Hanksville serves as a pivotal gateway to some of the coolest natural attractions in Utah. The town itself is not really the main draw to the area, but everything surrounding it is the real reason to visit.
It is a small town in the middle of nowhere, but you will surely want to add this spot to your Utah Road Trip. But despite its small size, Hanksville still offers some unique attractions, tasty restaurants, and boutique hotels.
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Where is Hanksville Utah
Hanksville Utah is located in the southeast quadrant of the state. The town resides in Wayne County. It is essentially a town in what feels like the middle of nowhere.
Hanksville is a popular hub for people driving to Lake Powell, Capitol Reef National Park, Goblin Valley State Park, or north toward Moab or Salt Lake City.
What To Do in Hanksville Utah
As mentioned above, Hanksville Utah is a town that people often just pass through, maybe stopping for gas or a snack break. However, there are actually a few Hanksville attractions that should not be missed.
Whether you’re looking for viewpoints, hiking trails, or great restaurants, Hanksville Utah actually delivers.
Important Notes About The Area: Many of these desert destinations are fragile ecosystems. It’s important to leave no trace and stick to existing roads and trails.
We noticed a few places where people have not followed the rules and drove or walked in places the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) has asked people not to.
We will try our best to include important information for each place so we can all do our part and leave the planet better than we found it.
Here are some of the Top Things to do in Hanksville, Utah:
Moonscape Overlook
This area, dubbed Moonscape Overlook, has grown some popular attention over the years, and for good reason. This epic landscape makes you feel as though you are standing on the edge of another planet.
Getting to the lookout is down a long wash-boarded dirt road. Turn off Utah State Route 24 onto N Factory Butte Rd. Follow this road for about 5.6 miles until you hit Coal Mine Rd on your right. Stay on Coal Mine Road for 1.6 miles, the road will connect with Skyline View Rd. Just .2 miles left until you reach the end of the road which is the Moonscape Overlook.
Once you reach the parking lot, you can explore the views from the rocky point. There is a famous rock people stand on, but we personally found it pretty sketchy. Along the cliff edges, erosion is clearly in effect, so don’t go too close to the edge. Do tread lightly and follow paths that are already established.
Tourists are also allowed to dispersed camp here, and it’s truly magical at sunrise and sunset. (What is dispersed camping?)
Mars Desert Research Station
I want to be very clear, you cannot actually visit the Mars Desert Research Station itself. However, this spot has taken on that nickname because it’s really the only thing out there.
There is a long stretch of colorful striated marble visuals.
Reaching this area is off Utah State Route 24 and driving along Cow Dung Rd for about 4 miles. There is no designated parking lot, but a few pull-offs along the road past the Mars Research Center. DO NOT DRIVE off-road anywhere, park only in already established spots.
There are actually miles of similar-looking landscapes all along the road. But this location (pictured above) is just popular because it’s easy to reach and has a significant concentration of patterns.
Admittedly, seeing this specific landscape from the ground is not nearly as spectacular as the view from a drone.
IMPORTANT DRONING INFORMATION NEAR THE MARS DESERT RESEARCH STATION:
The most popular place to fly is unfortunately sandwiched in a tight sliver between two no-fly zones. On one side is the Hanksville Airport, and on the other side is the Mars Research Station. So careful and deliberate piloting is needed to avoid getting in trouble.
The Hanksville Utah Airport has a No-Fly Zone that extends directly adjacent to this spot. There can be big fines for flying in restricted airspace. So make sure that you know where the restricted airspace is and do not enter it.
Additionally, you can NOT drone over the Mars Desert Research Station. This is a private research facility, focused on simulating life on Mars. So any human presence or distractions is counter-productive to their goals.
We’ve added a few photos to help better describe where you can legally fly a drone in the area. We use two different apps to help verify places that are legal to fly: the FAA’s official App – B4UFLY, and a hobbyist App – UAV Forecast.
Long Dong Silver
Hidden within a natural amphitheater of cliffs and badlands are two sandstone spires that jut up toward the sky. These rock formations are hilariously nicknamed Long Dong Silver.
This area is often overlooked when visiting Hanksville, Utah, but it is a mesmerizing natural wonder. The hike is an easy 2-mile out-and-back trek.
There are two different ways to reach this landscape. There is a short dirt road off Route 24 that leads you to a parking lot. This should be passable in a 2wd vehicle, but during wet conditions, it may become impassable. If you don’t want to take your vehicle off road, then you can park a bit further and just park off the side of the road.
Follow our in-depth guide for where to park and the hiking details for Long Dong Silver.
Carl’s Critter Garden
Take a stroll through upcycled art museum ‘Carl’s Critter Garden’. This place truly embodies the phrase “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure”.
For a town that sometimes feels like time has left behind, Carl’s Critter Garden is a creative re-imagination of rejected car parts, machinery, and more.
It’s located just off Utah State Route 24 in the heart of town. Roam the area and be wowed by the unique attention to detail in these majestic pieces of art.
Hollow Mountain
Hollow Mountain is a famous pitstop when passing through Hanksville, Utah. There isn’t much to it besides a gas station-convenience store in the middle of a boulder. But it’s a cool experience nonetheless to walk through this one-of-a-kind attraction.
Where else can you visit a gas station inside a rock?
Swing Arm City OHV
Near the town of Caineville, you’ll find the Swing Arm OHV (off-highway vehicle) Recreation Area. If you have been looking for a place to rip it up with dirt bikes, ATVs, or side-by-sides, this is the place!
There really are no designated paths, but rather just a designated open space for people to roam on their OHVs.
But sometimes even non-OHV people are drawn to this place. Jake and I were compelled to camp here by the stunning landscape. During sunrise one morning, we threw up our drone and the shadows from the ridges and gullies were mesmerizing.
So really, while this area is typically meant for OHV, you can also visit the area just to check out the view.
This area is a super easy pull-off of Route 24. You can also camp here because it’s public land designated for dispersed camping.
If you are interested in renting an OHV, Hanksville Tours in town offers both rentals and guided tours of nearby attractions.
Factory Butte (OHV Area)
Factory Butte is another OHV area right behind the Swing Arm OHV area. This iconic butte juts out from the flat desert plains and is recognizable for miles around.
There is not a whole lot extra to do here, but rather take in its natural beauty. You can see Factory Butte from Utah State Route 24, or drive a little closer to it via N Factory Butte Rd.
If you have an OHV then you can up close to this natural wonder, because it is surrounded by a designated OHV-area.
There is one additional road that can get you a bit closer in your vehicle on the backside via N Factory Butte Rd. But other than that, people just enjoy the view.
The last time we were here in May, the wildflowers were poppin’!
Goblin Valley State Park
Goblin Valley State Park is a land of sandstone hoodoos. The unique rock formations were formed over 170 million years ago.
An ancient sea layered the area with mud, sand, and silt. And over millions of years, rain, snow, sun, etc have formed these unique formations into what we see today. And will continue to erode the formations to be even more different in the many years to come.
The best adventure in the park is to roam the Valley Of The Goblins. This area covers 3 square miles with no designated trail. An additional fun hike in the park is the Goblin’s Lair, a hidden cave.
Learn more about exploring Goblin Valley State Park in our in-depth guide.
Little Egypt
Little Egypt near Hanksville, Utah is another land of sandstone hoodoos. This area is a free alternative to Goblin Valley State Park, but also unique in its own way. A bonus to exploring Little Egypt is the stunning backdrop of the Henry Mountains.
Guests are free to roam the area, as there are no designated trails. But do be conscious of fragile areas, and try to only walk where there are designated paths.
Access to the Henry Mountains
Hanksville Utah is an access point to the Henry Mountains. While we personally believe that the Henry Mountains are more beautiful to look at, you can also summit the peaks.
Hikers can reach the trailhead up Bull Creek Pass off Hwy 95 south of town. Once you reach the trailhead, the hike to the summit is 5.6 mi and climbs 1843 ft in elevation. This is a challenging hike because hikers start at 10,500ft (3,200 m) and climb to 11,527 ft (3,513 m).
Kathline Rock
Kathline Rock is a roadside attraction off Hwy 24. As you could have guessed, it is yet another amazing rock formation that is simply beautiful to endeavor. This stop is an easy attraction that can take less than 5 minutes.
This natural wonder is located on BLM, therefore people can camp next to the rock. But it is right next to the highway, so you might hear road noise.
Across the street from Kathline Rock, there are a series of signs that point out many landmarks in the region. They have narrow metal tubes attached to direct your gaze right to each landmark around Hanksville. Check it out!
Where To Eat in Hanksville Utah
Despite Hanksville Utah’s size, there are actually 3 tasty restaurants to choose from.
Stan’s Burger Shak
Stan’s Burger Shak is probably the best if you are in a hurry, and looking for a quick road trip pit stop. They offer all-American cuisine, and it’s quick counter-service. A classic combo at Stan’s is the #1 which offers the famous burger, fries, and large shake (and they mean LARGE).
Outlaw’s Roost
Outlaw’s Roost offers Mexican Cuisine. Tourists can choose from tacos, burritos, or rice bowls. They have great options for toppings and sauces. Additionally, they offer a variety of craft beers and a tasty homemade margarita.
They also have excellent wifi, so if you’re a digital nomad or simply need to get connected, this is a great place for getting internet. Plus, both their indoor and outdoor seating have great views of the Henry Mountains.
Duke’s Slickrock Grill
Duke’s Slickrock Grill is the Barbeque joint in town. They have delicious smoked meats and a tasty cornbread and honey appetizer. Duke’s is the only full-service restaurant in town. So if you want to be waited on, this is the best option.
Learn more about each of these great restaurants in Hanksville, Utah.
Hanksville Utah Hotels
Whispering Sands: Best budget motel option located in the heart of town. It also has easy access to all 3 of the best restaurants in town.
Cathedral Valley Inn: Budget motel west of Caineville. Easy access to Swing Arm City OHV Area o Capitol Reef National Park.
Muddy Creek: New Modern cabins in the heart of town. Easy access to many nearby Hanksville attractions.
Camping Near Hanksville Utah
Duke’s RV Park: Located in the heart of town and offers tent sites and full hook-ups. There also have showers and laundry open to the public for an additional cost.
Free BLM Camping: Our personal favorite way to travel in our camper van is to find free camping in the area. We use a combination of these 3 free camping websites and apps. We found two great spots just outside of town.
One spot is located amongst Red Rock Hoodoos & another one is on the west side of town.
Additionally, there is free camping at some of the places listed above. Please follow the leave-no-trace principles so these places can remain open to the public.
Hanksville Utah Weather
The best time to visit Hanksville Utah is in Spring and Fall when the weather is comfortable. Here is a guide for the temperatures through the seasons.
- Spring: 60-80 Fahrenheit (15-26 C)
- Summer: 90-100 Fahrenheit (32-38 C)
- Fall: 55-85 Fahrenheit (12-29 C)
- Winter: 40-50 Fahrenheit (4-10 C)
Attractions Nearby Hanksville, Utah
As mentioned above, Hanksville Utah is a gateway for tons of nearby attractions. Many of these popular locations require National Park Fees. If you plan to hit 2 or more of them, consider getting an annual park pass to save money!
Capitol Reef National Park (40 min drive):
Capitol Reef is probably the most common reason visitors pass through Hanksville. The park is massive and offers so many outdoor recreational activities. Check out our in-depth guide for the top things to do in Capitol Reef National Park.
Lake Powell Bullfrog Marina (1hr):
There are two access points for Lake Powell. The North entrance to Lake Powell is via Bullfrog Marina. The second entrance point is in the south in Page, AZ which is actually about a 5 hr drive from Hanksville.
Our favorite thing to do at Lake Powell is rent a houseboat with a bunch of friends. Learn more about how to plan a houseboating trip at Lake Powell.
Little Wild Horse in the San Rafael Swell (1hr):
An awesome slot canyon hike nearby is Little Wild Horse in the San Rafael Swell. The hike is 7.8 miles with 793 feet elevation change. It meanders through narrow wavey slot canyons, washes, and out through desert landscapes.
Learn more about the Little Wild Horse & Bell Canyon Loop Hike in this hiker’s guide.
Canyonlands National Park & Arches National Park (1hr 30 min):
In Moab, you can find both Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park. Both offer unique desert landscapes that are extraordinary.
Canyonlands is most known for its web of canyons that bisect the land. And Arches is obviously most known for, well, endless arches.
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (2hr 15 min):
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is an area that is often overlooked because of its remote location. But there are honestly tons of unique outdoor recreational activities in the area.
In our guide to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, we uncover some of the best hiking trails and backpacking adventures.
Takeaway | Hanksville Utah
Hanksville is an underrated area in Utah. It’s full of extremely varied and unique desert scenery with few crowds.
Jake and I have traveled extensively in the state of Utah and always just passed through like many of the other tourists. But once we stopped to explore the area for a few days, we developed an appreciation for the truly unique wonders here.
We hope this guide for Hanksville, UT brings you to some epic locations you never knew existed.
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