Want to feel as though you are transported to the moon? Well, Moonscape Overlook in Utah is one place on Earth that fits the bill. Especially, located in what quite literally feels like the middle of nowhere.
Moonscape Overlook is a popular attraction near Hanksville, Utah. Visitors who gaze over the edge of the cliffs are captivated by the raw beauty. Desert badlands stretch for miles in every direction, showing off a mesmerizing display of natural erosion.
This guide will provide all the details for how to get there, the best things to do, photography tips, and where to stay near the Hanksville, Utah area.
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How To Get To Moonscape Overlook
First, head down Utah State Route 24. The journey starts on N Factory Butte Rd down a washboarded dirt road.
Follow N Factory Butte Road for 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 Parking Area. (If you miss Coal Mine Rd, you can also turn right at Skyline View Rd and just follow that to the end).
Back Entrance to Moonscape Overlook
There is another way to get to Moonscape Overlook via Wild Horse Rd. You can access this road near Goblin Valley State Park. The journey is 27 miles of off-roading along washboard dirt roads, through washes with loose sand, and some water crossings.
This road is only recommended for true high-clearance, 4×4 vehicles.
Here is a mapped route to get to Moonscape via the back entrance. Or refer to the map above.
What To Do At Moonscape Overlook
Once you reach the parking lot, the world is your oyster. The area draws many people wanting to peer over the edge and take in the beautiful landscape.
You can see famous landmarks all around you. The San Rafael Swell draws a boundary to the north, Goblin Valley State Park to the Northeast, Factory Butte to the west, and the Henry Mountains to the South.
There is also a famous rock outcropping that people stand on. It’s definitely an undeniably Instagrammable spot. But personally, we found it pretty sketchy.
Jake and I followed old driving tracks that led along Skyline View Rim to gain a different perspective of the area. This walk also offered an amazing view of Factory Butte with beautiful wildflowers (in May). Refer to the map above for the “hiking” route we took along the ridge.
Photography Tips For Moonscape Overlook
Moonscape Overlook has the best lighting at sunrise. The sun peers over the horizon from the east and adds a nice glow to the rock formations.
In the middle of the day, there is flat light and little to no definition on the landscape.
In the late afternoon, the cliffs shadow the landscape below. But if the clouds pop at sunset, you can be in for a nice treat.
Overall, sunrise is the best time to photograph Moonscape Overlook.
Camping at Moonscape Overlook
Moonscape Overlook is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). This means this area is open to the public and free to use.
Camping is limited to 14 days in a 30-day period. Additionally, campers must move at least 30 miles to a new location every 14 days.
But remember, this desert ecosystem is fragile. So only camp in already established “sites” and don’t create new sites or trample vegetation.
This is an awesome area to camp, but we as a collective need to take care of the land to keep it open to future visitors.
It’s becoming increasingly popular to camp here to catch sunset and sunrise. At any given time, there are likely some people around, exploring, photographing, flying drones, etc. So if it’s ultimate solitude you are looking for, this is not the campsite for that.
If you are camping in a tent be sure to place your tent away from high-traffic areas. People often come in or leave after dark, so avoid blocking the main road/parking area.
Hotels Near Hanksville, Utah
If camping isn’t your thing, but you still really want to venture out to Moonscape Overlook, here are a few hotels nearby.
Caution When Visiting Moonscape Overlook
In a landscape characterized by erosion, clearly, you should be careful near any edges. My common sense was telling me the cliffs here were a bit sketchy. Obviously, use your best judgment. Do tread lightly and follow paths that are already established.
As mentioned above, there is a rock tourists love to climb to get that famous shot. It is legal to climb the rock but do so at your own risk.
If you are at all afraid of heights, this overlook might not be best suited for you.
This area is a fragile ecosystem and easily susceptible to trampling. Be respectful and do not create new campsites, or walk where there are no other footsteps. Please leave no trace and let’s leave this area a better place overall for future visitors.
Takeaway
Moonscape Overlook truly makes you feel like you’re on another planet. Plus you get to see miles of vast desert landscapes. This viewpoint can be a great stopover on a Utah road trip.
But this isn’t the only unworldly location in Hanksville, so be sure to check out our Hanksville, Utah Guide for other unique attractions. Plus Hanksville actually has 3 awesome restaurants to fuel up on when moving into your next destination.
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