Utah is a treasure trove of quirky, bizarre, and downright weird roadside attractions that make road-tripping through the Beehive State an unforgettable adventure. Beyond its famous national parks, many unusual landmarks and creations capture the imagination of travelers looking for something different. Here are 10 of the weirdest Utah roadside attractions that are definitely worth a stop.
1. Hole N” The Rock (Moab)
One of Utah’s most iconic oddities, Hole N” The Rock is exactly what the name suggests: a 5,000-square-foot home carved out of a massive rock formation by Albert and Gladys Christensen in the 1940s. Visitors can take guided tours of the unique cavern home, explore a petting zoo, shop for Native American pottery, and enjoy an ice cream shop all nestled into this rocky spectacle.
2. Metaphor: The Tree of Utah (Bonneville Salt Flats)
Travelers along I-80 near the Bonneville Salt Flats can’t miss this 90-foot-tall psychedelic sculpture known as “The Tree of Utah.” Covered in colorful orb-like shapes, this mysterious “tree” has baffled and amused passersby since it was erected, standing starkly against the barren salt landscape.
3. Devil’s Slide (Croydon)
An unusual natural formation, Devil’s Slide looks like a giant playground slide made of two massive parallel limestone slabs jutting out from the side of a mountain. This strange and dramatic geological feature has captured the curiosity of travelers for generations.
4. Fantasy Canyon (Vernal)
A 10-acre natural wonder, Fantasy Canyon is filled with uniquely weathered and sculpted sandstone formations that resemble ghostly figures, ruined castles, and abstract sculptures. Its otherworldly appearance makes it a surreal stop for photographers and explorers alike.
5. Snelgrove Ice Cream Cone (Salt Lake City)
A giant vintage ice cream cone sculpture stands as the last remaining icon of Salt Lake City’s historic Snelgrove Ice Cream parlor. This fun and nostalgic roadside landmark is a sweet photo opportunity amidst the urban landscape.
6. Desert Bottle Tree (Wendover)
This quirky tree, entirely covered in colorful bottles, cans, and small trinkets, is a testament to roadside creativity. Known as the Desert Bottle Tree, it stands as a curious and colorful wishing tree that draws attention on the highway.
7. Dinah the Pink Dinosaur (Vernal)
Originally built as part of a motel, Dinah the Pink Dinosaur has become a beloved flamboyant symbol of the area’s paleontological heritage. This over-the-top pink dinosaur makes for a playful and unexpected photo stop.
8. Star Noodle Dragon (Ogden)
Dubbed the “Blade Runner dragon,” this buzzing neon dragon sign lights up the night in Ogden. It’s a kitschy and beloved local icon that captures Utah’s vibrant mix of art and pop culture.
9. Hollow Mountain (Hanksville)
This gas station and convenience store is carved directly into the rock in the middle of the desert, making it a genuinely bizarre pit stop for travelers passing through. It offers an unexpected blend of the natural rock formations and human ingenuity.
10. The Homestead Crater (Midway)
Though not exactly a classic roadside attraction, the Homestead Crater is a geothermal hot spring inside a limestone dome. Visitors can swim, snorkel, or scuba dive in its warm mineral waters, making it a unique and relaxing detour on any Utah road trip.
These roadside attractions showcase Utah’s playful, artistic, and sometimes surreal side. Whether carved into rock, painted in bright colors, or naturally weird, these stops offer fascinating detours packed with visual wonder and local charm. Next time you travel through Utah, these 10 unusual sites are definitely worth slowing down for.
Sources
[1] https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/utah/roadside-attractions
[2] https://www.businessinsider.com/utah-coolest-road-trip-pit-stops-2022-8
[3] https://www.driveway.com/learn/lifestyle/10-weird-and-wacky-roadside-attractions-worth-stopping-for
[4] https://www.fiftygrande.com/50-weirdest-roadside-attractions/
[5] https://daytripnomad.com/weirdest-roadside-attractions-usa/
[6] https://www.theholeintherock.com
