Church Rock (Utah) facts for kids
Church Rock is a tall, stand-alone rock formation in southern Utah. It's located right next to U.S. Route 191. This interesting rock is close to the entrance of the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park.
This 200-foot-tall rock is near the town of Monticello. It's a unique sight for people driving between Moab and Monticello. Many visitors pass by it on their way to Newspaper Rock State Historic Monument or the Needles district.
Contents
What is Church Rock?
Church Rock is a natural sandstone column. It stands out in the landscape of southern Utah. The rock gets its name from a local story. It looks a bit like a large, rounded gumdrop.
How Big is Church Rock?
This impressive rock stands about 200 feet tall. That's roughly the height of a 20-story building! It's a striking landmark along the highway.
The Myth of Church Rock
There's an old story from the 1930s about how Church Rock got its name. The myth says that a group called the "Home of Truth" wanted to build a church inside the rock. This story, however, isn't true.
The Home of Truth Community
The Home of Truth was a community started by Marie Ogden. She was a spiritual leader who gave talks across the U.S. In 1933, she and her followers moved to San Juan County, Utah. They called their settlement the "Home of Truth." Marie Ogden reportedly believed this area, including Church Rock, was very special.
The community members worked together for common goals. They lived by strict rules. Today, you can still see a few old buildings and a small cemetery from their settlement. These are found on a ridge called Photograph Gap, not far from Church Rock.
The Real Story of the Opening
The myth about building a church inside the rock came from a large opening in Church Rock. This opening is about 16 by 24 feet in size. People thought this was where the community planned their church.
Who Made the Opening?
The truth is, a local rancher named Claud Young owned Church Rock. He had a large cattle ranch in the area. In the late 1940s, Mr. Young hired people to create the opening. They used dynamite and tools to cut into the stone.
Why Was the Opening Made?
The opening was made for a practical reason. It was used to store salt licks and feed for cattle. This helped the rancher manage his livestock. The Young family still owns Church Rock today.
Images for kids
-
Church Rock in Utah. The La Sal Mountains are in the background.
