The Gonzo Inn
Moab, UT
Photo courtesy Bob Jagendorf

Here's the sign for The Gonzo Inn in Moab, UT. What might otherwise be a fairly ordinary motel sign becomes much more memorable thanks to the quirky lizard character hanging from the support pole.

The independently owned hotel opened in 1998 and became part of Moab's growing lodging scene as outdoor recreation and tourism continued to expand throughout the region.

UPDATE: The Gonzo Inn remains in operation in Moab. Unsure if the property's distinctive sign and its hanging lizard mascot continue to welcome guests visiting southeastern Utah's red rock country. 06-26

Capri Motel
Colorado Springs, CO
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

Check out the Capri Motel in Colorado Springs. The motel's distinctive roadside sign looks like it has a pair of feet, thanks to its unusual angled support structure. The eye-catching design helps set it apart from the many other motel signs that once lined the city's commercial corridors.

The motel opened in 1958 and has served travelers along East Platte Avenue for decades. Its mid-century marquee remains one of the property's most recognizable features.

UPDATE: The Capri Motel remains in operation under the name Capri & Tour-Rest Motel. While the distinctive sign still stands, the reader board portion of the marquee is no longer as colorful or playful as it once was, giving the sign a more subdued appearance than in its earlier years. 06-26

Shepherds Motel (Closed)
Denver, CO
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

The Shepherds Motel in Denver features a tiny orb perched on top of its roadside sign. While easy to overlook at first glance, the small decorative element gives the marquee a touch of Atomic Age character and helps distinguish it from countless other motel signs that once lined Denver's commercial corridors.

The 34-unit motel opened in 1963 and operated for decades near East Colfax Avenue, serving travelers passing through the area. The property remained under long-term family ownership for many years.

UPDATE: The Shepherds Motel is no longer operating as a motel. The property was sold in 2023, bringing an end to its long run as a roadside lodging destination. The vintage pole sign, including its distinctive orb topper, remains standing on the site. 06-26

Vista Grande Motel (Gone)
Heber City, UT
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

This sign for the Vista Grande Motel features an interesting design. The unusual combination of geometric shapes, bold colors, and asymmetrical styling helped create one of the more distinctive motel marquees found along Utah's highways.

The motel operated in Heber City for several decades and welcomed travelers along U.S. Highway 40. The property also gained a small place in television history when it appeared as a filming location in a 1999 episode of Touched by an Angel.

UPDATE: The Vista Grande Motel is gone, but its sign survives. After the motel was demolished, the vintage marquee was removed from the property and later preserved at a nearby Airstream restoration business, where it was modified with an Airstream-shaped center panel. 06-26

Sands Motel
St. George, UT
Photo courtesy Tony Craig

The Sands Motel in St. George, UT features a remarkably well-maintained roadside sign. Fresh paint and the distinctive script lettering help preserve the marquee's mid-century character, making it stand out among the many surviving motel signs found throughout the Southwest.

The motel has served travelers along St. George Boulevard for decades and remains one of the city's surviving independent roadside lodging properties.

UPDATE: The Sands Motel remains in operation. Its vintage roadside sign continues to stand along St. George Boulevard and remains one of the city's best surviving motel marquees. It's still a must-stop location, especially after dark when the sign lights up and serves as a familiar marker that another journey through St. George is underway. 06-26

Sleepy Lagoon Motel (Closed)
Beaver, UT
Photo courtesy Tony Craig

The Sleepy Lagoon Motel appears to be just what its name suggests — a sleepy old motel tucked away in Beaver, Utah. What caught my attention was the marquee out front. It's a great sign and one that seems perfectly suited for a place with a name like Sleepy Lagoon.

I've always enjoyed stopping here to take a look at this sign, especially late at night. There's something about the mood of the place after dark that has always appealed to me. The glow of the sign, the quiet surroundings, and the feeling of being in a small town long after most people have called it a night combine to create a scene that's hard to forget.

UPDATE: The Sleepy Lagoon Motel closed after a fire damaged part of the property in 2005. While the motel itself no longer welcomes travelers, the vintage marquee remains standing out front. I'm glad the sign survived. Every time I see it, I'm reminded of those late-night stops when the Sleepy Lagoon felt like one of the most atmospheric roadside scenes in Utah. 06-26