first place you would think of for a spring break destination, but if you’re into unusual adventures in the Southwest, I would highly suggest Fantasy Canyon.

Geologically speaking, rock beds are deposited horizontally, but because of the weather and erosional effects, many have shifted vertically and created high peaks that look like castle points.

These strange smooth rock formations, that resemble something out of a sci-fi film, were created by ancient rivers and lakes that deposited mud and sandstone, resulting in this interesting interpretation of sandstone formations.

Unfortunately, the sandstone landscape does not display an array of reds and dark colors, but neutral grays and browns. The fossils that can sometimes be found in the rocks and wildlife living in the canyon add an interesting aspect through to the canyon itself.

One little creature that popped up during my hike was a rattlesnake. At first, it seems it would be scary, but there is a list of tips for Fantasy Canyon and one warns you about Pigmy Rattlesnakes and blow snakes and to remember that we, the hikers, are entering their home.

The path is laid out nicely, with a little rock trail so you can see some of the coolest features. It is a little dangerous to go off the path, but you can explore some of the structures, and even see a few snakes for yourself.

This canyon in and of itself is a real adventure, but as the road trip saying goes, “Half the adventure is getting there.” There are actually two different ways to get to this canyon, one is off of Highway 45, south of Vernal, and the usual way people get there through paved roads that end with a short dirt path.

Contradictory to that, I ended up taking the way that the GPS said was the quickest. After talking to some locals of the area, we found out that was actually the jeep trail, and probably wasn’t the best path for a Nissan Centra. Although you have to drive through a couple rock beds, and a few shallow rivers the jeep trail is definitely the best way there.

Surrounding Fantasy Canyon are numerous drilling sites for natural gas and oil. As you depart on this rustic trail you almost have to ask yourself, should I be here, is this government land? There are various paths that lead to these drilling sites and white, company trucks driving around, I assume doing maintenance or checking up on the equipment.

Additionally, you feel very much like you are lost and that your GPS must have gotten you lost in the vast wilderness of Utah. Fortunately, though, you are on the scenic route.

The scenic route is the best route to be on and includes wildlife and even some great mountain views. On my drive, we got stuck for about fifteen minutes in a giant sheep herd of at least over one hundred sheep, saw many wild horses, an enclosed buffalo and even met a cowboy — or someone with a cool hat riding a horse with his four border collies.

The most rewarding part of the journey, of course, is finally reaching Fantasy Canyon, which if you take the jeep trail you won’t know you’re there until you actually hit the parking lot and a little sign about 12 by 36 inches lets you know.

Overall, Northwestern Utah has a lot of great geological features to explore. Fantasy Canyon is not a huge tourist attraction, which makes it even more special experiencing its hidden beauty.