FACTORY BUTTE:
The butte rises about 900ft from the desert floor with mesmerizing ripples and distinctive rock veins.
The area around Factory Butte is known for its rugged beauty, colorful sandstone formations, and unique geology. Visitors can hike, bike, and camp in the area, but they should be aware that the landscape is fragile and should be treated with care to preserve its natural beauty.
Visitors should be prepared for remote travel and limited services in the area. The best time to visit Factory Butte is in the spring and fall when temperatures are cooler and the weather is more pleasant.
β’π³πππππππ: Located 12 miles west of Hanksville (20 minutes) along the Caineville Wash Road.
β’π―ππ ππ πππ πππππ: You can find it on Google Maps/Waze, just type in βFactory Butteβ.
β’πΎπππ ππ πππππ: Sunset is the best time to visit. Once the sun sets, the colors/hues of the butte and surrounding areas change substantially and it is blown out.
β’π¨πππππ: There are lots of places to stop and take pictures of this butte, there is also a road you can drive into to get a closer look at it but during the rainy season you'll need a 4WD to get up close.
MOONSCAPE OVERLOOK:
Moonscape Overlook offers visitors a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, which has been eroded into a unique and otherworldly terrain that resembles the surface of the moon.
The viewpoint can be reached via a short dirt road that leads to a small parking area. From there, visitors can walk a short distance to the edge of the overlook and enjoy the breathtaking view.
β’π³πππππππ: Located about 6 miles southwest of Hanksville (30-minute drive).
β’π―ππ ππ πππ πππππ: It's the same route you take to get to Factory Butte and turn right, at these coordinates 38.4487810, -110.8825910, to a rougher dirt road. Once you turn, add 38.4522250, -110.8380570 to reach your final destination.
β’πΎπππ ππ πππππ: Sunset is the best time to visit.
β’π¨πππππ: You need a 4x4 to get here, if you have a low clearance/two-wheel drive, take it slow and turn around if you feel like you get to a part that will be too difficult. Don't go during the rainy season.
LONG DONG SILVER:
Long Dong Silver is one of the coolest spots we've been to. This place has two black spires that rise up and make you feel like you were pulled into a Lord of the Rings scene. it has no official name but is nicknamed βLong Dong Silverβ, to us it looks like Mordor.
β’π³πππππππ: 9 minutes from Hanksville.
β’π―ππ ππ πππ πππππ: Drive 8 miles on Route 24 to the following coordinates 38.3695667, -110.8405937 and park on the right side. Then walk 2 miles to the following coordinates: 38.3938608, -110.8322735. If you've got a 4x4 you can get closer and walk less.
β’πΎπππ ππ πππππ: Sunrise and sunsets are both great times to visit.
GOBLIN VALLEY STATE PARK:
Goblin Valley State Park is such a fun place to explore. The park is named after its unusual rock formations, which resemble goblins or hoodoos. These formations were created over millions of years by the weathering of sandstone and erosion.
β’π³πππππππ: 1.5 hours away from Moab and 30 minutes from Hanksville.
β’π¬πππππππ πππ: $20 per person.
β’π―ππ ππ πππ πππππ: Just enter "Goblin Valley state park to your Waze/Google Maps and it'll lead the way.
β’π«πππππ: Permits may be obtained at the visitor center for a fee of $10.00.
BENTONITE HILLS:
The Bentonite Hills consist of blue, red, purple, and green clays created by volcanic ash, giving the hills a rainbow color. You should be aware that the area is remote and undeveloped, and you should come prepared with plenty of water, food, and other supplies.
β’π³πππππππ: East of Capitol Reef National Park, the Bentonite Hills are not part of the national park system.
β’π―ππ ππ πππ πππππ: You can find it on Google Maps/Waze, just type in βBentonite Hillsβ.
β’πΎπππ ππ πππππ: Sunset is the best time to visit.
β’π¨πππππ: You need a 4x4 to get here, if you have a low clearance or two-wheel drive, take it slow and turn around if you feel like you get to a part that will be too difficult. You donβt want to get stuck in this area as cell phone service is pretty bad.
MARS DESERT RESEARCH CENTER:
The Mars Desert Research Station is part of the Mars Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the exploration and settlement of Mars. The Desert Research Station is designed to simulate the conditions of a Martian habitat, and it serves as a testing ground for new technologies, scientific research, and human behavior in extreme environments. The station is a private research facility. They do not at any time offer tours nor are they open to visitors. People are allowed to pass the campus from Cow Dung Road and are welcome to stop and park where permitted and view the station from that spot.
β’π³πππππππ: Mars Desert Research Station is situated 4 km east of Long Dong Silver. located about 12 miles northwest of Hanksville, Utah, in a remote and isolated area of the desert.
β’π―ππ ππ πππ πππππ: You can find it on Google Maps/Waze, just type in βMars Desert Research Centerβ.
β’π¨πππππ: Visitors should be prepared for rugged conditions and should bring appropriate clothing, food, and water for their visit. You donβt necessarily need a high-clearance vehicle but if it rains you might need one.
