While Utah is home to some extraordinary sites—including archaeological gems like Lake Powell's stunning Tritylodontid mammaliaform fossil discovery from 2023 and natural wonders like Helper’s mind-boggling Balanced Rock—few know that tucked away near the Colorado Plateau lies a place that looks so much like Mars, that it’s helping shape the future of space exploration.
Located in the heart of Utah’s red rock country, Hanksville is more than just a scenic desert town—it’s a Martian stand-in. This remote, rugged spot is so geologically and visually similar to Mars's surface that space agencies use it to test-drive Mars rovers. Beyond its extraterrestrial allure, Hanksville also boasts exciting outdoor adventures, a fascinating history, and unique desert beauty, making it a surprising and unforgettable destination.
Hanksville, Utah, Looks Like Mars & Is Used To Test-Drive Rovers
Hanksville, Utah, is surrounded by a landscape so otherworldly that it could easily be mistaken for another planet. The terrain is layered with red rock formations, dry riverbeds, and cracked soil, mimicking the Martian surface so closely that it has become a testing ground for space missions. The area’s uncanny resemblance to Mars comes from its Late-Jurassic siltstone and sandstone deposits, laid down by ancient marshes millions of years ago.
Because of its Mars-like terrain, the Canadian Space Agency and British researchers have used the area near Hanksville to test high-tech equipment destined for the European Space Agency’s ExoMars rover. These trials are crucial—the dry, rocky surface is visually similar to Mars and presents real challenges for rover mobility and data collection. Images transmitted during these tests have even been mistaken for photos from the Red Planet.
In addition, just outside Hanksville sits the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS), a facility operated by the Mars Society that simulates living and working conditions on Mars. While MDRS is not open to the public, its presence further highlights how closely Hanksville’s desolate landscape mirrors Mars, making it a vital hub for Earth-based space exploration research.
Each year, the area also hosts the University Rover Challenge (URC), the world’s leading collegiate robotics competition. Student teams from around the globe test Mars rovers they’ve built to operate in conditions similar to those on the Red Planet. It’s yet another way Hanksville is helping shape the future of space exploration.
What makes Hanksville especially ideal is its accessibility. While remote, it's only a short drive from larger hubs like Salt Lake City and even has a small airport for light aircraft. That makes it possible for scientists, engineers, and curious travelers alike to get up close to Earth’s most Martian terrain without ever leaving the planet.
Things To See & Do In Hanksville, Utah?
Hanksville may be tiny, but it packs a wide variety of experiences for nature lovers, geology buffs, and adventure seekers. Beyond its Martian reputation, the town is the gateway to Utah's most awe-inspiring landscapes, including the Henry Mountains, Lake Powell, Slot Canyons, Capitol Reef National Park, and Canyonlands National Park.
Factory Butte is one of the most photogenic stops. A stark gray monolith surrounded by a barren yet beautiful desert, it is often a favorite for photographers and drone operators. Just a short drive away, Goblin Valley State Park is filled with mushroom-shaped rock formations that look like something out of a fantasy film. These otherworldly sights are perfect for hiking, stargazing, and capturing surreal desert scenery.
Adventure seekers can enjoy off-roading, canyoneering, and rockhounding—the surrounding terrain is rich with geodes, fossils, and ancient Native American rock art. For guided adventure, Hanksville Tours and Motorsports Rentals provides ATV and UTV rentals, while Hat Rack Ranch offers mule-drawn wagon rides for a more historical twist.
Get in the Wild Adventures delivers unique wilderness experiences that mix hiking, scrambling, and rappelling through Utah’s rugged backcountry. Those who prefer a slower pace might enjoy scenic drives through the area for stunning views of wind-carved mesas and shifting desert light. And if you’re into geology, don’t miss a stop at the Rockin Riddle Rock Shop for local tips on the best nearby spots for fossil and rock hunting.
Hanksville also offers a range of lodging options, from cozy cabins at Muddy Creek Mining Company to the well-rated Whispering Sands Motel, as well as camping and RV stays at Duke's RV Park and Hanksville RV and Marine. There are also numerous Airbnb rentals in the area. When it’s time to refuel, enjoy a hearty meal at Stan’s Burger Shack, The Wild Brunch for breakfast on the run, Outlaw’s Roost for burritos and tacos, or Duke's Slickrock Grill for western-style BBQ — all serving up local flavor and small-town hospitality.
Once A Remote Stopover For Cattle Drives & Supply Routes
Founded in the late 1800s, Hanksville was a small agricultural community along the Fremont River. Named after Ebenezer Hanks, an early settler and missionary, the town was once a remote stopover for cattle drives and supply routes through Utah's rugged southeast.
Over the decades, Hanksville has remained small and somewhat isolated, but its position near major geological and archaeological sites has made it a hidden gem for explorers and scientists alike. During the uranium boom in the mid-20th century, prospectors passed through the region, though Hanksville never grew into a major mining town.
Today, Hanksville blends its pioneer legacy with a reputation for scientific exploration. From early settlers carving out a life in the desert to researchers simulating life on Mars, the town’s history is a testament to adventure, resilience, and discovery.
Best Time To Visit Hanksville, Utah?
The best time to visit Hanksville is spring (March to May) or fall (September to November), when the weather is comfortable and ideal for exploring. Summers can be extremely hot, and winters are often cold and quiet. Spring and fall also mean fewer crowds and clearer skies—perfect for photography and stargazing. Be aware that late summer brings monsoon rains, which can cause flash floods, especially in slot canyons. Always check conditions before heading into remote areas.
Hanksville, Utah, looks so much like Mars that it is often used to test-drive rovers, but it’s so much more than a testing site. From jaw-dropping red rock vistas to hidden canyons and a surprisingly rich history, Hanksville, Utah, offers a portal to another world without leaving Earth.