Top 10 Unique Rock Formations

Check out this exciting list of ten incredible rock formations. Formed during millions of years of erosion, chiselled by wind and water, these natural wonders attract tourists, who are willing to travel some difficult roads just to admire the sites like the Reflection Canyon. Scroll down the list and choose your favourite destination.

10. Kiama, New South Wales, Australia

The coastline of this seaside town is really impressive. Coves, caves, blowholes attract many tourists, who especially love watching the Kiama Blowhole, which sprays water up to 25 m into the air. But the impressive square walls – the Cathedral Rocks – are a signature landmark.

How to get there?

Drive to Kiama by car, bus or train – it is only about a 2 hour drive from Sydney or Canberra. Get around by walking – there are many hiking trails, that lead to the famous landmarks.

Read more: Dramatic Coastline and Spraying Blowholes in Kiama

Photo by Dave Whiteman

Photo by Lop Pa

Photo by Shane Arrold

9. Marble Canyons, Taroko National Park, Taiwan

The park features numerous routes, that lead to the Taroko Gorge, impressive waterfalls and panoramic views. The Taroko Gorge is made entirely of marble. The canyon was carved by the Liwu River, whose powerful stream still chisels this natural wonder.

How to get there?

Flights and trains from Taipei to Hualien are available. Buses from Hualien go frequently to the park.

Read more: The Marble Canyons in Beautiful Taroko National Park

Photo by Unknown

Photo by Unknown

Photo by Unknown

8. Antelope Canyon, Arizona, USA

The canyon is one of the most recognizable natural wonders and popular among the tourists. Antelope is very photogenic and even mystical: because of the rock lines and the sunlight, it seems as if the canyon is filled with a soft mist.

How to get there?

There are various tours and guides that will get you there from Page or Lake Powell Area.

Photo by Lara Dammer

Photo by Moyan Brenn

Photo by Noppawat Charoensinphon

7. Hobgoblin’s Playground, Nevada, USA

The incredibly beautiful sandstone formations are a result of millions of years of erosion, interaction of water and wind. A rigorous observer can spot profiles of fantastic creatures, which makes the place even more magical.

How to get there?

Get there by car. It is about a 2 hour drive from Las Vegas.

Photo by Ian Parker

Photo by Jason Hines

Photo by Jim Lopes

6. Zabriskie Point, California, USA

A picturesque place at the east of Death Valley was an inspiration for Italian director Michelangelo Antonioni, who shot an eponymous cult movie here. Not surprisingly because Zabriskie Point is considered to be the most beautiful site in the whole Death Valley.

How to get there?

From Highway 190 reach a parking lot. It is a short hike from there. There is a longer trail from the Golden Canyon entrance and the views are more beautiful.

Photo by Greg Boratyn

Photo by Silvia Martocchia

Photo by Barbara Hayton

5. Moeraki Boulders, Otago, South Island, New Zealand

These round huge stones are a signature feature of the Koekohe Beach. It is believed by the locals that they are the petrified fruits from Āraiteuru – a canoe that sailed the ancestors of the Ngāi Tahu people.

How to get there?

Found between Moerkai and Hampden, the State Highway 1 leads to the Koekohe Beach.

Read more: Moeraki Boulders – the Round Spheres on the Beach

Photo by Aaron Pryor

Photo by Byron Prukston

Photo by Unknown

4. Reflection Canyon, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, USA

An astonishing natural wonder was popularized by the photographers, whose pictures inspired visitors to look for this place. During the drier season (August to May) the water levels subside, uncovering a breathtaking S-shaped canyon.

How to get there?

You can get there by car, driving the Hole-in-the-Rock Road, or by boat from the Lake Powell. The place is also available to observe from a plane.

Read more: Reflection Canyon – the S-Shaped Picturesque Site

Photo by Wan Shi

Photo by Chen Su

3. Giant’s Causeway, County Antrim, Ireland

This is a national treasure: 40 000 naturally formed basalt columns are protected by UNESCO. This natural gem is a result of a volcano eruption. But for centuries it was thought to be a creation of the giants, who needed a road.

How to get there?

Get there by train, bus or car. There is a parking lot next to the Visitors Center.

Read more: Impressive Giant’s Causeway

Photo by Jim Richardson

Photo by Unknown

Photo by Brian Tooker

2. Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, Madagascar

The unusual karst limestone formations, or Tsingy, which means where one cannot walk barefoot, is listed as UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. The stone forest attracts adventurers, who dare to climb these steep, sharp rocky spikes.

When to go there?

The park is open during the dry season from April to November.

Photo by Stephen Alvarez

Photo by Stephen Alvarez

Photo by Stephen Alvarez

Photo by Luis Miguel Torres Manchola

1. Étretat, Normandie, France

The commune is situated on the coast of Northern France and is famous for the amazing cliffs. For ages the rocky arches were visited and painted by artists like Eugène Boudin, Gustave Courbet and Claude Monet. Today the scenic spot attracts many tourists and photographers.

How to get there?

Get to Étretat by bus from Le Havre and Fecamp.

Photo by Unknown

Photo by Jean-Luc Bohin

Photo by John Monster