Factory Butte Hanksville
Experience otherworldly 'moonscapes' and a towering butte in Utah's remote desert. A photographer's paradise.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Mild temps, golden hour light
Factory Butte Hanksville
Best Time
Mild temps, golden hour light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience otherworldly 'moonscapes' and a towering butte in Utah's remote desert. A photographer's paradise.
"This place was otherworldly! A spectacular, quiet spot with unique terrain."
🚗 4x4 Recommended for Roads
Dirt roads can be rough and muddy. A high-clearance 4x4 is best for exploring beyond the main routes .
☀️ Golden Hour Magic
Visit at sunrise or sunset for dramatic light that highlights the unique textures of the landscape .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Factory Butte
Central to the area
An iconic, towering butte resembling a giant factory, surrounded by otherworldly grey badlands.
Moonscape Overlook
Near Factory Butte
A viewpoint offering a surreal, lunar-like panorama of the eroded clay badlands.
Bentonite Hills
Near Hanksville
Vibrantly colored hills with a unique, sculpted appearance, creating a surreal desert landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Road Conditions & Vehicle Choice
+1Best Time for Photography & Comfort
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 4x4 Recommended for Roads
Dirt roads can be rough and muddy. A high-clearance 4x4 is best for exploring beyond the main routes.
☀️ Golden Hour Magic
Visit at sunrise or sunset for dramatic light that highlights the unique textures of the landscape.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable. Ensure you have offline maps downloaded before you go.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The desert climate is dry and can be very hot. Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 4x4 Recommended for Roads
Dirt roads can be rough and muddy. A high-clearance 4x4 is best for exploring beyond the main routes.
☀️ Golden Hour Magic
Visit at sunrise or sunset for dramatic light that highlights the unique textures of the landscape.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable. Ensure you have offline maps downloaded before you go.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The desert climate is dry and can be very hot. Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The terrain can be uneven and rocky. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are essential for exploring.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Many areas around Hanksville, including Factory Butte, are dog-friendly for scenic drives and short walks.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the spectacular, otherworldly landscapes and the unique 'moonscape' terrain surrounding Factory Butte. The solitude and opportunity for quiet enjoyment, especially during sunrise and sunset, are highly praised. While the roads can be challenging, many find the effort worthwhile for the stunning photographic opportunities and the feeling of discovering a hidden gem.
"It is very spectacular. The ground surfaces around it are very special. you can enjoy the quite place just by yourselves, few people come around it. We stayed overnight there and saw the beautiful sunset and sunrise. There are also snow mountains far away that make good view overall."
Ken Xu
"* Location: Factory Butte, Hanksville, Utah. It's an iconic rock formation in a "moonscape" of bentonite clay badlands, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
* Best Time to Visit:
* Time of Day: The golden hours—30-60 minutes before sunrise and before sunset—are essential for photography. The low-angle light creates dramatic contrast and highlights textures.
* Season: Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) are ideal. Temperatures are mild (60s-70s°F), and spring may even offer wildflowers. Summer (June-August) is brutally hot, and winter (December-February) can be very cold, with potential road closures due to snow or mud.
* Vehicle & Road Conditions:
* The main access road, Factory Butte Road, is a wide, graded dirt road. While a 2WD vehicle can typically handle it, it's often very washboarded, so a high-clearance vehicle is recommended for a smoother ride.
* For exploring the surrounding area, especially viewpoints like the Moonscape Overlook, an AWD or 4WD vehicle with high clearance is necessary. The side roads are rough, rutted, and can become impassable when wet. Avoid driving on these roads after rain or snow to prevent getting stuck in the soft clay.
* Navigation:
* You can navigate to the general area by searching "Factory Butte Road, Hanksville, UT 84734" on Google Maps. The butte is a prominent landmark, visible from miles away.
* Be aware that once you leave the main paved highway, you are on a dirt road. It is highly recommended to download an offline map of the area as cell service is unreliable."
Shiva Kumar Appam
"An absolutely stunning place to visit! The roads are pretty rough so a 4x4 is definitely recommended, however, we made it through with our 24ft rv just fine (took it very slow though). Would definitely recommend if you're traveling on route 24!"
Sadie Klingele
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Hanksville, take Highway 24 east. Look for North Factory Butte Road (also known as Coal Mine Road) on your right. This dirt road leads to the butte and surrounding areas.
A high-clearance vehicle, preferably AWD or 4WD, is highly recommended due to the rough, washboarded dirt roads and potential for mud after rain.
The main dirt road can be managed by a 2WD vehicle, but it will be a very bumpy ride. Side roads to viewpoints like Moonscape Overlook often require 4WD.
Yes, but the road is rough and rutted. A high-clearance AWD or 4WD vehicle is necessary, and it's best to avoid it when wet.
No, there is no public transportation. You will need your own vehicle to access Factory Butte and the surrounding landscapes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Factory Butte is located on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land and is free to visit. There are no entrance fees.
Factory Butte is open 24/7 as it is an outdoor natural area. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and visibility.
For personal photography and casual filming, no permits are typically required. For commercial filming or large-scale events, you may need to contact the BLM office.
Dispersed camping is allowed on BLM land around Factory Butte. Be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles and check local BLM regulations for any specific restrictions.
The main dirt road can accommodate larger vehicles like RVs if driven slowly and carefully, but side roads are not suitable. Some visitors have successfully navigated with 24ft RVs.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours, about 30-60 minutes before sunrise and before sunset, offer the most dramatic lighting and highlight the textures of the badlands.
Factory Butte itself, Moonscape Overlook for panoramic views, and the colorful Bentonite Hills are prime photography locations.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes. A drone offers unique aerial perspectives.
The clay soil can be slippery when wet, and dust can be an issue. Protecting your gear from the elements is important.
Yes, drone photography and videography are popular here, offering stunning aerial views of the butte and badlands.
🎫 ⛰️ Onsite Experience
You can hike around the butte, explore the unique badlands, take photos, enjoy scenic drives, and camp overnight.
Yes, there are opportunities for hiking around the butte and exploring the surrounding badlands. Be prepared for uneven terrain.
Factory Butte is generally not crowded, offering a sense of solitude and quiet, especially outside of peak tourist seasons.
The area features otherworldly 'moonscapes' of grey bentonite clay badlands, colorful hills, and distant snow-capped mountains.
No, there are no developed facilities like restrooms or visitor centers. It's a natural, undeveloped area.
🍽️ 🍴 Food & Dining
Hanksville, a small town about 25 minutes away, has limited dining options. It's best to pack your own food and drinks for your visit.
Hanksville has a few local diners and gas station convenience stores. Options are basic but can provide a meal if needed.
Yes, picnicking is a great option. Pack out everything you pack in to keep the area clean.
No, there is no potable water available. You must bring all the water you need.
The closest grocery store is likely in Hanksville, which has limited selection. Stock up on supplies before heading to the area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and water, as amenities are scarce. Consider visiting Moonscape Overlook for stunning views, but supervise children closely due to the drop-offs. The nearby Goblin Valley State Park is also a fantastic, more accessible option for families with its whimsical rock formations.
📸 Photographers & Drone Enthusiasts
Drone pilots will find Factory Butte incredibly rewarding, with opportunities for breathtaking aerial footage of the butte and the surrounding sculpted landscapes.
+1 Ensure you are aware of any BLM regulations regarding drone usage. The solitude of the area allows for extended shooting sessions without crowds.🚗 Off-Road Adventurers
+1Always prioritize safety: download offline maps, carry ample water and supplies, and inform someone of your travel plans. The BLM land offers dispersed camping, making it an ideal spot for an off-road camping adventure. Be mindful of the fragile desert environment and practice Leave No Trace principles.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Terrain: Roads and Vehicles
Crucially, avoid these roads after rain or snow. The Mancos Shale and bentonite clay soil in the area turns into thick, impassable mud, which can easily trap vehicles.
Many travelers suggest that an AWD or 4WD vehicle is essential for navigating the rougher side tracks and ensuring you don't get stuck. If you're planning to explore off the main path, ensure your vehicle is equipped for challenging off-road conditions.For those with larger vehicles like RVs, it's possible to navigate the main dirt road slowly and carefully, but be aware of the limitations and potential for getting stuck if conditions are poor.
Capturing the Otherworldly: Photography at Factory Butte
The key to capturing its unique beauty lies in understanding the light. The golden hours—the period shortly after sunrise and before sunset—are paramount. During these times, the low-angle sun casts long shadows, accentuates the textures of the eroded clay, and brings out the subtle colors in the landscape.Beyond the main butte, Moonscape Overlook provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the sculpted badlands, perfect for wide-angle shots. The Bentonite Hills offer a different palette, with vibrant, layered colors that create a surreal, almost alien terrain.
For those with drones, the aerial perspective offers unparalleled views of the vastness and intricate patterns of the landscape.+1 Remember to bring a sturdy tripod for low-light photography and protect your gear from dust.While the landscape is the main draw, keep an eye out for the occasional wildflowers that bloom in the spring, adding a touch of color to the stark beauty.
Hanksville: The Gateway to Utah's Hidden Gems
The town itself offers basic amenities, including a few diners and gas stations, but visitors are advised to stock up on supplies before arriving due to limited options.
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