These images were taken in Fantasy Canyon (AKA "Hades Pit" or "Devil's Rockhouse") which is near Vernal, Utah. They were taken just before sunset and just after. During the day the formations are a dull grey but just before sunset they can take on a nice warm golden glow. About 1/3 of these photos were taken during those final moments before the sun went down. The remainder were taken in the post-sunset period with the help of off-camera flash with an orange filter as well as a flashlight.
Sadly, the most famous feature of the area (The Teapot) was destroyed a few years ago so I didn't have an opportunity to ever see it. I kept reading that the collapse was obviously the result of vandalism. I have seen a LOT of people on the Internet unquestioningly accept this idea. Red flags started flying in my head really quickly when I noticed that no one provided evidence of deliberate human destruction. In fact, the BLM has indicated that the destruction remains a mystery. I'm not suggesting that vandalism didn't occur, I'm just saying that no one really knows. One thing to keep in mind is that a major cold front with really high winds, hail, and heavy rains went through the area at the same time the Teapot formation collapsed. One possibility is that the fragility of the formation and the nature of the storm may very well have caused the collapse with foundational weakening possibly playing a part. While people can create and destroy, so can the Earth's natural processes. Erosional forces created these fragile formations in the first place. Erosional forces will ultimately destroy them. Here is some information direct from the BLM:
Anyway, I probably spoke at a greater length than I should have about a formation I wasn't able to even see and photograph. My apologies. For a few years I considered not making a trip to Fantasy Canyon after I heard of the destruction of Teapot. In the end I'm very glad I went. There is a lot of interesting stuff here and it shouldn't be assumed that Teapot Rock was all there was. This is a place that I will definitely visit again. If you find yourself in the area please stop by and visit. You won't regret it.
All images taken with a Digital Rebel XT with various L lenses.
