Hole N” The Rock, located 12 miles south of Moab, Utah on Highway 191, is a unique roadside attraction that combines history, quirky charm, and family-friendly activities. This one-of-a-kind destination boasts a hand-carved home inside a sandstone cliff, an exotic petting zoo, a museum filled with desert artifacts, and a variety of shops and attractions. The massive white letters painted on the rock face announcing “Hole N” The Rock” make it impossible to miss.
A Home Carved in Stone: The History of Hole N” The Rock
The centerpiece of Hole N” The Rock is a 5,000-square-foot home carved into a massive red rock fin. This extraordinary dwelling began as a humble alcove for the sons of Albert and Gladys Christensen. Over decades, Albert’s vision transformed the space, excavating 50,000 cubic feet of sandstone to create a 14-room marvel. The home features a fireplace, rooms built around natural sandstone pillars, and even a bathtub carved directly into the rock. Visitors can tour the home and marvel at the antique furniture, doll collection, and unique light fixtures.
Albert’s artistry extended beyond the home itself. He painted a striking rendition of the “Sermon on the Mount” and carved a bust of Franklin D. Roosevelt on the cliff face above the dwelling. After Albert’s passing in 1957, Gladys continued to develop the property, transforming it into the whimsical roadside attraction enjoyed by millions today.
More Than Just a Hole in the Rock: Zoo and Other Attractions
Beyond the home, Hole N” The Rock offers a diverse range of attractions. The exotic zoo houses a variety of animals, including Cramer the two-humped camel, Zandra the zebra, and Wyndell the Vietnamese potbelly pig. Visitors can also interact with emus, pygmy goats, mini horses, donkeys, wallabies, alpacas, peacocks, sheep, and even a pair of albino raccoons named Bucky and Noel.
Hole N” The Rock also features a collection of Southwestern curios, antique signs, a penny stretcher, and even a giant cactus constructed from bowling balls. An old jail cell, an aerial tram, antique vehicles, and statues of jeeps and bulls crafted from tools add to the unique atmosphere.
Hole N” The Rock: A Must-See Moab Destination
While the animals and curiosities make Hole N” The Rock an excellent destination for families with children, its unique blend of history, nostalgia, and quirky charm appeals to visitors of all ages. The opportunity to explore a hand-carved home, interact with exotic animals, and discover hidden treasures makes Hole N” The Rock a memorable stop on any Moab adventure.
Hole N” The Rock is open year-round, but hours vary seasonally. Call (435) 686-2250 for current operating hours and tour fees. Group rates are available. Plan your visit to this one-of-a-kind Moab landmark today!
