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Image: Cecil P. Whitt
All images used with explicit permission by the photographers

Far off the beaten path in southern Nevada’s Clark County lies an ancient treasure surprisingly few know about: Little Finland, also called the Hobgoblin’s Playground. Dragons and other mythic beasts of yore seem to have turned to stone here, reminding us of times long gone by. Witness these beautiful sandstone formations turn red, orange and golden in the fading sunlight.

Enraptured by the prehistoric beast:

Image: Isabel Synnatschke

The little ancient elephant:

Image: Isabel Synnatschke

A hobgoblin portrait:

Image: Isabel Synnatschke

Having a giant discussion:

Image: Ian Parker

Shadow play of devilish beasts:

Image: Philippe Schuler

Like the Valley of Fire, only 30 km away as the crow flies, Little Finland features red sandstone formations that were formed by shifting sand dunes millions of years ago when dinosaurs still roamed the earth. So comparing these formations with prehistoric beasts is actually not that far-fetched.

The dunes were formed by a process known as Aeolian erosion, named after the Greek god of wind, Aeolus. Wind, though less powerful than water, unleashes its full force in vast, arid regions and can erode, transport and deposit materials. Over time, the sand cements into rock and is further shaped by the wind, leaving us with the incredible formations at Little Finland that we see today.

Though most visitors try to reach Little Finland an hour before sunset to play with the hobgoblins while basked in the red light of the fading sun, those who can stomach the soaring temperatures and sun will get some beautiful shots as well.

Red sandstone silhouettes:

Image: Philippe Schuler

Dragon or prehistoric dachshund?

Image: Fritz Zehrer

Double portrait with fist in the mouth?

Image: Fritz Zehrer

A peculiar extinct beast of yore:

Image: Fritz Zehrer

Pros arrive at sunset to witness the way the sun’s rays turn the sandstone formations into a sea of red, orange and yellow and then camp out in their cars or a tent to sleep under the vast sky and stars. Getting up at the crack of dawn will pay off for watching the sun rise behind the fairytale giants.

The little dinosaur – don’t miss Big Nose in the background:

Image: Philippe Schuler

A heart of gold:

Image: Ian Parker

Look into my eye…

Image: Isabel Synnatschke

Like a giant mud vase – or an elephant in quick sand?

Image: Ian Parker

Getting to this magical place is unfortunately a little more difficult than using fairy dust. Visitors really need an all-terrain vehicle and a tendency for roughing it if they want to enjoy this natural miracle. Unlike the Valley of Fire, Little Finland is not a state park and therefore the facilities usually associated with one are not available.

Here’s how you’d get to Little Finland: About five miles from Mesquite, take I-15 exit 112 towards Riverside/Bunkerville (about 1 hr from Las Vegas). Follow directions for Gold Butte Backcountry Byway and take a right onto it. This paved road turns into a dirt road after a few miles.

Follow signs for “Devil’s Throat” – a sinkhole. Where the road forks, take the right branch and follow it until it turns into Mud Wash, the river bed you will drive on. Follow it for a few miles and take the right branch again where it forks. This should lead you to Little Finland.

Since recently, white sediment covering the area has given it the look of a waterscape…

Image: Cecil P. Whitt

… and suddenly “Little Finland” makes sense:

Image: Cecil P. Whitt

A word of caution to those planning a first visit: The sandstone formations at Little Finland are very fragile, so tread carefully or they may be lost forever. Little Finland’s inaccessibility is what’s saved it so far and it’s probably just as well that it is missing from most maps and travel guides.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

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