MOONSCAPE OVERLOOK
Moonscape Overlook, near Factory Butte and Hanksville, Utah, is a breathtaking overlook offering expansive views of a desolate, eroded landscape with a moon-like appearance. Located on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, it’s an exciting side excursion for anyone in Capitol Reef Country. This fascinating overlook is not far from the vibrant Bentonite Hills and other spectacular desert attractions
Driving to Moonscape Overlook
Moonscape Overlook is approximately 10 miles northwest of Hanksville, Utah, near Factory Butte, just off Utah State Route 24. It is a 15-minute drive from the Bentonite Hills near the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS).
Directions
From Hanksville:
Drive west on Utah State Route 24 from Hanksville for about 7.5 miles. Look for a dirt road on the right (north) side of UT-24, just past mile marker 117, signed with a small sign for “Factory Butte.” This is Factory Butte Road (also called Skyline Overlook Road). Turn right onto Factory Butte Road and go approximately 2.5 miles. The road forks; bear left to head towards the overlook. Continue another 1–1.5 miles to the rim of the overlook.
GPS coordinates for the overlook: 38°27’51.5″N, 110°53’08.5″W.
From the Bentonite Hills (MDRS):
Go back to UT-24 on Cow Dung Road (about 4 miles), left (west) on UT-24, and 4 miles to Factory Butte Road, then follow the above instructions.
Vehicle Requirements: High clearance vehicle is optimal for the dirt road, as it can be rocky and uneven. A 2WD vehicle can manage with care when dry, but 4WD is preferable. Avoid driving after rain, as the clay in the soil causes the road to become slippery and impassable. Road conditions can be had from the BLM Hanksville office at 435-425-3791.
Navigation: Cell service can be poor out in this desert landscape, be sure to have some form of offline navigation prepared.
What to Do
Photography: A photographer’s paradise, the overlook features eroded cliffs, rugged canyons, and there are many other captivating and photogenic landmarks in the area.
Sightseeing: Simply standing on the rim offers stunning views of the layered, gray Mancos shale deposits, carved by thousands of years of erosion. The landscape has a moonscape character, with Factory Butte rising in the distance, making it a great spot to soak up Utah’s wild beauty.
Hiking: There are no trails, but you can walk along the rim or follow available paths down into the badlands below. Watch out for sudden drop offs (some 200–300-foot cliffs) and loose, slippery terrain. Limit your travel to washes or previously disturbed areas to prevent environmental degradation. A brief stroll along the rim offers changing perspectives for photography.
Camping: Dispersed camping is allowed on BLM land near the overlook. Camp at least 200 feet from the road in previously disturbed areas to follow Leave No Trace principles. Bring everything (water, food, waste bags), as. there are no facilities. The overlook’s remoteness offers incredible stargazing.
Off-Roading: BLM roads around Factory Butte Road are beloved by OHV (off highway vehicle) enthusiasts. If you have a dirt bike or an ATV, test the nearby Factory Butte Special Recreation Management Area.
What to Expect
The overlook sits on the edge of a steep drop-off, offering 180 degrees of vistas of a barren, eroded landscape formed in Mancos shale 90 million years ago. The dry, cracked, gray earth.
The desolation and size create a sense of being on another world, especially during sunrise or sunset. It’s an isolated spot with no amenities, railings, or signs at the overlook itself, which enhances its wild, untamed nature – practice caution
What to Bring
Everything you need for a good adventure: a full tank of gas, the ability to navigate, layered clothing, water, snacks, and sun protection.
Attractions Nearby
Moonscape Overlook combines well with other attractions in the vicinity:
Bentonite Hills (Mars/Rainbow Hills): 15 minutes away, near the Mars Desert Research Station, with multicolored, vibrantly colored clay hills (refer to above answer for details).
Factory Butte: A landmark mesa visible from the overlook, it is a photo opportunity and OHV riding favorite. Get nearer via Factory Butte Road.
Goblin Valley State Park: 40 minutes south.
