While Las Vegas is doubtlessly Nevada’s sun and is the destination most associated with the Silver State, Nevada teems with many other sites that are literally out of this world. One of these is Little Finland, an unbelievable geographical marvel that is so surreal and so weird that no words can do it justice. When he was issuing the proclamation establishing the region as a protected area, President Obama, who has a way with words, described the region where Devil’s Throat is as “a landscape of contrast and transition, where dramatically chiseled red sandstone, twisting canyons, and tree-clad mountains punctuate flat stretches of the Mojave Desert.”

The area displays an exhibition of rock art that is so spectacular, made more pronounced by the vividly colored sandstone that acts as the canvas for one of nature’s most extraordinary handiworks. Here’s what to know about this breathtaking land of rocky fins.

Here’s What To Know About Nevada’s Little Finland

Unlike “Little Havanna,” a neighborhood in Miami, Florida that’s called that way because it was once home to a high number of Cuban exiles—or Manhattan’s Little Italy—Little Finland has completely no relationship to Finland, the Nordic country in the northern tip of the globe. Instead, the name Little Finland relates to the weird appearance of the whimsical rocks in the area—that look like fins from some species of fish. But as a mark of this area’s remarkable oddity, it doesn’t have any enduring official name.

At various times, Little Finland is also called “Hobgoblin's Playground.” This is certainly in reference to the mischievous goblins often portrayed in folklore as strikingly grotesque. At other times, the place is called “Devil’s Fire,” which may even be more apt, taking into consideration—not only the bright and vivid coloration of the sandstone rocks—but also their weird swirling and swiveling as of a spiral flame of fire. As to “Devil,” well, the whole expanse of land can look a little scary.

While the Silver State is home to quite a number of stunning rock formations, those who’ve been to Little Finland will give it the palm. The rocks—and the area in which they are located—are nothing less than surreal. The only other place one can compare Little Finland to is the Valley of Fire, just about 30 kilometers away, only that Little Finland is more rugged, hilly, and irregular. The “Pointing Rock,” for instance, almost looks like an alligator that’s raising its scaly, pointed head to spy out its immediate environment. The only difference is that while alligators are dark grey, these rocks have a flaming shade of orange.

Related: 8 Natural Rock Formations In The US That Look Hand-Carved

Here’s How Nevada’s Little Finland Was Formed

How nature molded and sculptured these fiery rocks is something that will interest anyone who visits Little Finland. While the accounts vary in depth and detail, the basic outline is the same. The popular theory is that these whimsical rocks were formed way back during the Jurassic Period. This is anywhere between 150-200 million years ago. The sandstone rocks that lay in this area were then supposedly covered with swathes and swathes of sand dunes. With time, the combination of sandstone rocks, the overlaying sand dunes, and groundwater, would occasion a slow but steady process of solidification that resulted in the formation of rocks that were now raised and uplifted.

Since these rocks were not uniformly solidified, the subsequent effect of the elements: blustery wind and flash floods, would erode the rock formations unevenly. Accordingly, this resulted in the distinctive ruggedness that Little Finland is known for. The Presidential Proclamation that set aside the Gold Butte National Monument—within which Little Finland is located—described it as “the product of millions of years of heat and pressure as well as the eroding forces of water and wind.”

Related: How Mushroom State Park Was Formed (& Why You Should Visit)

Little Finland: What You Should Know Before Visiting

Unlike many attractions that are usually crowded, Little Finland experiences little in the way of visitors. Therefore, for those who like to have a place all to themselves, Little Finland will be an enjoyable place. It can be accessed from I-15 through exit-112 to Riverside Town. At Riverside Town, get on Riverside Road before turning to Gold Butte Road just after a conspicuous bridge over the Virgin River. From Gold Butte Road, turn on Mud Wash Road at an intersection that many people tend to miss. Drive on Mud Wash Road for about 3 miles before turning right to Little Finland Road, where a driving distance of about a mile will reveal the spectacular rock formations.

• How Far Is Little Finland From Las Vegas? Little Finland is 106 miles from Sin City.

And when going to Little Finland, it’s crucial to remember that it lies in the Mojave Desert. Therefore, some snacks and water will be necessary. Lastly, a vehicle, probably an SUV, with enough ground clearance is recommended. And a flat tire or two—along the way—should not come as a big surprise. Reaching Little Finland is hard. But in the end, the views will more than compensate.