If you’ve been searching for Moonscape Overlook, you’re in the right place.
I’ve put together everything you need: the exact location, GPS coordinates, step-by-step driving directions, road conditions, and the best time to visit.
This spot near Hanksville, Utah, looks like another planet. Seriously, it stopped me in my tracks the first time I saw it.
In this guide, I’ll cover how to get there, what vehicle you actually need, and when to go for the best light.
I’ve researched so your trip goes smoothly and nothing catches you off guard.
Visiting Moonscape Overlook
Moonscape Overlook sits in Wayne County, Utah. The land here is made up of soft grey and tan badlands that look nothing like a typical desert.
There are no facilities, no restrooms, and no cell service out here. The cliffs drop off sharply in places, and the ground can be loose and crumbly near the edges.
This is not a polished tourist spot with signs and guardrails. It’s raw, open land. Go in with a solid plan. Bring everything you need because there is no help nearby and no one to call if something goes wrong.
Where is Moonscape Overlook in Utah?
Moonscape Overlook is located just outside Hanksville, Utah, in the southern part of the state.
It sits near Factory Butte, a large flat-topped mesa, and the Bentonite Hills, which are known for their colorful, layered look.
The surrounding area is called Blue Valley, a wide open stretch of bare hills and eroded land that gives the whole region that grey, moon-like feel.
The landscape is stripped back and wide open in a way that feels almost alien. Once you see it from above, you’ll understand right away why people call it a moonscape.
Moonscape Overlook Map & GPS Coordinates
Use these coordinates and tips to find your way without getting lost on remote dirt roads.
GPS Coordinates for Moonscape Overlook
The exact GPS coordinates for Moonscape Overlook are 38.3591° N, 110.7235° W. Drop this pin in Google Maps before you leave home. Screenshot the map or save the route offline because there is no signal once you leave Hanksville.
How to Use Offline Maps
Apps like Maps.me or Gaia GPS work well for offline use in areas with no cell service. Do not rely on live navigation out here. Download everything at home or at a spot with Wi-Fi before heading out. It takes two minutes and saves a lot of trouble on the road.
How to Get to Moonscape Overlook (Step-by-Step Route)
Follow these clear, step-by-step directions to reach the overlook without any wrong turns.
Directions from Hanksville, Utah
Start in Hanksville on UT-24. Head north on UT-24 for about 5 miles. Look for Factory Butte Road on your left. Turn onto this dirt road and drive west.
After a few miles, you’ll hit a fork. Stay left. Keep going until the road ends at the overlook area. The whole drive from Hanksville takes around 20 to 30 minutes depending on road conditions.
Alternative Route from Bentonite Hills
If you’re coming from the Bentonite Hills area, there’s a connecting dirt road that links the two spots. It’s rough and takes longer, but it lets you see more of the landscape.
Check conditions before taking this route. It gets very muddy after rain.
Final Access Road & Parking Area
The last stretch of road is uneven and narrow. Drive slowly. Park at the small flat area near the edge and walk the short distance to the overlook on foot. Do not drive to the very edge.
Road Conditions & Do You Need a 4×4 Vehicle?
Know what kind of vehicle will actually get you there safely, especially in different seasons.
Vehicle Requirements Explained
You do not always need a full 4WD truck, but a high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended. A standard sedan will struggle on the rocky, uneven roads.
An SUV with good tires works fine in dry conditions. If you only have a 2WD car, go during dry weather and drive carefully.
A 4WD or AWD vehicle gives you the most flexibility and safety.
Road Conditions Throughout the Year
The roads here are dirt. When it’s dry, they’re bumpy but manageable. After rain, they turn to thick mud and the bentonite clay becomes slippery and nearly impossible to drive on.
Even a short rain shower can make the road dangerous for hours or days.
Always check the weather forecast before you go. If rain is expected, postpone the trip.
Best Time to Visit Moonscape Overlook
Timing your visit right makes a big difference in what you see and how comfortable the trip is.
Sunrise at Moonscape Overlook
Sunrise is the best time to visit. The low morning light hits the grey hills and creates long shadows across the land. The colors shift from pale blue to warm gold in minutes.
There’s usually no one else around either, which makes it feel even more special. I set my alarm for 4:30 AM and it was worth every second.
Sunset vs Sunrise
Both are good, but they’re different. Sunrise gives softer light and cooler temps. Sunset brings deeper oranges and reds.
Sunrise wins if you want dramatic contrast and shadow detail in photos. Sunset is better if you’re not a morning person and the heat has cooled down.
Best Season to Visit
Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to October) are the best times. Temperatures are comfortable, and the sky is usually clear.
Summer: gets very hot, over 100°F is common. Go very early if you visit in summer.
Winter: can be cold and the roads may be icy or frozen. Some people do visit in winter for the quiet and the light, but prepare for the cold.
Final Travel Tips for Visiting Moonscape Overlook
Small things that make a big difference when visiting a remote and exposed location like this.
- Download offline maps before you leave. No signal means no live GPS.
- Bring more water than you think you need. At least 2 liters per person, more in summer.
- Fill up your gas tank in Hanksville. There are no gas stations nearby.
- Do not visit after rain. The mud is serious and can trap your vehicle.
- Stay back from cliff edges. The ground is loose and crumbles easily.
- Follow Leave No Trace. Take all trash out with you and stay on existing paths.
Conclusion
Moonscape Overlook is one of those places that stays with you. I still think about that first sunrise there, the silence, the grey hills, the colours slowly changing.
It doesn’t need crowds or a gift shop to be worth it. It just needs you to show up prepared. Download your maps, check the weather, pack your water, and give yourself enough time to soak it in.
Save this guide before your trip and share it with anyone planning to visit. I hope it makes your trip easier and more memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Moonscape Overlook worth visiting?
Yes, absolutely. The landscape looks completely different from anything else in Utah. It’s remote, quiet, and genuinely striking in the right light.
Can I visit Moonscape Overlook without a 4WD vehicle?
You can visit in a high-clearance SUV during dry conditions. A standard 2WD car may struggle, and no vehicle should attempt the road after rain.
Is there an entrance fee for Moonscape Overlook?
No, there is no entrance fee. The area is open to the public and managed as part of the public land in Wayne County, Utah.
How long does it take to visit Moonscape Overlook?
Most people spend 1 to 2 hours at the overlook itself. Factor in 20 to 30 minutes of driving from Hanksville each way.
Is Moonscape Overlook safe for kids and older visitors?
The overlook can be visited by most people, but caution is needed near cliff edges. The terrain is uneven, so wear good shoes and keep children close to you at all times.
