Utah has thousands of beautiful red rock arches, natural bridges, spires, hoodoos and other formations. Each is completely unique and interesting. Here are just 15 for your viewing pleasure - both popular and lesser-known formations.
1. Coyote Natural Bridge
You’ll find this pretty arch about 8 miles into the Coyote Gulch hike.
2. Delicate Arch
Every Utahn should see Delicate Arch. Not just because it’s the most popular, but because it really is breathtaking. It’s also very accessible and easy to photograph.
3. Double Arch
Two arches for the price of one! Find Double Arch at Arches National Park; it’s just a half mile round-trip hike.
4. Fantasy Canyon
The formations at Fantasy Canyon look like the weird bones of creatures in a sci-fi movie!
5. Goblins
You could spend hours wandering through Goblin Valley State Park.
6. Mesa Arch
The arch itself is incredible, but the view THROUGH the arch is just astounding. Visit Mesa Arch at Canyonlands National Park.
7. Mexican Hat
This formation is named because people thought it was shaped like a Mexican sombrero. Perhaps that was long before the days of Star Trek, because I think it looks just like a spaceship...
8. The Mushrooms
They really do look like mushrooms, don't they? See them at Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
9. Owachomo Bridge
This is Owachomo Bridge, one of three at Natural Bridge National Monument.
10. The Sentinel
The Sentinel is a distinctive hoodoo in Bryce Canyon National Park.
Unfortunately, since the time of publication, The Sentinel is no longer standing.
11. Rainbow Bridge
Rainbow Bridge is one of the world’s largest natural bridges. Find it at Rainbow Bridge National Monument.
12. The Toadstools
Find these gorgeous beauties at Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
13. Upper Muley Twist Arch
Upper Muley Twist Arch can be a bit tricky to find - the trail is not maintained, so you’ll need to have basic map navigation skills. Find it in Capitol Reef National Park.
14. Waheap Hoodoos
White hoodoos are definitely not the norm in Utah - we’re used to seeing those red rock wonders. These hoodoos are white because they’re made of Entrada Sandstone - it’s 160 million years old. These are not far from The Toadstools, in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
15. The Wave
The Wave is technically just inside the Arizona border, but the only way to get to it is from Utah, so we’re counting it here. These sweeping rock formations are fascinating, and really fun to photograph.
Do you have a favorite Utah rock formation? Show us your pics!
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