Did you know that Utah’s Uinta mountains are home to a fairy forest? This spot, near the Shady Dell campground, is a magical place…full of fairy houses. Check it out!

To find the fairy forest, take the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway about 17 miles to the Shady Dell campground. The trailhead is right across from campsite number seven.

Catherine Rees

You’ll cross a little stream (this requires balancing on rocks, so wear some shoes with decent tread).

Catherine Rees

Walk up a little hill and…you’re in the fairy forest!

Catherine Rees

The fairy forest covers a lot of ground. Little paths lined with stones meander through the forest, with little fairy encampments set beneath the trees.

Catherine Rees

Fairy camps are laid out inside circles of rocks.

Catherine Rees

You’ll find all kinds of fairy houses here…

Catherine Rees

Catherine Rees

Catherine Rees

Catherine Rees

Some fairies prefer a more rustic camping experience.

Catherine Rees

Other fairies have fancy tulle and butterflies in the canopy above their homes.

Catherine Rees

There’s even a little fairy film theatre!

Catherine Rees

Here’s a fairy version of Utah’s Spiral Jetty.

Catherine Rees

People love to create these little spots for fairies…

Catherine Rees Families and groups create and build their own little fairy encampments. It’s fun to build your own…or just wander through and visit.

Have you visited the fairy forest? Tell us about it!

Catherine Rees

Families and groups create and build their own little fairy encampments. It’s fun to build your own…or just wander through and visit.

It’s hard to beat the fairy forest, but Utah also has some other enchanting spots. Here’s a fun hike to take that leads you to an enchanting waterfall!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.