Twelve miles south of Moab, a 5,000-square-foot home sits carved into a massive sandstone cliff. This is Hole in the Rock, one of Utah’s quirkiest roadside attractions and a favorite stop for travelers exploring the stunning red rock country around Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
Whether you’re looking for a unique break from hiking, a spot to grab ice cream, or a fascinating glimpse into one man’s 12-year obsession with carving a home from solid rock, this guide covers everything you need to know before visiting. It’s a perfect addition to any camping adventure in the Moab region.
Quick Facts: Hole in the Rock at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 11037 South Highway 191, Moab, UT 84532 (12 miles south of downtown) |
| Hours | 9am-5pm daily (9am-4pm in winter months) |
| House Tour Cost | Approximately $6 adults, $3.50 children (5-10), free under 5 |
| Zoo Admission | Approximately $4-4.50 (separate from house tour) |
| Tour Length | 12 minutes |
| Total Visit Time | 45 minutes to 1.5 hours |
| Phone | (435) 686-2250 |
Note: Prices and hours may vary. Call ahead or check the official website to confirm current rates before your visit.
Wait – There Are Two “Hole in the Rocks” in Utah?
Searching for “Hole in the Rock Utah” can lead to confusion because two completely different attractions share similar names.
Hole in the Rock (Moab Roadside Attraction) – This is the focus of this article. Located 12 miles south of Moab on Highway 191, it’s a carved rock home, exotic zoo, and gift shop that you can visit in under two hours.
Hole in the Rock Trail – A historic 56-mile dirt road and challenging 4×4 trail near Escalante and Lake Powell, roughly 200 miles from Moab. This route follows the path of Mormon pioneers who carved a passage through the cliffs in 1879-80. It’s a multi-day adventure requiring high-clearance vehicles.
If you’re looking for a quick, family-friendly stop during your Moab trip, you want the roadside attraction covered here. For more information on the trail, the National Park Service provides detailed guidance.
The Remarkable Story Behind Hole in the Rock
Albert Christensen started with a simple idea: carve a small sleeping alcove into the sandstone cliff for his sons. That modest project became a 12-year obsession that would transform 50,000 cubic feet of solid rock into a 14-room home.
Working alongside his wife Gladys, Albert excavated the massive sandstone formation entirely by hand. The resulting dwelling featured a 65-foot chimney, a fireplace carved directly into the rock, and even a bathtub chiseled from the stone itself. Natural light floods the interior through strategically placed openings.
Albert didn’t stop at building a home. He painted a large tableau called “Sermon on the Mount” and carved a bust of Franklin D. Roosevelt into the rock wall above the house. Both remain visible today.
After Albert passed away in 1957, Gladys continued developing the property into the roadside attraction visitors see today. She added the gift shops, trading post, and exotic zoo, turning the unique home into a destination that has welcomed millions of travelers.
What to Expect on Your Visit
The 12-Minute Guided House Tour
The heart of any visit is the guided tour through the 5,000-square-foot rock home. Guides lead small groups through the 14 rooms, explaining the construction process and sharing stories about Albert and Gladys.
Inside you’ll see original furnishings, Gladys’s doll collection, and some of Albert’s paintings. The massive rock pillars separating the rooms showcase the engineering required to prevent cave-ins during excavation.
One note for photographers: pictures are not allowed inside the house during the tour. You can take plenty of photos outside and around the property, but the interior remains camera-free.
At the back of the property, you can visit the graves of Albert and Gladys, also carved into the rock where they spent so much of their lives.
The Exotic Zoo
The small but entertaining zoo makes this stop especially appealing for families. Animals have names and personalities that staff members are happy to share.
Current residents include:
- Cramer the two-humped camel
- Zandra the zebra
- Wyndell the Vietnamese potbelly pig
- Bucky and Noel, a pair of albino raccoons
- Emus, pygmy goats, mini horses, and donkeys
- Wallabies, alpacas, and peacocks
- Watusi cattle and sheep
Kids particularly enjoy the feeding opportunities. You can purchase animal feed at the gift shop to hand-feed many of the friendlier residents.
Gift Shops and Curiosities
Three distinct shopping areas cater to different interests. The Trading Post focuses on locally-made Native American pottery, jewelry, and dream catchers. The Hole in the Rock Store carries souvenirs and memorabilia specific to the attraction. The General Store offers ice cream, cold drinks, and snacks, making it a welcome stop on a hot Utah day.
Beyond shopping, the grounds are scattered with quirky photo opportunities. The largest collection of Lyle Nichols metal sculptures sits here, along with vintage signs, antique mining equipment, and various oddities. Penny stretcher machines with six different designs give kids something to collect.
How Long Should You Plan to Spend?
Most visitors underestimate the time needed for a complete visit. The 12-minute tour is just the beginning.
| Activity | Time Needed |
|---|---|
| House tour | 12 minutes |
| Zoo exploration and animal feeding | 20-30 minutes |
| Gift shops and trading post | 15-20 minutes |
| Photo opportunities outside | 10-15 minutes |
| Minimum total | 45 minutes |
| Leisurely visit with ice cream | 1-1.5 hours |
For family camping trips, building in extra time makes sense. Kids will want to linger at the zoo, and the ice cream provides a welcome break from outdoor activities.
Best Time to Visit Hole in the Rock
Summer temperatures around Moab regularly exceed 100°F, making timing important for outdoor portions of your visit.
Best time of day: Morning visits beat the heat. Arrive when doors open at 9am, complete the tour before temperatures climb, and head to the national parks afterward. Late afternoon (after 4pm) works too, but you’ll have less time before closing.
Best seasons: Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer comfortable temperatures and smaller crowds. The attraction stays open year-round, so winter visits are possible with reduced hours.
Crowd considerations: Weekdays see fewer visitors than weekends. Holiday weeks during summer bring the largest crowds, so expect possible waits for tour groups during peak periods.
Tips for Visiting with Kids
Families make up a large portion of Hole in the Rock visitors, and the attraction delivers solid entertainment value for children.
What kids love:
- Feeding animals at the zoo (especially the goats and alpacas)
- Ice cream from the general store
- Finding Bigfoot and Mater figures hidden around the property
- Penny stretcher machines with collectible designs
Age considerations: The house tour holds attention for most kids 6 and older. Younger children may find 12 minutes of standing and listening challenging. The zoo tends to be the highlight for the under-6 crowd.
Budget tip: Bring cash for animal feed and penny machines. The admission adds up for larger families, but you can skip the separate zoo fee if budget is tight (exterior viewing is still available).
Nearby Camping Options
Hole in the Rock sits in prime car camping territory with several options within minutes of the attraction.
Ken’s Lake Campground – Just 2 miles north of Hole in the Rock (10 miles south of Moab), this BLM campground offers 47 reservable sites at $20 per night. Amenities include vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. The adjacent lake allows swimming and paddle boarding, making it ideal for cooling off after desert adventures.
Yellow Circle Road – Free dispersed camping available approximately 11 miles south of Moab, accessible to 2WD vehicles. This BLM land offers spacious sites for those comfortable with primitive camping.
Additional BLM options: The Moab area contains 26 BLM campgrounds, most operating on first-come, first-served basis at $20 per night. Contact the BLM Moab Field Office at (435) 259-2100 for current availability.
Note: Within 20 miles of Moab, camping is only permitted in designated campgrounds. Dispersed camping options exist further from town.
Planning Your Moab Adventure Around Hole in the Rock
The attraction’s location makes it an easy addition to any Moab camping itinerary without significant detours.
| From Hole in the Rock to: | Distance | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Moab | 12 miles | 15-20 minutes |
| Arches National Park entrance | 17 miles | 25-30 minutes |
| Canyonlands (Island in the Sky) | 44 miles | 50-60 minutes |
Suggested stop order: If you’re heading to Canyonlands from the south (coming from Monument Valley or Natural Bridges), stop at Hole in the Rock first thing in the morning before the heat. Coming from Arches, save it for an afternoon ice cream break on your way to evening activities or camp.
The attraction works particularly well as a transition between strenuous outdoor activities. After a morning hike at Arches, the shaded tour and cold treats provide welcome recovery before tackling Canyonlands.
Who Should Visit Hole in the Rock (And Who Should Skip It)
Every roadside attraction works better for some travelers than others. Here’s an honest assessment.
Best for:
- Families with kids who need a break from hiking and car time
- Roadside attraction enthusiasts and collectors of quirky Americana
- History buffs interested in individual stories of determination
- Anyone needing air conditioning, ice cream, and a bathroom break
Worth it if:
- You’re driving past on Highway 191 anyway
- Kids are getting restless and need distraction
- You have 45 minutes to spare between park visits
- You appreciate the “weird America” category of travel
Skip if:
- You’re on an extremely tight schedule with no flexibility
- Commercial tourist attractions don’t appeal to you
- Your budget is severely limited (small but adds up for families)
- You’re seeking wilderness experiences only
Set realistic expectations: This is a tourist attraction, not a national park. It’s fun, quirky, and legitimately interesting, but it’s not a must-see destination that defines a Utah trip. Treat it as a bonus stop rather than a primary attraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hole in the Rock in Moab Utah worth visiting?
For most visitors passing through on Highway 191, yes. Families with children especially appreciate the combination of the house tour, zoo animals, and ice cream. Budget 45 minutes to 1.5 hours and you’ll likely leave entertained. It won’t rival Arches or Canyonlands, but it serves as an enjoyable break between outdoor adventures.
Can you take pictures inside the Hole in the Rock house?
No, photography is not permitted inside the house during the guided tour. You can take unlimited photos outside, around the property, at the zoo, and with the various sculptures and curiosities scattered around the grounds.
How much does it cost to visit Hole in the Rock?
House tour admission is approximately $6 for adults, $3.50 for children ages 5-10, and free for children under 5. The zoo requires a separate admission of approximately $4-4.50. Prices may change, so call (435) 686-2250 to confirm current rates before visiting.
What animals are at the Hole in the Rock zoo?
The exotic zoo features a two-humped camel, zebra, Vietnamese potbelly pig, emus, pygmy goats, mini horses, donkeys, wallabies, alpacas, peacocks, Watusi cattle, sheep, and a pair of albino raccoons. Many animals can be hand-fed with food purchased at the gift shop.
How long is the Hole in the Rock tour?
The guided house tour takes approximately 12 minutes. Plan 45 minutes to 1.5 hours for a complete visit that includes the zoo, gift shops, and photo opportunities.
Is Hole in the Rock the same as the Hole in the Rock Trail?
No, they are completely different locations. Hole in the Rock (covered in this article) is a roadside attraction 12 miles south of Moab featuring a carved rock home and zoo. The Hole in the Rock Trail is a 56-mile 4×4 trail near Escalante and Lake Powell, approximately 200 miles from Moab, following the historic Mormon pioneer route.
Is there camping near Hole in the Rock?
Yes. Ken’s Lake Campground sits just 2 miles north of the attraction with 47 reservable sites at $20/night. The BLM manages 26 campgrounds in the broader Moab area. Free dispersed camping is available at Yellow Circle Road, about 11 miles south of Moab.
What are the hours at Hole in the Rock?
The attraction is open 9am-5pm daily year-round, with reduced winter hours of 9am-4pm. Hours may vary seasonally or during holidays. Call (435) 686-2250 to confirm current hours before your visit.
Visiting Hole in the Rock: Final Thoughts
Hole in the Rock captures a particular spirit of American roadside culture. One person’s unusual vision, decades of persistent work, and the result: a truly one-of-a-kind destination that millions of travelers have stopped to experience.
For camping enthusiasts exploring Moab’s world-class outdoor recreation, this attraction offers something different. It’s not wilderness, but it’s genuine. It’s not natural, but it’s remarkable. And on a hot Utah afternoon, the ice cream alone might be worth the stop.
The Christensens’ creation has outlived them by decades, continuing to welcome curious travelers who spot those distinctive white letters painted on the cliff. Whether you spend 45 minutes or stay for ice cream and animal feeding, Hole in the Rock adds a memorable quirky chapter to any Utah road trip.
