Church Rock Monticello
A towering sandstone butte, Church Rock is an iconic roadside landmark visible for miles along Highway 191 in Utah.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
See the rock's true colors
Church Rock Monticello
Best Time
See the rock's true colors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A towering sandstone butte, Church Rock is an iconic roadside landmark visible for miles along Highway 191 in Utah.
"An amazing rock formation just off of Route 191 at the intersection of the entrance road to Canyonlands National Park Needles District is Church Rock."
📸 Easy Photo Op
Pull over safely on Highway 191 for fantastic photos. It's a quick, rewarding stop!
📍 Roadside Landmark
Visible from miles away, it's a great landmark when driving between Moab and Monticello.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Church Rock
Highway 191
A towering sandstone butte resembling a church steeple, a natural wonder visible for miles.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Quick Stop, Big Views
Best Photo Angles
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Easy Photo Op
Pull over safely on Highway 191 for fantastic photos. It's a quick, rewarding stop!
📍 Roadside Landmark
Visible from miles away, it's a great landmark when driving between Moab and Monticello.
🚗 Quick Detour
Perfect for a brief stop with kids; they'll find the unique shape amazing!
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Easy Photo Op
Pull over safely on Highway 191 for fantastic photos. It's a quick, rewarding stop!
📍 Roadside Landmark
Visible from miles away, it's a great landmark when driving between Moab and Monticello.
🚗 Quick Detour
Perfect for a brief stop with kids; they'll find the unique shape amazing!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Church Rock for its striking natural beauty and convenient roadside location. It's a highly recommended quick stop for photos, especially for families and road trippers. While not a destination for extensive exploration, its iconic presence makes it a memorable part of any journey through the area.
"An amazing rock formation just off of Route 191 at the intersection of the entrance road to Canyonlands National Park Needles District is Church Rock. This solitary column of sandstone just seems to rise out of nowhere. It stands nearly 100 feet tall and can be seen for miles."
ray weithman
"Kids thought if was amazing to see right from the highway"
Luis D.
"Nice view when traveling you can see it miles away and canyon lands is entrance is rite across the road"
Michael Murphy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Church Rock is conveniently located directly off Highway 191, between Moab and Monticello, Utah. It's a prominent landmark visible from the highway, making it an easy stop for travelers. 
Yes, Church Rock is situated very close to the entrance road for the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. It's a great spot to see right before or after visiting the park.
There are pull-off areas along Highway 191 where you can safely stop your vehicle to take photos of Church Rock.
Church Rock is primarily viewed from the roadside. While there might be informal paths, it's not a designated hiking trail. The main attraction is its roadside visibility.
Absolutely! Church Rock is a solitary sandstone column that rises nearly 100 feet and can be seen for miles from Highway 191.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Church Rock is a natural landmark visible from the highway and does not require an entrance fee or ticket. It's a free roadside attraction.
Church Rock is accessible 24/7 as it's a natural formation visible from the highway. However, the best time to visit for viewing and photography is during daylight hours.
There are designated pull-off areas along Highway 191 that serve as informal parking spots for visitors to view and photograph Church Rock.
While it's a natural landmark, it's part of the public landscape along Highway 191. Visitors are encouraged to respect the environment and not disturb the formation.
Climbing Church Rock is generally not permitted or advisable due to its natural state and the risk of damage to the formation. It's best enjoyed from a distance.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offer the most dramatic lighting for photographing Church Rock, highlighting its red hues and textures.
Any camera, from a smartphone to a DSLR, can capture the beauty of Church Rock. Wide-angle lenses are great for capturing the scale of the formation against the landscape.
The pull-offs along Highway 191 provide the primary viewpoints. Experiment with different angles from these spots to find the most compelling composition.
Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check current FAA and local regulations before flying a drone in the area, especially near national park entrances.
Consider framing Church Rock with the surrounding desert landscape or the open sky for a sense of scale. Including a person or vehicle can also help convey its size.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pro-tip: Make it a quick scavenger hunt to spot the rock from a distance as you approach. It’s a simple yet engaging activity that adds a bit of fun to the journey. The short stop allows for quick photos and a chance to stretch before continuing your adventure.
🚗 Road Trippers
+1It's an ideal spot for a scenic break and a chance to capture a classic Utah landscape photo without a significant detour. Many travelers see it as a familiar landmark, a sign that they are entering or leaving the dramatic red rock country.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Geology and Formation
+1Travelers often marvel at how this solitary column stands out against the surrounding desert landscape. It's a visual reminder of the dynamic geological history of southeastern Utah. The rock's formation is a slow, continuous process, with wind and rain gradually sculpting its features over millennia.
+1While it appears solid, the rock is composed of layers of sand that have been cemented together. Understanding this geological context can enhance the appreciation of its unique form and resilience. It’s a natural sculpture carved by time and the elements.
+1A Roadside Icon
Its proximity to the entrance of Canyonlands National Park makes it a convenient point of interest for those heading into the park or returning from it. This strategic location ensures that even those with limited time can experience its visual appeal. The rock serves as a natural gateway, offering a preview of the dramatic landscapes Utah is known for.
The unique shape has even sparked personal interpretations, with some recalling childhood nicknames like 'Aunt Jemima Rock' or 'Mrs. Butterworth's syrup bottle' due to its rounded appearance from certain angles. These personal connections highlight how natural formations can become part of individual travel memories and stories.
Social
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