Ever wanted to step onto another planet — without leaving Earth? Welcome to Moonscape Overlook, Utah’s most jaw-dropping secret near Hanksville. Imagine endless gray-blue badlands stretching into forever, dramatic cliffs that crumble underfoot, and sunrise views that will awaken your soul and make you wonder—why did I wait so long to come?
Whether you’re a photographer, a road tripper, adventure traveler, tourist, or just want to experience something truly unique, here’s everything you need to know to plan your own adventure to Moonscape Overlook.
My Visit to Moonscape Overlook in Utah
Moonscape Overlook had been sitting at the top of my bucket list for years, and I finally crossed it off on April 14, 2024. The drive was smooth — dry roads, easy terrain for my Bronco Sport Badlands. The temps were perfect, and sunrise? Absolutely unreal.
I left Colorado late morning, met up with my friends near Hanksville in the early evening, and we rolled into Moonscape Overlook around 7 pm. We got our pick of campsites at first, but the crowds weren’t far behind. Vehicles were already stacking up along the rim, but we drove farther out and found a little slice of solitude (at least for a while).
After setting up camp, I wandered around to stretch my legs after the seven-ish hour drive from Colorado, caught a cotton-candy sunset over Factory Butte, and crashed early to catch that golden sunrise light flooding the canyon. The unique rock formations here feel truly otherworldly. After soaking it all in, we packed up and continued our desert wanderings around Hanksville Utah.
Here’s exactly how to visit one of Utah’s most surreal landscapes — before the secret gets out.
What is Moonscape Overlook Utah
Moonscape Overlook is a remote viewpoint perched above a vast expanse of eroded hills and canyons, often described as “lunar” or “alien” in appearance. The overlook is located on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, meaning it’s free to visit and camp, with no facilities and no signage. It’s become a favorite for photographers and adventurers looking for a truly unique Utah experience, and Instagrammers looking to get the shot, but it’s still far less crowded than the national parks.
While the overlook itself with the famous insta shot is glorious, be sure to walk around and explore other areas along the rim of the clif for more epic views, and look back towards Factory Butte.
Is Moonscape Overlook Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. Moonscape Overlook Utah is one of the most visually striking and remote places in the state that is still accessible to those who plan properly — and it’s still relatively uncrowded compared to places like Capitol Reef or Moab. If you love alien landscapes, epic photography, or off-the-beaten-path adventures, this place belongs on your bucket list.
Where is Moonscape Overlook Utah
Moonscape Overlook is located 19 miles northwest of Hanksville, Utah, off Highway 24. It’ll take about 35 mins depending on your vehicle and driving speed on the dirt road. The overlook sits north of the highway, with Factory Butte—a striking, solitary mesa—serving as a landmark along the way.
Click here for the GPS of the Instagram-famous shot of Moonscape Overlook
How to Get to Moonscape Overlook
Directions from Hanksville
- Take UT-24 W for about 11 miles.
- Turn right (north) onto Factory Butte Road, sometimes labeled as Coal Mine Road (this is where the gravel road starts)
- Pass Factory Butte on your left after about 5-6 miles.
- Turn right (east) onto Skyline View Road (this is where the unmaintained dirt road starts)
- Continue for about 2.5 miles to the end of the road—the overlook is right there.
Driving Notes
- The road is unpaved, rough, and washboarded in places. Expect a bumpy ride, especially on the final stretch to the overlook.
- The first part (Factory Butte Road) is generally manageable for most vehicles, but the last section (Skyline View Road) is rougher, with potholes, dips and rocks.
- High-clearance vehicles are recommended, especially if you want a more comfortable drive. I drove my Bronco Sport Badlands Sasquatch (4wd) and had no issues; my friend’s Subaru Crosstrek (AWD) made it too, just at a slower pace.
- 4WD is not strictly required in dry conditions, but after rain, the road can become more challenging/ impassable due to mud.
Factory Butte: A Must-See Along the Way
On your way to Moonscape Overlook, you’ll pass Factory Butte, one of Utah’s most iconic geological features. You can’t miss it on your left side, even from a distance it sticks out notably. This massive, flat-topped butte rises dramatically from the badlands and is a popular spot for OHV riding, photography, and simply marveling at the stark landscape.
Camping at Moonscape Overlook Utah
Camping here is as wild and free as the landscape itself. Moonscape Overlook Utah is a dispersed camping area with no designated sites, no reservations, and no amenities—just you, your tent or vehicle, the stars… and likely some other campers. You can camp right at the overlook and throughout the surrounding BLM land. However, this overlook has become a popular destination to capture the Instagram-famous shot so I would not expect to have the place to yourself.
Camping Tips
- Arrive early to snag a flat spot, especially if you want to camp right at the rim.
- There’s plenty of space, but the best spots with the most dramatic views fill up first.
- Practice Leave No Trace: pack out all trash, bury human waste, and leave the area as you found it.
- There are no toilets, water, or shade. Bring everything you need.
- It can get cold at night from Fall through Spring as the overlook / camping area sits at an elevation of roughly 5,000 ft—plan accordingly. It was a low of around 40 degrees on my trip and I slept toasty in my rooftop tent with my 30 degrees quilt.
Places to Stay Near Hanksville
If you’d rather not rough it, Hanksville offers several lodging options:
- Motels: Whispering Sands Motel, among others, offers clean, affordable rooms.
- RV Parks: Duke’s RV Park and Hanksville RV and Marine have full hookups and amenities.
- Cabins: Muddy Creek Mining Company offers rustic tiny cabins with modern comforts.
- VRBO: A few options are available in and around Hanksville including a Dome glamping experience.
Hanksville is the closest town and makes a convenient base for exploring Moonscape Overlook, Factory Butte, and Capitol Reef National Park.
Best Time to Visit & Photography Tips
Best Time of Year to visit Moonscape Overlook Utah
Spring (March–May) and Fall (September–November) offer the best weather—cool nights, comfortable days, and fewer bugs. Summer can be brutally hot, and winter brings frigid temperatures and possible road closures due to mud or snow.
Best Time of Day to visit Moonscape Overlook Utah
Sunrise is magical—the low sun lights up the ridges and valleys in golden hues, and the landscape feels even more surreal. Sunset is also beautiful, but the main canyon falls into shadow quickly as the sun sets behind Factory Butte.
Photography Tips:
- Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the scene.
- Scout your composition ahead of time—arrive at least 30 minutes before sunrise.
- Be extremely careful near the cliff edges; the rock is crumbly and there have been accidents.
- Drones are allowed, but fly responsibly and avoid disturbing other visitors. There were a lot of drones in the air during our visit so know you’ll likely end up in other people’s shots.
- The best shots include the illuminated side walls and the dramatic ridges leading into the canyon.
- An iPhone captures the landscape just fine—you don’t need any fancy camera equipment.
FAQ: Moonscape Overlook, Utah
How do I get to Moonscape Overlook UT?
From Hanksville, drive west on UT-24 for 11 miles, turn right on Factory Butte Road for about 6 miles, then right on Skyline View Road, and follow it to the end.
How far is Moonscape Overlook from Moab?
About 2 hours (130 miles) by car, depending on your route.
Can you camp at Moonscape Overlook?
Yes, dispersed camping is allowed and free. There are no amenities—pack in and pack out everything.
Where is the moon overlook in Utah?
Moonscape Overlook is about 11 miles west of Hanksville, north of Highway 24, near Factory Butte.
Is there cell service at Moonscape Overlook?
It can be spotty but at the overlook itself, I had decent cell signal with Verizon. However, as I walked away towards another edge, I lost service. I would plan to be completely off-grid as it can vary per provider. Download maps ahead of time.
Is there a fee or permit required?
No fees or permits are needed for day use or camping.
Can I visit in a rental car?
Probably, but that depends on what your rental vehicle is. Be sure to check your rental agreement for off-pavement restrictions and drive slowly. Book your rental vehicle now.
Is Moonscape Overlook accessible for RVs or trailers?
Larger rigs can make it, but the last stretch is rough and there’s limited turnaround space. Sprinter vans are common; big RVs are not advised. Embark at your own risk.
Things to Do Near Hanksville, Utah
- Explore Factory Butte: Take photos, ride OHVs, or just marvel at the landscape.
- Visit Goblin Valley State Park: About 40 minutes northwest.
- Capitol Reef National Park: Just over 30 minutes west.
- Canyoneering: Book a guided canyoneering adventure at Robber’s Roost.
- Bentonite Hills: Explore the colorful hills below Moonscape Overlook with a photo tour.
- Slot Canyon Adventures: Little Wild Horse and Leprechaun Canyon are nearby.
- Eat in Hanksville: Try Stan’s Burger Shak for a classic small-town meal. The basic burger is a basic, not-big patty, but it was delicious nonetheless.
Things to Do Near Moab, Utah
Moab is only 1.5 hours from Hanksville and if you are already planning a trip to this remote region, add in a couple more days to explore Moab—you won’t regret it. Here are some Moab Utah Guides:
- Marlboro Point in Utah: Moab’s Hidden Gem for Epic Views
- Best Hikes in Canyonlands National Park
- Arches National Park Photos
Final Thoughts: Moon Overlook Utah
While Moonscape Overlook is growing in popularity, it is still one of Utah’s true hidden gems—a place where you can experience some solitude, epic views, and the wild beauty of the high desert badlands. Whether you’re camping under the stars, chasing sunrise photos, or just soaking up the silence, this is a spot that will stick with you long after you leave.
Drive safe, tread lightly, and let the moonscape work its magic.
Happy adventuring! If you have any questions or want to share your own Moonscape Overlook experience, drop a comment below!
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Tiff, the owner and author of Follow Tiff’s Journey, is a California/ Colorado-based adventurer and outdoor connoisseur who divides her heart between the Eastern Sierra Mountains and the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Despite her fear of heights, she’s become a seasoned mountaineer, ultralight hiking and backcountry camping enthusiast, expert road trip planner, and a fervent explorer of alpine lakes, natural hot springs, and sandstone canyons.
With 10 years of experience exploring the outdoors, her blog is your go-to source for all things wilderness, offering invaluable insights and pro tips, essential gear recommendations, and awe-inspiring stories from her adventures.
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