Built Inside A Mountain, The Coolest Gas Station In The World Is Right Here In Utah
By Courtnie Erickson|Published June 13, 2022
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
Some gas stations are more than just a place to fuel up your vehicle and stock up on road trip snacks. In fact, the coolest gas stations are actually attractions themselves. Located in the town of Hanksville, between Capitol Reef National Park and Canyonlands National Park, you’ll find one of the coolest gas stations in Utah. It isn’t what this gas station sells that makes it stand out, it is where it is located — inside a mountain!
Mountain Hollow Gas Station in Hanksville is located at the intersection of state highways 24 and 95. You may pass through this area on your way to many popular attractions like Goblin Valley, San Rafael Swell, and two national parks.
At first glance, you’ll notice the fuel pumps, which look like those installed at an average gas station. However, the convenience store of this gas station is where things begin to look a little out of place. This store is actually inside the mountain.
In 1984, owner Harry Thompson bought the property at an exceptional price. His plans were to place a gas station on the lot, however, there was a small mountain in his way. It took more than 2.5 tons of dynamite to remove the mountain and clear space for his pumps, but after some time, he decided to leave the mountain, hollow it out, and place the convenience store inside.
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While this certainly isn't the largest gas station you will walk into, it's definitely not small. Plus, over the years, expansions have been made, adding restrooms and more space for merchandise.
When you walk around, you may feel like it is a typical convenience store with a variety of snacks and drinks. It is easy to forget you are actually inside a mountain.
However, you'll come across a few features — like bare rock walls — that remind you this isn't your average convenience store — this is one of the coolest gas stations in Utah.
No matter if you need fuel, snacks, or you just want to check out the location of the coolest gas station in Utah, make sure to stop by Mountain Hollow Gas Station in Hanksville.
Have you ever been to this unique gas station? If so, what did you think of your visit? We’d love to hear more in the comments. You can also learn more about this gas station on its Facebook page.
Approximately 12 miles from Hanksville is Goblin Valley, one of the best state parks in Utah. Here, you will find the most unusual rock formations and unforgettable hiking trails.
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