Geology

Big Rock Candy Mountain

Piute County, UT

Coordinate verified

Colorful hydrothermally altered volcanic rocks (yellow, orange, red, and white) in Marysvale Canyon along US-89, named after the folk song once locals posted a joke roadside sign. Colors come from iron oxides plus alunite and kaolinite left by 21-million-year-old alteration of Bullion Canyon Volcanics.

Field facts

RegionPiute County, UT
Coordinates38.5074, -112.2738
AccessViewed from US-89 a few miles north of Marysvale; roadside pullouts; resort property is private
GeologyAltered Bullion Canyon Volcanics (jarosite, hematite, alunite, kaolinite)
AgencyUtah Geological Survey GeoSights interpretation; highway corridor public views
CultureNamed after the “Big Rock Candy Mountain” folk song

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Nearby amenities

Public recreation data — BLM & Recreation.gov (RIDB). Verify current access, fees, and seasonal closures before traveling.

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Plan ahead. Leave no trace. Verify current access before traveling.