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I have spent a good chunk of time in Hanksville Utah over the years and every time I end up back there I’m reminded of just how underrated it is an adventure spot and as a Utah Road Trip. Hanksville has some of the most unique desert landscapes, hikes, places to stay and the best part: it’s not even remotely crowded like other nearby destinations. Most people go to Moab and either completely miss this part of Utah or don’t plan for nearly enough time. I’m going to give you all the tips and destinations I know and love here so you can plan your visit to the desert and see that Hanksville is a LOT more than a pit stop.

Overview: Hanksville Utah Road Trip

Hanksville is a small, remote desert town in Southern Utah at the intersection of highway 24 and highway 95. And to really tell you how small of a town we’re talking: the population there is maybe a couple hundred folks. But the landscapes are some of the best in the American Southwest in my opinion. The colors, textures and different landscapes make you feel like you’ve been transported to Mars (and you can actually *basically* visit Mars here haha). I will say, because the infrastructure here isn’t built out to handle mass crowds we all need to do our part and leave no trace. Pack out ALL your trash/waste. Come prepared as many services are limited here. We’ll cover all of that more, but let’s get into it.

“Where the Hell is Hanksville?” Getting there:

“Where the Hell is Hanksville” – This is actually a T-shirt you can buy at Stan’s Burger Shak’s Gift Shop. I almost bought one haha. Hanksville Utah is in South-Central Utah. It is just under 4 hours from Salt Lake City and under 2 hours from Moab Utah, making it a really great add on to your desert road trip.

Closest Airports to Hanksville Utah:

• Salt Lake City International Airport: 4 hours
• Canyonlands Field Airport (Moab): 2 hours
• Grand Junction Regional Airport: 3 hours

Will I need a Rental Car? What are the Roads like for this Utah Road Trip?

You will need a vehicle to access this part of the Utah, as it is in a remote area with no public transportation (unless you decide to book parts of this area with a guide!! More on this later). But if you’re really wanting to see the underrated gems of this area – I recommend having a vehicle with decent clearance (like a standard SUV) and honestly AWD or 4X4 definitely wouldn’t hurt. Some of these road conditions change dramatically from weather in the desert.

Flying into Moab: Check Canyonlands Jeep and Car Rentals for built out 4WD rentals, or for standard rental vehicles. I’ve used a standard SUV and my 4X4 van for all of these destinations.

Flying into Salt Lake City or Grand Junction: Compare airport rental prices HERE, but also check that the contract doesn’t have any weird clauses about “off road” travel. The destinations in this blog post do not require any off roading, but they are bumpy dirt roads that are unmaintained.

Don’t want to Rent a vehicle? Check out these highly rated tours HERE that start in Moab or nearby that arrange transportation for you and guided excursions that range in adventure.

Also consider renting a campervan that doubles as a rental car and lodging! I listed my favorite rental companies in the WHERE TO STAY section below.

Best Things to do in Hanksville Utah: The Utah Road Trip Guide

1. Goblin Valley State Park

Goblin Valley State Park is best known for its MANY mushroom-shaped hoodoos made of sandstone. It definitely feels like you landed on Mars. I stayed 1 night here in their iconic yurt rentals and the sunset there will live in my brain forever. Goblin Valley is one of those places where you could spend a LOT of time, but you could also see some very unique landscapes in a short period of time. This is an easy day trip or couple night stay.

Check out my FULL GUIDE on Goblin Valley State Park HERE (includes how to book the yurt!)

things to do in Goblin Valley:

• Goblin Valley Observation Point: this is a great first view of the park with no hiking required
• Book a Canyoneering Experience
• Valley of the Goblins: there are multiple valleys to explore. Take the easy one mile loop to see a variety of views here from the same parking lot as observation point.
• Goblin’s Lair (Chamber of the basilisk) is a 2.3 mile “easy” out and back trail with 200 feet elevation gain. This hike has a lot to offer with caves, tunnels, a scramble and a slot canyon. Kind of a choose your own adventure trail

2. Bentonite Hills

This area of Utah is known for it’s hills rich with Bentonite (a natural, absorbant clay made from volcanic ash!) that is incredibly colorful. I have found it is best to see the natural colors when the sun is NOT shining on them. The blues and purples get pretty lost in the sunlight. In general these are hard to experience without seeing from a distance. When you are up close, the colors blend together. This is why you often see so many drone or very wide landscape shots of this place.

There are two areas to experience the Bentonite Hills. If you put “Bentonite Hills” in google maps a spot comes up over by Capitol Reef National Park. You can also see them by driving past the “Mars Research Station” on Google Maps. It is an actual legitimate largest and longest running research station that simulates Mars. You are permitted to drive PAST it on Cow Dung Road. This road is typically fine for 2WD vehicles as long as it has not rained in the past 24 hours.

NOTE: Drone above the research station airspace is NOT allowed.

3. Leprechaun Canyon

This hike is one of my absolute favorites. It’s not too long or too difficult and has HIGH reward.

Bring your WIDE lens for this one, because it is an impressive scale once you are in the canyon. This is also known for being a technical canyoneering route, so you may see some folks doing that or maybe you’ll want to book a guided canyoneering experience yourself!

Check out my FULL GUIDE on Leprechaun Canyon HERE.

4. Factory Butte

Here we have yet ANOTHER impressively unique and striking landscape formation in this area. Factory Butte is an easy location to enjoy. The road to get there is flat and straightforward (but definitely a bit of a washboard road- it’s worth it!) and can be done with a standard vehicle. It is also known for it’s off road trails, but I ended up camping nearby and photographing this area by hiking around. A must see in my opinion for this area!

5. Temple of the Sun and Moon

This last place is actually in Capitol Reef National Park and one of the reasons why this park is in my top 5 of favorites in the USA. The road to get there is a bit bumpy depending on how much rain the area has received, but it is worth the drive out there.

This particular area is known for it’s 2 giant monolith rock formations. Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Moon. It is truly impressive to see.

Come prepared with all of your essentials as there are no facilities or services out there. It is straightforward to get to using Google Maps as well, but do download offline maps in case you don’t have cell service out that way.

Honorable Mention: Hanksville Utah Road Trip

The Hollow Mountain Cave Gas Station. Because now you can say you’ve been in a gas station that’s in the side of a mountain.

Best Time of Year for this Hanksville Utah Itinerary:

The best time to visit Hanksville is during the spring (March–May) and Fall (September–November). Temperatures are a lot more comfortable for hiking, exploring desert landscapes, and spending time outdoors during these times as Summer here can be absolutely scorching and nights in the Winter are barely above zero.

I personally have visited in May and October and had VERY ideal weather for hiking and camping.

Where to Stay: Hanksville Utah Road Trip

Okay, there are some options here depending on what kind of experience you are wanting. I’m going to break down the best options for you here:

Hotels/Cabins:

• Krusty’s Motor Suite – a Historic Gas Station Converted Retro Neon Garage (sleeps 5)
• Muddy Creek Mining Cabins – Choose from 4 pet friendly cabins! (sleeps 2-8)

Camping:

• Goblin Valley State Park
• Duke’s RV Park

Van Rental!

If you really want the full road trip experience, rent a van from any of these companies:

• Outdoorsy
• Moterra Campervans
• Turo (like airbnb for vehicles!)
• Native Campervans
• Escape Campervans

Want to know how to find FREE scenic camping in an area? Check out my comprehensive guide HERE.

Packing List for Hanksville Utah Adventures:

• trail runners these have been my go-to hybrid trail runner hiking boots. So lightweight and functional
• day pack
• water bladder
• sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
• sun hoodie (my FAVORITE)
• shorts
• Camera Gear!
• Photo Presets

Nearby Destinations: (other Utah Road Trips)

If you’re looking to extend your adventure I highly recommend checking out some of my other guides for Utah and the American Southwest:

• Utah Road Trip
• Zion National Park
• Southwest Road Trip
• Valley of Fire
• Yant Flat Utah
• Snow Canyon State Park

Conclusion: Hanksville Utah Road Trip Adventure Guide

Hanksville might be a tiny desert town in the middle of nowhere, but the adventures and landscapes sure aren’t. Utah will always be a state that continually impresses me and Hanksville is truly a gem of an experience here. From slot canyons to Mars like landscapes, I hope you can find whatever kind of adventure you’re looking for and do let me know if you end up planning a trip here!!

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