Moonscape Overlook: How to Find Utah’s Most Surreal Viewpoint
Welcome to Utah!
When I first saw a photo of Moonscape Overlook, I honestly thought it was fake. The layered cliffs, the washed-out gray-blue terrain—it looked like something out of a dream. But standing there in person, completely alone, with the wind cutting through the silence, it somehow felt even more unreal.
Tucked about 10 miles from the tiny town of Hanksville and not far from Capitol Reef and Tower Butte, Moonscape Overlook is one of the most unique places I have visited in Utah—and it is still weirdly under the radar. In this post, I will break down exactly how to get there (you will want directions), what to expect, and why this spot deserves a place on your Southwest road trip itinerary.
Oh & as always, practice sustainable tourism while traveling, please :)
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Moonscape Overlook in Utah
Quick Guide: Moonscape Overlook
The epic views over Moonscape Overlook in Utah, featuring me.
Factory Butte—a spot nearby Moonscape Overlook, resembling something from outer space.
A quick overview of Moonscape Overlook in Utah…
Location: Located near Capitol Reef National Park, Factory Butte, and Hanksville, Utah
Drive Time: 20 minutes from Factory Butte over a bumpy, sandy path.
Best Time to Visit: Sunset or sunrise. There are no official park hours as it is BLM land.
Fees & Reservations: None!
Hike Required? No — it is a viewpoint. You can park nearby.
Pro Tip: I recommend having a high-clearance vehicle, especially if the roads are not dry.
Facilities: None! So be sure to load up on gas and pack some snacks and water.
Dog-friendly: Yes, I believe since it is BLM land, dogs are allowed!
How to Get to Moonscape Overlook
Factory Butte.
A view of the “better” road you will drive on to reach Factory Butte. Keep in mind the road to Moonscape is much more narrower, with ditches and bumps. Many people opt for ATV riding to it.
Traveling to Moonscape Overlook can be a bit tricky since GPS does not always work, and you may lose service along the way. I highly recommend saving the exact coordinates in Google Maps ahead of time so that even if you lose connection, you can still find your way manually using offline maps. Do not simply type "Moonscape Overlook" into Google Maps or any GPS, as the location is often incorrect.
Moonscape Overlook Coordinates: 38°27'07.9″N 110°50'16.6″W or click here.
Road Conditions: Once you turn onto North Factory Butte Road (shown in the image above), the pavement ends and the road becomes a sandy, rocky path. It is manageable in most cars when dry, but after rain, it can become very difficult to drive. You will pass Factory Butte, then turn right onto Skyline View Road. From here, drive slowly and carefully—it is a bumpy gravel road with some larger sandy potholes. This eventually merges onto Moon Overlook Road, which leads directly to the overlook.
Best Type of Vehicle: Since it had not rained, I was able to reach Moonscape Overlook in an SUV. It took a bit longer as I navigated around potholes, but it was doable. Many people prefer to go by Jeep, truck, or ATV. If it has rained recently, you will definitely need a high-clearance 4WD vehicle.
Pro Tip: There are no street lights or signage, so bring a headlamp or flashlight if you plan to visit for sunrise or sunset.
Moonscape Overlook From Factory Butte:
Distance: 3.8 miles
Driving Time: 15-25 minutes, depending on speed and vehicle type.
Moonscape Overlook From Hanksville, Utah:
Distance: 19.4 miles
Driving Time: 1 hour give or take, again, this depends on your vehicle type and confidence off-roading.
Nearest International Airport: Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) — 250+ miles or just under 5 hours.
Pro Tip: Cell service near Moonscape Overlook is not reliable— I suggest downloading any offline maps you may need beforehand. If you do not have a US SIM card, download one here, so you have cell service. There are no gas, food, or restroom services nearby. Always let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return—this area is remote and rarely trafficked.
Best Time to Visit Moonscape Overlook
Moonscape Overlook is open year-round, but the best time to visit depends on what kind of weather you enjoy and how comfortable you are driving off-road. I usually suggest going between fall and spring to avoid the extreme summer heat (and the stress of navigating that bumpy road in full sun).
Regardless of the time of year, I recommend visiting Moonscape Overlook during golden hour through sunset for the best photography — the shadows make the terrain really pop. Plus, the night sky is INCREDIBLE here.
Sunrise and the hour before it are also great options. Just keep in mind, there is no artificial light out here, so you will need to plan accordingly to see your way.
More information on seasonal temperatures and conditions…
Spring brings ideal conditions for exploring, with daytime temperatures typically ranging from 70°F to 90°F. It is warm but manageable, especially if you are planning to hang around for golden hour or sunrise views.
Summer, on the other hand, can be BRUTAL out here. Temperatures often exceed 100°F and have been known to go even higher. There is zero shade and absolutely no services nearby, so if you are thinking of visiting during these months, start early, bring more water than you think you will need, and mentally and physically prep yourself for full desert exposure.
Fall is one of the best times to visit Moonscape Overlook. Temperatures start to cool down in late September, and by October and November, it feels just about perfect.
Winter is a quieter season, and honestly, kind of magical out here. Daytime highs usually range from 45°F to 60°F. Snow is rare, but you might get some wind or light rain, which will make the roads more difficult to travel over. Be sure to dress in layers—mornings and evenings get cold fast.
Always check the local weather forecast before your visit, as conditions can change rapidly in desert environments.
What To Pack & Tips For Your Visit To Moonscape Overlook
Moonscape Overlook Packing List Items You Might Forget…
Extra water (more than you think you need). Electrolytes are handy in the summer heat, too!
Bring a 4WD or high‑clearance vehicle.
Full tank of gas before leaving town. Know your nearest gas station (Hanksville, Utah) & fill up—there are zero services near the overlook.
First‑aid kit (band-aids, pain relievers, and other desert hiking essentials).
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for the summer heat. Layers (if visiting in colder months).
Insect repellent (especially in spring/fall evenings)
Flashlight or headlamp if staying past sunset or heading here for sunrise.
Good shoes if you plan to walk around and climb the small sandy hills near Factory Butte.
Follow Leave No Trace on BLM land—pack out trash, stay on durable surfaces.
Moonscape Overlook Tips…
Always check the weather before booking your trip to ensure you choose your preferred conditions and know what to pack, especially in the hot summer when extra water is essential and heat strokes are more common. Bringing layers is your best option to accommodate the cooler mornings and evenings. Desert weather can change fast.
Always check road conditions (UT‑24, Factory Butte Road) before you go—rain turns dirt roads into mud traps.
Stock your car with snacks, water, and electrolytes to stay hydrated during your travel. This is even more important if you plan to visit during the summer. Early morning visits are best to avoid the heat.
Be sure to know how far destinations are and where the closest gas station is to avoid running out in the middle of nowhere. There are no gas stations inside the state park.
As mentioned, packing sturdy hiking shoes to prevent slips is essential, especially near the edges of Moonscape Overlook. There is a popular photo spot where I have seen someone almost fall while retrieving their drone. Trust me, that shot is not always worth the risk.
If you are traveling from outside the US, purchase travel medical insurance in case of an emergency. My boyfriend (UK) uses Safety Wing’s US plan while he is here.
If you do not have a US SIM, I suggest downloading an eSIM such as Airalo to access maps, trails, and emergency phone calls during your trip.
Download & pin the GPS coordinates (38°27'07.9″N 110°50'16.6″W) in Google Maps or Gaia GPS for offline navigation. You can also download AllTrails to your phone so you have access to the nearby trail maps! Stay on the trails to protect the environment and yourself.
My Experience & Helpful Things To Know
Me sitting in front of Factory Butte.
Moonscape Overlook Views.
The moment I turned onto Factory Butte Road, I was in awe—you can spot Factory Butte from miles away thanks to its monumental size. Once you park and step out of the car, the towering butte greets you, surrounded by a gray, moon‑like crater oasis. There are so many viewpoints to choose from—right in front, beside it, up on nearby sand hills, and more, each offering an epic perspective. Aside from a photographer and one other couple, my boyfriend and I were the only other two people here. We spent around 1 hour sitting and walking around, feeling blown away by this structure and the complete silence the area offers, aside from some wind swirling around.
Once we felt we had seen enough, we ventured back into the car and headed to Moonscape Overlook. As mentioned, the road was filled with sandy craters that made navigating this narrow stretch a bit challenging for my basic SUV. But twenty minutes later, and after a healthy dose of anxiety, we arrived. We parked several feet from the edge of Moonscape Overlook to remain safe. Just when we thought we could not be more impressed, Moonscape Overlook left us in awe once more.
Moonscape Overlook is quite literally what you might imagine the moon to look like—bumpy gray craters and cracked, barren ground stretching in every direction. You can even see Utah’s snowy mountains (depending on the time of year) peaking in the backdrop. I can only imagine how beautiful a sunset or sunrise would be here, which is why I am going to live through you and suggest you take advantage of these moments.
While at Moonscape, we saw another couple who ventured to the “iconic pedestal” spot you see in some Instagram photos. Truthfully, it felt unsafe—one must climb over a narrow section of crumbling rock to reach it. We watched the couple nearly topple over the cliff’s edge both while getting there and again when trying to retrieve their drone. The views just from around the edges are one—much safer, and two— just as incredible.
If you are wondering how I added this spot to my road trip, I visited it between Zion and Capitol Reef National Parks and Moab. It made for a beautiful stop-off, with some of the most amazing drives through Capitol Reef along the way—probably the best I have seen in Utah. You only need a few hours to add this stop in. If I could go back and plan another trip, I surely would pack a dinner and come for golden hour, sunset, and perhaps stay over for sunrise before continuing.
Other Nearby Stops to Add to Your Itinerary
Nearby stops…
Factory Butte — I mean, it is on your way to Moonscape Overlook!
Capitol Reef National Park—even just driving through is incredible!
A little further out…
Kanab, Utah
Heading towards Arizona?
Capture an iconic photo at the Toadstool Hoodoos!
Check out Page, Arizona
Don’t miss the Grand Canyon South Rim
Heading towards Las Vegas?
Be sure to stop at Valley of Fire for the day!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Moonscape Overlook worth visiting?
Yes, duh! It is an otherworldly view—totally different from anything else you will see in Utah. It is quiet, requires no hike, and makes for an easy detour on your Utah road trip. A few potential cons for some: it is remote, the road is unmarked, and the terrain can be rough for low-clearance cars.
Do you need a permit to visit Moonscape Overlook?
Nope!
Can you camp at Moonscape Overlook?
Nope! Moonscape Overlook is located on BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land, which means it is completely free to visit and no permits are required. If you are planning to camp out here, just be sure to do so sustainably—there are no facilities, so follow Leave No Trace principles, pack out everything you bring in, and do your part to help keep this spot beautiful and wild.
How far is Moonscape Overlook from Moab?
128 miles, around 2.5 hours.
Is Moonscape Overlook part of Capitol Reef National Park?
No, Moonscape Overlook is not part of Capitol Reef National Park.
Is Moonscape Overlook safe to visit alone?
Honestly, Moonscape Overlook is super remote—if something goes wrong, help is not exactly around the corner, especially with spotty cell service. I went with my boyfriend, so I was not alone, but I think it can be safe if you prepare ahead of time.
Tell someone your plan: Give a friend or family member your ETA and route.
Download offline maps: GPS is not reliable here, so save the coordinates.
Pack extra supplies: Water, snacks, first-aid kit, SOS hiking device, a flashlight and batteries, and a fully charged phone (plus a power bank). A spare tire is always a good idea to have with you.
Vehicle check: Make sure you have good tires, enough gas, and know how to handle a bumpy dirt road.
