FACTORY BUTTE
Dominating the starkly beautiful desert landscape of Utah’s Wayne County, Factory Butte is an iconic and imposing geological marvel. Rising to an elevation of 6,302 feet, this massive butte, with its distinct “factory building” silhouette, beckons adventurers, photographers, and off-road enthusiasts to explore its unique and rugged terrain. Located northwest of Hanksville and east of Capitol Reef National Park, Factory Butte offers an unforgettable glimpse into the raw, untamed beauty of the American West.
The area surrounding Factory Butte is a vast expanse of badlands, characterized by its otherworldly appearance. This dramatic scenery, sculpted by millions of years of erosion,
What People Love to Do at Factory Butte
- Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Riding: This is arguably the most popular activity. The Factory Butte SRMA boasts several designated OHV areas:
- Swing Arm City: Famous for its challenging bentonite clay hills, steep slopes, and natural jumps, offering a “freeride” experience for dirt bikes and ATVs.
- Factory Butte OHV Open Area: A vast 5,300-acre space perfect for wide-open, cross-country riding and exploring the badlands.
- Photography: The unique geological formations, the vibrant colors of the eroding Mancos Shale (greys, purples, oranges, and golds), and the sheer scale of Factory Butte make it a photographer’s dream. Sunrise and sunset, the “golden hours,” provide the most dramatic lighting. The nearby Moonscape Overlook offers particularly stunning panoramic views of the badlands and Factory Butte itself. Spring can bring surprising bursts of wildflowers, adding another layer of beauty to the scene.
- Sightseeing and Scenic Driving: Even for those not looking to tackle extreme terrain, driving the main access roads like Coal Mine Road (North Factory Butte Road) offers incredible vistas. The sheer uniqueness of the landscape is a major draw.
- Stargazing: Far from city lights, the remote desert around Factory Butte provides exceptionally dark skies, making it an excellent location for stargazing.
- Hiking and Exploration: While there are few officially marked and maintained hiking trails leading directly to the summit or around the immediate base of Factory Butte, the rugged and uneven terrain is open to exploration for well-prepared and experienced hikers. Caution is advised due to the remote nature and challenging footing. Nearby areas like Little Wild Horse Canyon and Goblin Valley State Park offer more established hiking trails.
Getting to Factory Butte
Factory Butte is situated in a remote part of Utah, but accessible for those prepared for desert travel.
- Location: Approximately 12 miles northwest of Hanksville, Utah, and about 14 miles east of the Capitol Reef National Park boundary.
- Directions:
- From Hanksville: Head west on Utah Highway 24 for approximately 10-12 miles. Look for the well-marked right turn onto Coal Mine Road (also signed as North Factory Butte Road or County Road 1800).
- From Torrey (Capitol Reef National Park): Head east on Utah Highway 24. The turn-off for Coal Mine Road will be on your left after passing the Caineville area.
- Road Conditions: Coal Mine Road (N Factory Butte Road) is generally a maintained gravel road and can be passable for 2WD passenger cars in dry conditions. However, conditions can change rapidly with weather. Side roads, especially those leading to areas like Moonscape Overlook, can be rougher and may require high-clearance 4WD vehicles. Travel is not recommended when roads are wet, as the bentonite clay becomes extremely slippery and can make roads impassable even for 4WD vehicles. Always check current conditions before heading out.
