The Grand Canyon, the most visited natural wonder in the world, lives up to its name—the breathtaking layered bands of ancient red rocks that intricately define the landscape are indeed... grand. It's a geological wonder that tells the rich history of volcanic activities, tectonic plate movements, and ancient seas—carved by the remarkable Colorado River.
But the Grand Canyon is so popular that it gets crowded, especially during school breaks, between late April and early September, the perfect time for families to take vacations. On the plus side, there's a stunning alternative to the Grand Canyon—without the crowds—the Moonscape Overlook, located in one of Utah's beautiful small towns.
Hanksville, a remote small town in Utah, is filled with adventure. Here, travelers can find the spectacular Moonscape Overlook. It's a gorgeous viewpoint similar to the Grand Canyon, but rewards everyone with a cold, grayish landscape that looks like the moon's surface—yes, it feels like you're being transported to the moon!
Hanksville may be one of the most underrated scenic spots to visit in Utah (especially in the summer), but its beauty and allure are for all seasons, especially with the remarkable scenery that Moonscape Overlook offers. Here's why it's worth a visit!
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Moonscape Overlook Is The 'Grand Canyon' Of Hanksville, Utah
On the Colorado Plateau's cold desert region sits the small town of Hanksville, one of the most underrated alternatives to Zion National Park for its proximity to national park sites and undiscovered gems.
It's home to less than 200 residents, with a peaceful and laid-back atmosphere, and the gateway to some of Utah's most spectacular, remote desert landscapes.
A hidden gem in Hanksville is Moonscape Overlook, a dramatic viewpoint boasting otherworldly scenery that makes it seem like you're standing on the moon's surface, gazing at its extraterrestrial views. The overlook's gray, blue, and desaturated pink hues make it more theatrical at all angles, like Arizona's Grand Canyon's dramatic but rather more colorful canyon walls.
Hanksville, Utah
Moonscape Overlook wasn't named Moonscape for no reason. As soon as travelers step in, the landscape will make them feel as if they've just landed on the moon, and its extraterrestrial scenery makes for a perfect Utah escape for travelers seeking otherworldly destinations.
The barren hills and eroded cliffs create Moonscape Overlook's incredible lunar landscape. The sprawling views of the vast landscape are truly unsurpassed—resembling a moonscape in an expansive desert plain.
At sunrise and sunset, Moonscape Overlook becomes even more surreal when the soft rays reflect the stunning layers of badlands, creating a gorgeous blend of gray, blue, and pink shades. The overlook is a favorite spot among photographers for its panoramic scenery in a cosmic setting.
Its location in Hanksville, one of the top small towns in Utah with the best hikes, opens up to remarkable hiking trails nearby, including the amazing hikes at Capitol Reef National Park, Utah's most underrated national park, that makes you forget Zion.
Keep your eyes peeled for the colorful desert flora and thriving fauna that add to the region's dazzling wonders!
Ecosystem Features: | Rugged desert landscape, wildlife, extreme climate, sparse vegetation, water scarcity |
Distance from Hanksville: | 10.6 miles |
Best Time of Day to See: | Sunset or Sunrise (for more dramatic lighting) |
Moonscape Overlook lies east of Capitol Reef National Park . The cell service here is either spotty or nonexistent, so be prepared with everything you need—spare tires, water, food, a first aid kit, and good clothing. There are also no facilities in the area or nearby.
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How To Get To Moonscape Overlook In Hanksville
Moonscape Overlook is nestled on a canyon rim called Skyline Rim, which can be seen on Google Maps. It is ten miles from Hanksville via Highway 24. Turn right onto Factory Butte Road through Coal Mine Road, where you'll turn right.
Keep left when you see an intersection until you reach Skyline View Road at another intersection. At this intersection, you'll turn right. Then keep left, and at about 1.8 miles, you'll be at the Moonscape Overlook parking area.
Just like the Grand Canyon's North Rim, which is more remote (one reason why some travelers like visiting the South Rim better than the North Rim), the drive to the overlook can be challenging, but it would be easier if you followed the GPS coordinates.
The dirt road to Moonscape Overlook is bumpy and rough, which requires driving a vehicle with higher clearance to make it less challenging.
There are plenty of gorgeous spots along the road to take Instagrammable photos, but be careful when getting out of the car along the overlook, as the landscape's surface is dangerous. The area's rugged desert terrain is perfect for off-roading adventurers.
Location: | Hanksville, Utah |
Best Time to Visit: | Fall and Spring (for great weather) |
GPS Coordinates: | 38°27’05.8″N 110°50’16.6″W |
A second overlook up the hill offers a different angle of the landscape, but it's steep and dangerous.
Furthermore, on your way to Moonscape Overlook, you'll pass by the stunning Factory Butte, a great stop to admire its amazing formation.
Administered by the Bureau of Land Management, the Factory Butte is an iconic 6,302-foot formation that rises dramatically from the barren desert floor.
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Hanksville Is An Adventure Of Its Own
First settled in 1882, Hanksville is in a secluded part of Southern Utah. It's a great jumping-off point to visit the nearby attractions, such as Capitol Reef National Park, Lake Powell, the Henry Mountains, Goblin Valley State Park, the San Rafael Swell, and, of course, Moonscape Overlook and the Factory Butte.
Many of these nearby attractions offer the best canyon hikes in Utah, which are better than Zion National Park. Hanksville's surrounding landscapes are geological wonders and make for spectacular hikes, off-roading, and even stargazing.
The Hollow Mountain Convenience Store is a quirky landmark in Hanksville. It was built in 1984 and carved into a rock hillside. It is a great stop for travelers who need to refuel and buy snacks, souvenirs, and other necessities while in the area.
Population: | 158 |
Date Founded: | 1882 |
Other Nearby Attractions: | Capitol Reef National Park, Lake Powell, Henry Mountains, Goblin Valley State Park, San Rafael Swell |
Coordinates: | 38°22′17″N 110°42′47″W |
Hanksville is a 3.5-hour drive from Salt Lake City, which is also a year-round vacation destination .
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Hanksville's remote location and incredible desert landscape lure many travelers to discover and experience this hidden gem in Southern Utah.
It offers a front-row seat to some of Utah's national and state parks and other marvelous attractions, including Moonscape Overlook, which is not to be missed when traveling to Southern Utah!