Utah’s open spaces are speckled with rock formations so dreamlike they may challenge your perceptions. From colossal arches to secret slot canyons, this place is a rock enthusiast’s heaven. Take a look at 12 strange and unusual rock wonders in Utah that should be on your travel agenda:
1. Delicate Arch – Arches National Park
Location: Arches National Park, Moab
What Makes It Special: One of the most famous free-standing arches in the world, Utah’s most iconic symbol is to be found atop a red rock slope, framing the desert landscape beyond to perfection.
Hike: The moderately difficult 3-mile round-trip trail to the arch is well worth the effort, with memories to cherish along the way.
2. The Wave – Coyote Buttes North
Location: Vermilion Cliffs National Monument (requires permit)
What Makes It Special: Known for its swirling sandstone design, The Wave resembles a natural sand painting.
Hike: A 6-mile round-trip hike across the desert leads you to this captivating site.
3. Goblin Valley
Location: Goblin Valley State Park
What Makes It Special: This valley contains hundreds of mushroom-formed rock structures, or “goblins,” imparting an out-of-this-world atmosphere.
Hike: Wander through the region on the gentle trails looping through the goblins or hike off-trail to find secret spots.
4. Bryce Amphitheater – Bryce Canyon National Park
Location: Bryce Canyon National Park
What Makes It Special: Hoodoos—thin, towering rock spires—occupy this natural amphitheater, radiating orange and red hues in the sun.
Hike: The 3-mile Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail offers breathtaking vistas.
5. Antelope Island’s Bison Rock
Location: Antelope Island State Park
What Makes It Special: Ancient boulders dot the island’s plains, coexisting with roaming bison and providing stunning lake vistas.
Hike: Easy and rewarding trails such as Buffalo Point (1-mile round trip) exist.
6. Rainbow Bridge – Lake Powell
Location: Boat access or 16-mile hike
What Makes It Special: A world’s largest natural bridge, Rainbow Bridge is a Native American sacred place and wonder to see.
Hike: The majority of tourists take a boat tour, but one can hike the backcountry trail for a more authentic experience.
7. Thor’s Hammer – Bryce Canyon National Park
Location: Bryce Canyon National Park
What Makes It Special: A unique hoodoo in the shape of a huge hammer protruding from the floor of the canyon.
Hike: One can see Thor’s Hammer from the Navajo Loop Trail.
8. Capitol Dome – Capitol Reef National Park
Location: Capitol Reef National Park
What’s So Special About It: This white sandstone formation takes the shape of the dome of the U.S. Capitol building, hence the name of the park.
Hike: Take the Capitol Gorge Trail, an easy walk to see this formation up close.
9. Dead Horse Point Overlook
Location: Dead Horse Point State Park
What’s So Special About It: While not one rock formation, the expansive vistas of layered canyons and the Colorado River below are not to be forgotten.
Hike: The Rim Loop Trail (5 miles) is a simple way to absorb the views.
10. Spooky Gulch – Grand Staircase-Escalante
Location: Near Escalante, Utah
What Makes It Special: This skinny slot canyon is more like an adventure park than a hike.
Hike: A 3.5-mile loop trail leads you through both Spooky and Peekaboo Gulches.
11. Zion’s Checkerboard Mesa
Location: Zion National Park
What Makes It Special: This patterned rock face appears as if it’s been shaped like a giant checkerboard.
Hike: The East Mesa Trail gives tremendous views of this bizarre formation.
12. Monument Valley’s Mittens
Location: Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
What Makes It Special: These mitten-shaped rock formations are symbols of the American Southwest.
Hike: The Wildcat Trail (3.2-mile loop) brings you up close to these dramatic formations.
From lacy arches to giant hoodoos, Utah’s rock formations are like entering a natural art gallery. Regardless of whether you hike, road trip, or simply view from an overlook, these marvels will leave you at a loss for words. Which one will you see first?
