Looking Glass Rock ~ Canyon Rims Recreation Area

Looking Glass Rock is a natural landmark that is well worth checking out when touring the Canyon Rims Recreation Area in Moab, Utah. This gigantic rock outcrop is located on County Road 131 just a few miles off of Highway 191. This section of dirt road is usually smooth enough for an average passenger car, but a high ground clearance vehicle is a better choice. There is a parking area with a few shade trees next to Looking Glass Rock, so this destination is a prime choice for a day trip picnic!

Approaching Looking Glass Rock from the direction of Highway 191 may be a nice short journey, but there actually is a better pathway to this landmark that offers far more interesting views. This is especially true during late afternoon or sunset, because a driver coming from the highway will be looking west straight into the glare of the sun. By following County Road 131 east from Hatch Point Road during the late afternoon hours, a driver will be looking away from the sun as the golden glow paints the landscape. This pathway presents optimal conditions for viewing Looking Glass Rock from a distance, especially since the towering mountains will be in the background. In fact, during the long sunset hours Looking Glass Rock will be brightly lit with a golden orange glow, which is a captivating sight to see.

Even stranger when approaching from the west, the actual looking glass on the gigantic orange sandstone rock will appear as a mysterious jet black patch. This light absorbing black hole is enough to make a viewer stop and stare, while thoughts of the unexplained cross the mind. From this point on, the Looking Glass experience will become all consuming and the views just keep getting better the closer one gets. Upon arrival, the hole in the rock fills with light, just like a magical looking glass. Because of the golden orange sandstone frame, the view of the blue skies through Looking Glass Rock is like peeking into another dimension.

Clouds or inclement weather can dramatically enhance the Looking Glass Rock effect and the experience will provide pleasant memories for many years to come. Cloudy weather always guarantees a good sunset, however the trip should be called off if heavy rain is in the forecast because the dirt road will turn into deep mud. Be sure to bring a good camera along for the ride, because Looking Glass Rock is one of the most photogenic landmarks in the west!
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