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280 E 100 N, Hanksville, UT 84734, United States of America

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Hanksville Guide

Hanksville is in the middle of Everywhere!


We hope you consider Hanksville for your next adventure.  Below you may find some helpful information about the town and the spectacular sights and experiences the region has to offer.  For those of you who are familiar with the area, you might find some new gems to add to your treasure.  For those of you who are not that familiar with the area this will give you a good idea of what the area has to offer and may become one of your favorite destinations in Utah.


A little History:

Hanksville is a small town in Utah that was settled in 1882 by Ebenezer Hanks, who named it after himself. It was originally called Graves Valley, after John Graves, a member of the Powell exploring expeditions. Hanksville was a supply post for outlaws like Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch, who hid out at Robber’s Roost in the desert. It was also a mining center for uranium and other resources in the 1950s. Today, Hanksville is a tourist destination for people who want to visit the nearby attractions, such as Capitol Reef National Park, Goblin Valley State Park, Lake Powell, the Henry Mountains, the San Rafael Swell, Factory Butte, and many slot canyons and rock art sites. Hanksville has several local businesses that offer food, fuel, lodging, and adventure services for visitors.


Hanksville is a place where you can Discover the ancient past, Experience the Old West and Witness the New Frontier.


About this guide:


Many of these areas are located in remote and wild areas, so you will not find any facilities or services nearby. You will also have to deal with the weather and the terrain, which can be harsh and unpredictable. .


Be prepared for high temperatures, strong winds, dust storms, flash floods, and wildlife. Make sure you have enough water, food, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and appropriate clothing and footwear. Also, bring a first aid kit, a cell phone, a GPS device, and a map.


Do not rely on cell phone service or internet access, as they may not be available.


What to bring

Here is a list of things that you should bring for your visit to the area:

  • Water: at least one gallon per person per day
  • Food: snacks and meals that do not require cooking or refrigeration
  • Sunscreen: SPF 30 or higher
  • Hat: wide-brimmed or with a neck flap
  • Sunglasses: with UV protection
  • Clothing: lightweight, breathable, and covering your arms and legs
  • Footwear: sturdy, comfortable, and with good traction
  • First aid kit: with bandages, antiseptic, painkillers, etc.
  • Cell phone: fully charged and with emergency numbers
  • Map: printed or downloaded offline


Optional/Recommended

  • GPS device: with the coordinates of your destination and the parking spot (Your phone should work!)
  • Camera: with extra batteries and memory cards
  • Drone: if you want to capture aerial views of the spire
  • Trash bag: to pack out your garbage and leave no trace


I hope this guide helps you plan your trip to the area and enjoy this amazing place.


Have fun and stay safe!

The Wild Bunch

Butch Cassidy and The Wild Bunch were a notorious gang of outlaws who operated in the American West in the late 1800s and early 1900s. They were known for robbing banks, trains, and stagecoaches, and for evading capture by the law. One of their favorite hideouts was Robber’s Roost, a remote and rugged area in southeastern Utah that offered them protection and privacy. Robber’s Roost was part of the Outlaw Trail, a network of trails and safe houses that stretched from Texas to Montana.


Robber’s Roost was named after an earlier outlaw, Cap Brown, who used the area to run stolen horses in the 1870s. Butch Cassidy and his partner Elzy Lay discovered the Roost in the 1890s and made it their headquarters. They built cabins, corrals, and fireplaces, and stored weapons, horses, and supplies there.


They also invited other members of The Wild Bunch, such as the Sundance Kid, Harry Longabaugh, Harvey Logan, Ben Kilpatrick, and Will Carver, to join them at the Roost. Only a few women were ever allowed to visit the Roost, including Cassidy’s and Lay’s girlfriends, Ann and Josie Bassett, and the Sundance Kid’s companion, Etta Place.


The outlaws used Robber’s Roost as a base to plan and execute their heists, and as a refuge to rest and lay low after their crimes. They also enjoyed hunting, fishing, gambling, and drinking at the Roost. They had contacts with local ranchers and settlers in Hanksville and the surrounding areas, who provided them with fresh horses and beef, and sometimes tipped them off about lawmen’s movements. The outlaws respected the locals and never harmed or robbed them.


The lawmen, on the other hand, had a hard time finding and raiding Robber’s Roost. The area was difficult to access and navigate, and the outlaws had lookouts and escape routes. The lawmen also faced hostility and distrust from the locals, who preferred the outlaws to the authorities. The outlaws kept their location secret and swore each other to confidentiality. The lawmen never discovered the site of the Roost during the outlaws’ lifetime.

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Robber’s Roost was used by Butch Cassidy and The Wild Bunch until the early 1900s, when the pressure from the law and the decline of the Old West forced them to flee to South America. Some of them were killed or captured, while others disappeared or retired. Butch Cassidy’s fate remains a mystery, as some claim he died in Bolivia in 1908, while others say he returned to the US and lived under an alias.


Today, Robber’s Roost is a popular destination for hikers, bikers, off-roaders, and canyoneers who want to explore the scenic and historic landscape. The area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and is open to the public. Some of the old cabins, fireplaces, and corrals are still visible, as well as some ancient rock art. Robber’s Roost is a place where the legend of Butch Cassidy and The Wild Bunch lives on.

  

 

The Factory

The Factory represents the area south of the San Rafael Swell west of HWY 24 between Goblin Valley and The Cathedral Valley and extends south of HWY 24 from Cainville to 95 S.  It includes: Goblin Valley, Wild Horse Canyon Road, The Painted Hills, Hanksville-Burpee Dinosaur Quarry, The Painted Hills, The Mars and Desert Research Station (MARDS), The Spire, Factory Butte, Moonscape Overlook, Swing Arm City and a portion Muddy Creek Wilderness Area.


The most comprehensive but also most adventurous way to explore The Factory is on Wild Horse Canyon Road.


Wild Horse Canyon Road

Wild Horse Canyon Road is a scenic dirt road that runs through the San Rafael Swell in Utah. It connects Goblin Valley State Park with Cathedral Valley in Capitol Reef National Park. Along the way, you can see amazing rock formations, slot canyons, arches, and desert landscapes. Here is a guide on how to drive this road, what to see, and what to bring.

How to drive this road

Wild Horse Canyon Road is about 50 miles long and takes about 2 to 3 hours to drive, depending on how many stops you make. The road is generally well-maintained and passable by most vehicles, but it may be rough, sandy, or muddy in some sections, especially after rain or snow. A high-clearance or 4WD vehicle is recommended, especially if you plan to explore some of the side roads or canyons along the way. You will also need to cross a few washes and small streams, so be careful of the water depth and flow.


The road is not marked with signs, so you will need to use GPS coordinates or a map to find your way. You can also use this map to see the route and the points of interest. The road has two access points: one from Goblin Valley Road near Goblin Valley State Park, and one from Hartnet Road near Cathedral Valley. You can drive the road in either direction, but we recommend starting from Goblin Valley Road, as it is easier to find and has more services nearby.


To get to the road from Goblin Valley Road, turn right onto Wild Horse Road, which is a paved road that leads to the Little Wild Horse Canyon and Bell Canyon Trailhead. In 5.4 miles, the road turns into a dirt road and becomes Wild Horse Canyon Road. To get to the road from Hartnet Road, turn left onto Cathedral Valley Road, which is a dirt road that leads to the Cathedral Valley Campground and the Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Moon. In 18 miles, turn right onto Wild Horse Canyon Road.


What to see

Wild Horse Canyon Road offers many attractions and scenic views along the way. Here are some of the highlights:

  • Little Wild Horse Canyon and Bell Canyon: These are two of the most popular slot canyons in Utah, located near the trailhead at the beginning of the road. You can hike the narrowest and most fun section of Little Wild Horse Canyon as a fast out-and-back hike, or do a loop with Bell Canyon. The loop is about 8 miles long and takes 4 to 6 hours to complete. You can see some pictures and videos of these canyons here.
  • Wild Horse Window: This is a large natural arch that can be seen from the road, about 6 miles from the trailhead. It is located on the west side of the road, on a hill above a large cave. You can hike up to the arch for a closer view, but it is a steep and slippery climb, so be careful. The hike is about 0.5 miles round-trip and takes 30 minutes to complete. You can see some pictures and videos of this arch here.
  • Wild Horse Canyon: This is a scenic canyon that runs parallel to the road, on the east side. You can drive or hike along the canyon floor, or explore some of the side canyons that branch off from it. There are some interesting rock formations, arches, and slots to see in this canyon, such as the Wild Horse Window, the Twin Arches, and the Black Box. The canyon is about 10 miles long and takes 2 to 4 hours to explore. You can see some pictures and videos of this canyon here.
  • Factory Butte: This is a massive and impressive butte that dominates the landscape, about 15 miles from the trailhead. It is located on the west side of the road, and can be seen from miles away. It is made of Mancos Shale, a soft and erodible rock that creates the moon-like appearance. You can drive or hike around the base of the butte, or climb up to the top for a panoramic view, but be careful of the loose and crumbly rock. The butte is about 6,300 feet high and takes 1 to 2 hours to explore. You can see some pictures and videos of this butte here.
  • Moonscape Overlook: This is a breathtaking viewpoint that overlooks the Blue Valley, about 20 miles from the trailhead. It is located on the east side of the road, at the end of a short spur road called Skyline View Drive. The valley below resembles the surface of the moon, with craters, ridges, and hills of gray and brown. The overlook is a great spot for photography, especially at sunrise or sunset, when the light creates dramatic shadows and colors. You can see some pictures and videos of this overlook here.
  • Cathedral Valley: This is a stunning valley that features towering monoliths, colorful cliffs, and vast open spaces, about 25 miles from the trailhead. It is located on the east side of the road, at the junction with Cathedral Valley Road. The valley is part of Capitol Reef National Park, and requires a park entrance fee or pass to access. Some of the highlights of the valley are the Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Moon, two huge sandstone pillars that rise from the desert floor, and the Cathedral Valley Campground, a primitive and secluded campground with amazing views.


Below represents the best areas to explore in The Factory if you want to see some of the spectacular sights one at a time.

The Spire

The Spire, also known as Long Dong Silver, is a pair of black sandstone towers that rise from the desert near Hanksville, Utah. It is a hidden gem that few people know about or visit, and it offers a stunning scenery that resembles a movie set. Here is a guide on how to get there, what to expect, and what to bring.


How to get there

The Spire is located about 20 minutes drive from Hanksville, on the UT-24 W highway. You will need to turn right off the highway at a specific point, and then follow a dirt road for about a mile until you reach a parking spot. From there, you will need to walk another mile through the flat desert until you see the spire on your left. There is no official trail or sign, so you will need to use GPS coordinates to find your way. Here are the coordinates for the turn-off, the parking spot, and the spire:

  • Turn-off: 38°22’10.1″N 110°50’20.7″W
  • Parking spot: 38.39010791679674, -110.83646131088537
  • Spire: 38°23’38.6″N 110°49’56.4″W

You can also use this map to see the route and the location of the spire.


What to expect

The Spire is a spectacular sight that will make you feel like you are in a fantasy world. The towers are about 200 feet tall and have a dark color that contrasts with the surrounding landscape. They are made of soft and crumbly rock, so be careful not to damage them or climb on them. You can walk around the spire and admire it from different angles, or take some amazing photos and videos.

Moonscape Overlook


The Moonscape Overlook, also known as Skyline View, is a breathtaking viewpoint that overlooks the Blue Valley near Hanksville, Utah. The landscape below resembles the surface of the moon, with craters, ridges, and hills of gray and brown. The overlook is a great spot for photography, especially at sunrise or sunset, when the light creates dramatic shadows and colors. Here is a guide on how to get there, what to expect.


How to get there

The Moon Overlook is located about 15 minutes drive from Hanksville, on the UT-24 W highway. You will need to turn right off the highway onto N Factory Butte Road, which is a dirt road that leads to the overlook. The road is usually passable by most vehicles, but it may be rough or muddy in some sections, so a high-clearance or 4WD vehicle is recommended. You will need to follow the road for about 6 miles, and then turn right onto Skyline View Drive, which is also a dirt road. You will then follow the road to the end, where you will see a parking area and the overlook. There is no official sign or trail, so you will need to use GPS coordinates or a map to find your way. Here are the coordinates for the turn-off, the parking spot, and the overlook:

  • Turn-off: 38°22’10.1″N 110°50’20.7″W
  • Parking spot: 38°27’05.8″N 110°50’16.6″W
  • Overlook: 38°27’06.3″N 110°50’17.0″W

You can also use this map to see the route and the location of the overlook.


What to expect

The Moon Overlook is a spectacular sight that will make you feel like you are on another planet. The overlook is located on the edge of a cliff that drops hundreds of feet to the valley below. The valley is covered with formations of Mancos Shale, a soft and erodible rock that creates the moon-like appearance. You can walk along the rim and admire the views from different angles, or take some amazing photos and videos.

Mars Desert Research Station



MARDS

The Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) is a facility in Utah that simulates living and working on Mars. It is owned and operated by the Mars Society, an international organization that promotes human exploration of the Red Planet.  It is also the site of the annual University Rover Challenge (URC) which brings engineering students from all around the world to compete with their version of a Mars Rover.


The MDRS hosts crews of researchers, students, and enthusiasts who conduct experiments and activities under the conditions of a mock Mars mission. Here is a guide for visiting the MDRS:

If you are interested in learning more about the MDRS, you can visit their website, You can also apply to join a crew or support the project by donating or volunteering. The MDRS is a unique and exciting place that offers a glimpse into the future of human exploration of Mars.

Hanksville-Burpee Dinosaur Quarry

The Hanksville-Burpee Dinosaur Quarry is a site where you can see the fossils of many dinosaurs from the Late Jurassic period, about 150 million years ago. It is located near Hanksville, Utah, on federal land managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Here is a guide for visiting the quarry:

The Hanksville-Burpee Dinosaur Quarry is a unique and fascinating place that offers a glimpse into the past of Utah and the world. It is a rare opportunity to see the fossils of some of the largest and most famous dinosaurs ever discovered.


For more information please visit their website here.


Capitol Reef

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Capitol Reef National Park is a stunning natural wonder in south-central Utah, where you can explore the colorful cliffs, canyons, domes, and bridges of the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long geologic monocline. Here is a guide for visiting the park:

  • Location: The park is about 20 miles south of Hanksville, Utah, on Highway 95. It is near the Henry Mountains and the North Wash area.
  • Access: The park is open all year, 24 hours a day. You can enter the park from Highway 24, which runs through the Fruita Historic District, or from the Notom-Bullfrog Road or the Burr Trail Road, which access the more remote parts of the park. There is a $20 entrance fee per vehicle, valid for seven days.
  • Facilities: The park has a visitor center, a campground, a picnic area, restrooms, and water. The visitor center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except on some holidays. The campground is located in the Fruita Historic District and has 71 sites that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The picnic area is near the visitor center and has tables, grills, and restrooms. There are no gas stations, restaurants, or stores in the park.
  • Activities: The park offers a variety of activities for all ages and abilities, such as hiking, biking, scenic driving, camping, wildlife viewing, and stargazing. You can hike on more than 15 trails that range from easy to strenuous, and see the park’s features such as natural bridges, arches, petroglyphs, and historic orchards. You can bike on the paved Scenic Drive or on the dirt roads that access the backcountry. You can drive on the 25-mile Scenic Drive or on the 70-mile Capitol Reef Scenic Byway (Highway 24), which offer spectacular views of the park and the surrounding landscape. You can camp at the Fruita Campground or in the backcountry with a permit. You can see the park’s wildlife, such as mule deer, bighorn sheep, coyotes, and many birds. You can also enjoy the park’s dark night skies, which are among the best in the country for stargazing.
  • Schedule: The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the colors are more vibrant. The summer can be very hot and dry, and the winter can be cold and snowy. Some roads and trails may be closed or impassable due to snow, ice, or mud. Check the park’s website or call the visitor center for current conditions and alerts.

If you are interested in learning more about Capitol Reef National Park, you can visit its website.


Capitol Reef National Park is a hidden gem in Utah that offers a glimpse into the past and the future of the Earth. It is a place where you can see the effects of weathering and erosion on the Entrada Sandstone, which is the same layer that forms the arches, fins, and spires in Arches National Park. It is also a place where you can imagine what Mars might look like, as the hoodoos resemble the features of the Red Planet. Capitol Reef National Park is a place where you can experience the beauty and wonder of nature.

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