One of my absolute favorite things to do when I am out riding around is to find roadside oddities and attractions. I have been known to make many a U-turn while driving down the road. This page will be dedicated to any roadside attractions that I have found in the state of Utah.
It will be a constant work in progress as I will add new oddities and attractions every time I find one. Make sure you check back often for new updates. Better yet, subscribe to my site so you will be informed each time content is added. Don’t worry, no spam here. I only send out emails once a week, usually on Fridays. Subscribe Here
Church Rock
Location: US-191 (Eastern Side)
City: Monticello
Region of State Located: East/Central
Google Maps Pin
Standing tall in the expansive Dry Valley of San Juan County, Church Rock Click to open side panel for more information is a striking 200-foot sandstone pillar that has become a legendary landmark for those traveling along US Route 191. Shaped like a rounded gumdrop or a classic church spire, this isolated formation provides a dramatic contrast to the flat plains and the distant snow-capped La Sal Mountains.
The “Spiritual Center”: Despite the debunked church myth, the area remains historically significant; it marks the turnoff to the Needles District of Canyonlands and is just a short drive from the ancient petroglyphs at Newspaper Rock.
The Myth of the Hallowed Rock: A popular local legend from the 1930s claimed that Marie Ogden, leader of a nearby spiritualist community called “Home of Truth,” planned to hollow out the rock by hand to create a sanctuary.
A Practical Reality: In truth, the distinct 16×24-foot opening at the base was created in the late 1940s by local rancher Claud Young. He used dynamite to carve out the space specifically to store salt licks and feed for his cattle, protected from the elements.
Private Roadside Viewing: The rock sits on private land owned by the Young family, so while you can’t hike directly up to it, it offers an incredible profile for photographers from the highway shoulder.
Hole “N” The Rock (Rest Area)
Location: 11037 US-191
City: Moab
Region of State Located: East/Central
Google Maps Pin
Hole ‘N’ The Rock is a world-famous roadside wonder located about 15 miles south of Moab that represents a lifetime of dedication and desert ingenuity. What started as a small cave for the Christensen family to sleep in eventually became a massive 5,000-square-foot home carved directly into the solid sandstone cliff.
Photographic Contrasts: The site offers a fascinating mix of natural geological textures and colorful, mid-century roadside kitsch, all set against the dramatic red rock backdrop of the Utah desert.
A Massive Undertaking: Over a period of 12 years, Albert Christensen excavated approximately 50,000 cubic feet of sandstone to create a 14-room home complete with a fireplace, shelving carved into the walls, and even a large bathtub.
Artistic Legacy: Beyond the architecture, the site showcases Albert’s talent as an artist, including a large sculpture of Franklin D. Roosevelt carved into the rock face and various paintings and taxidermy throughout the home.
Eclectic Roadside Fun: Today, the attraction has expanded into a full-scale destination featuring an exotic petting zoo (with zebras and bison), a classic trading post, and a collection of vintage neon signs and quirky metal sculptures.
While I did not stop at this location, I grabbed this shot from a rest area a few miles north up the road on US-91.