9 Strangest Landmarks in Utah
There are many unusual or bizarre places to see around the US that may appeal to curious minds. Travelers always seek newfound adventures and opportunities to remember for a lifetime, and many often overlook the weirdest and most uncanny stops. This is no exception in states like Utah, where scenic drives, charming small-town vibes, amazing locales, and landmarks await, as well as plenty of oddities to uncover in plain sight. These are some of the strangest landmarks in the "Beehive State" one may encounter!
Fantasy Canyon
Located 27 miles south of Vernal, there is a 10-acre canyon landmark that may surprise newcomers and residents. This unusual rock formation was developed due to erosion but has always garnered outside attention. With its dramatic clay beds and sandstone material, many are confused by how the rocks are awkwardly positioned from a vertical perspective.
The site remains a pivotal stop for quartzose sandstone scenery, paleontological beauty, and fun bone-digging activities for kids. This peculiar canyon is an incredibly sculpted geological formation and a truly unbelievable sighting among rock experts!
Victim of the Beast Gravesite
Within Salt Lake Cemetery in Salt Lake City, there is a mysterious gravestone with a spooky inscription upon it. The gravestone is the burial site of a woman, Lilly E. Gray, a supposed local in Utah during the 18th century. It was reported that she died in 1958 based on the tomb's inscription, which also reads "Victim of the Beast 666". While it is quite unclear what the "Beast" is that the tombstone refers to, it is unknown whether history is telling the story in an accurate way or not, as several people (including the victim's husband) claim that some kidnappers had murdered her and there was no creature out there. This strange and crazy landmark sighting is what brings tourists to the cemetery each year, and it is quite an underrated stop for anyone who loves cryptic finds!
Spiral Jetty
Around Rozel Point in the Great Salt Lake, a modern art formation remains an intriguing sight to the world. The spiral jetty is a terminal basin stopping point where 6,650 tons of rock and earth form together as one spiral. What makes this landmark quite strange is how it is continuously changing over time due to natural time and is a wonder among Corinne locals.
Lots of tourists who visit always think of this spiral formation as being "in the middle of nowhere" due to how far out it is from the rest of the area with its remoteness. However, it still maintains foot traffic for its enormous size and photogenic sunset moments.
Devil's Slide
Devil's Slide is an I-84 viewpoint vehicle drivers may witness while cruising through Weber Canyon, and it is no stranger to bizarreness! It is a northern Utah geological formation that protrudes about 40 feet in height and is about 200 feet long. What makes this an oddity is that these two parallel slabs formed from a sea sediment slide due to erosion that occurred almost 170 to 180 million years ago, and Morgan residents claim that the landmark is a "large playground slide only fit for the Devil." This is an odd-shaped stop for any tourist who wants to check out limestone splendors.
Church Rock
On Highway 191, centered between the towns of Moab and Monticello, one may discover Church Rock. This landmark is an unusual sandstone rock that is associated with cultural canyon history and is a major backdrop feature for the La Sal Mountains. This one stands out from others for being tied to 1930s Utopian religious communities, who were known for creating mysterious worship sites around the state.
Although many refute this today and confirm that early Monticello families were the chief architects of such rock formations, it is plausible to assume that the first settlers brought in both past and futuristic rural creations, generating much uncertainty among locals. The structure also has a tiny cave "hole" at its base that was created in the 1940s to store salt blocks and feed cattle, which some refute to this day as being historically inaccurate. Presently, it is a stunning sight for newcomers to enjoy with a cavernous area that allows for nice photography.
Shoe Tree Park
A Park City oddity that you won't soon forget that dates back to the 1970s, Shoe Tree Park is a symbolic downtown stop. There is an esoteric set of trees that have a bunch of shoes hung all over them, and they are a local landmark favorite by all who pass by. With shoes and ski boots hanging out, many are confused by what nature is trying to tell them or if it is simply just a humorous quirk for the community to laugh about. As a unique stop for outsiders and residents alike, the park is sure to raise a lot of eyebrows!
Sun Tunnels
In Wendover's remote Great Basin Desert areas, there is a peculiar sight known as the Sun Tunnels. It consists of four concrete cylinders that are strangely arranged around the desert in a crossed pattern based on summer and winter solstices, and each one has small holes representing starry constellations on the surface: Draco, Perseus, Columba, and Capricorn.
While this is mostly an artistic site from afar, it is quite a bizarre one up close to visitors, as it carries ambiguous meanings and uncertain history about space and time. The main takeaway from its creator is that there is a "play of light and shadow" taking place in our environment each day, referencing the cosmos and the way the sun rises and sets.
Metaphor: Tree of Utah
There is a weird 87-foot-tall tree structure that stands tall in Bonneville Salt Flats between Arinosa and Barro. The Tree of Utah, which has hollow spheres coated in natural minerals, is constructed out of cement, ceramic tiles, and welding rods. It is a drive-by piece of art that is quite random but historic. Originally conceived by a Swedish artist in 1986, the tree is a marvel for all who want to witness native Utah structures that really stand out. The artist once thought about creating this landmark when he was having visions of a tree while driving through desolate roads.
Summum Pyramid
This landmark is not one to miss out on! The Summum Pyramid is a Salt Lake City structure fully designed in 1979 that acts as both a sanctuary and temple to Summum religious communities. While the temple has been labeled as a "winery" to comply with federal policy, the 26-foot-tall pyramid is still noteworthy for its cardinal architecture and intricately shaped chambers. What makes this one so odd is that it is used for "modern mummification," which is an Egyptian practice that most may believe to be super unusual in the state, let alone in any city or town. Despite the religion's efforts at promoting science fiction and New Age mysticism in controversial ways, the landmark is still a famed tourism motivator.
No matter which destination one picks in Utah, there may always be surprising or strange landmarks to discover. Each of these destinations illustrates the significance of bizarreness in various places of the "Beehive State," and there is nothing more fascinating and mysterious than finding a quirky hidden gem when visiting. For anyone familiar or unfamiliar with the state, find interesting landmarks to check off on your list!
