Unearth the Secrets of Mars on Earth: Hanksville, Utah’s Futuristic Terrain

Attention, outdoor enthusiasts! Embark on a remarkable journey to unravel the mysteries of Mars right here on Earth. Discover the captivating terrain of Hanksville, Utah, where otherworldly landscapes beckon you to explore. Join us as we delve into the futuristic wonders nestled within this breathtaking destination. Prepare to be mesmerized by the awe-inspiring beauty and otherworldly ambiance that awaits. Let the adventure begin!

Trails:

Little Wild Horse Canyon: If you know me at all, you know I love slot canyons. Little Wild Horse Canyon was my very first stop. It’s a classic slot in the San Rafael Reef, accessible and kid-friendly. You can either do the full 8.2-mile loop or just the shorter section. I opted for the full loop. While not as narrow as Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon in Escalante, there were a couple of sections where I had to take off my pack and shimmy through. Little Wild Horse Canyon also offers a couple of nice up-climbs, about 6 to 9 feet, to navigate through. Once I got through the canyon, it connected to a 4×4 road, which was very easy to follow. This was my very first time experiencing bentonite rock. Honestly, I didn’t feel like I was on planet Earth. It was a vibrant turquoise color, contrasting beautifully with the red rock and gravel. That will forever be an amazing moment in my life.

Highway 24: During the trip planning phase, I deliberated between staying in the smaller town of Hanksville or the larger Torrey. Ultimately, I opted for Torrey due to its wider array of hotel options, a decision that proved to be excellent. However, this isn’t to diminish the charm of Hanksville. Driving back from Little Wild Horse Canyon, I found myself captivated by the breathtaking scenery along one of the most stunning highways I’ve ever encountered. The towering red rock formations and bentonite hills provided an awe-inspiring backdrop as I navigated through twists and turns, making it a paradise for any driver. 

Long Dong Silver aka The Spire: I’ll honor the privacy of this remote rock formation. While there’s available information on how to reach it, it doesn’t feel right for me to post that information. If you’re interested, you can seek out the information on your own. However, I will offer a word of advice: if you do venture out, be wary of the imitation Long Dong Silver. The faux version may appear more phallic, but the true Long Dong Silver is viewable if you look closely. It’s uncertain how long this formation will continue to grace the landscape, as it crumbles at the slightest touch. Should you find yourself in its presence, please show respect for this remarkable natural wonder.

Factory Butte: The trail to Factory Butte isn’t much of a trail at all. If you’re planning to visit Moonscape Overlook, it’s worth exploring Factory Butte as well. Continuing along Factory Butte Road, you’ll veer left toward yet another striking rock formation. I parked my car a short distance down the road and completed the remainder of the journey to the rock formations on foot. 

This experience marked my first encounter with the Mars-like landscape, and it completely blew my mind. I found myself spending a significant amount of time simply standing next to this colossal butte, completely awestruck. What made the experience even more remarkable was the absolute silence surrounding me. No rustling trees, no passing cars, no chatter of people, just pure, uninterrupted nothingness.

Moonscape Overlook: Similar to Factory Butte, there isn’t much hiking involved here, as the overlook is conveniently situated right next to the parking lot. However, the road leading to Moonscape Overlook can be a bit challenging. I experienced a few nerve-wracking moments navigating the terrain in my Infiniti Q50. When traveling down Factory Butte Road, you’ll encounter a fork: left leads to Factory Butte, while right takes you to Moonscape Overlook. Situated on the canyon rim known as Skyline Rim, the overlook offers a surreal landscape reminiscent of Mars. From this vantage point, you can even catch a glimpse of Factory Butte in the distance.

Bentonite Hills aka Rainbow Hills: I was left utterly speechless by this particular experience. Just off Highway 24 lies a dirt road amusingly named Cow Dung Road. Yes, you read that correctly. Despite its unconventional name, this road winds through some of the most extraordinary landscapes I’ve ever encountered. Even before reaching the hills, I found myself compelled to pull over and pause, taking in the unique surroundings. Cow Dung Road is also home to the Mars Research Station, strategically located for its remarkable resemblance to the Martian planet. It is the closest environment to Mars on planet Earth. Naturally, I couldn’t resist stopping for a photo from the roadside, although visitors aren’t permitted to get too close to the station. It was a somewhat eerie yet fascinating sight. Not far from the station, you’ll come across the Bentonite Hills, their captivating colors leaving a lasting impression. I ventured up to the famous “Instagram” picture spot and simply sat, soaking in the moment. I’ll dive deeper into my thoughts and emotions during this experience in the coming ‘vulnerable alert’ section.

Goblin Valley State Park: This marked the final stop of my adventure, and true to form, I managed to make a rookie mistake. The night before, while at the hotel, I was reviewing the trails and planning my day. In a proactive move, I decided to purchase my day pass to the park in advance. However, as soon as I received the confirmation email, I realized my mistake. I had accidentally purchased a pass for that day instead of the following one. Classic Theo move, right?

Anyway, I spoke to the rangers at the gate, and they reassured me that my mistake was common and not a big deal. It helped dull some of the embarrassment, but I still couldn’t shake it off entirely. For my last leg of the journey, I opted for Goblin’s Lair, Carmel Canyon Trail, and Valley of the Goblins. Carmel Canyon was particularly memorable with its engaging canyoneering elements and enjoyable climbs. Despite Valley of the Goblins being crowded with families and other visitors, I found solace in climbing a stunning bentonite hill. Amidst a landscape dominated by brown hoodoos, this hill stood out, emanating a mesmerizing blue glow under the sunlight. The striking contrast between the two colors left me in awe. Standing atop that hill, I decided to conclude my adventure on a high note, no pun intended, and make my way back to Salt Lake City. It was an unforgettable and surreal journey. 

Eats:

During the off-season, dining options in both Torrey and Hanksville are very limited. I had hoped to visit Broken Spur Steakhouse, but unfortunately, they were closed during my visit. However, this only means I’ll have to plan another trip back very soon.

On my first night, I dined at Rock Reef Cafe, which turned out to be quite enjoyable. I opted for the BBQ Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza, and it exceeded my expectations, it was remarkably good. Despite the staff being a bit busy, they were incredibly friendly and ensured that my dining experience was excellent. Feeling a bit lazy on my second night, I decided to dine at the restaurant conveniently located within my hotel.

Vulnerable Post Alert:

Let’s discuss the second rookie mistake I made. During the planning stages of my trip, I was excited about visiting Little Wild Horse Canyon and saw a BLM road that supposedly connected it to Factory Butte and Moonscape Overlook. I envisioned a day of hiking followed by watching the sunset over the overlook, and I was thrilled. As I geared up to explore the overlook, I hopped into my car and set off down BLM 1013 toward Factory Butte. Initially, the road was a bit rough and bumpy, but as I progressed, it deteriorated rapidly. Eventually, I reached a point where I had to admit defeat. I couldn’t risk getting stuck. Looking at my map, I realized I was only 2 miles away from Factory Butte, but the road conditions were unsuitable for a low-clearance vehicle. Looking at the map again, I saw that I had to take a detour that would add an extra two hours to my journey. I was just 2 miles away from witnessing the sunset over a canyon cliff, yet the feeling of defeat washed over me. Reluctantly, I decided to cut my losses and head to the hotel instead. It was a disappointing setback.

Hanksville, Utah, comes in at a close second to my favorite spot. Escalante, Utah will always hold that special place in my heart, but Hanksville. WOW! As mentioned earlier, I found myself sitting atop the Bentonite Hills in complete silence. Not the kind of silence where you can hear distant traffic or the rustling of leaves, just pure, uninterrupted nothingness. As I absorbed the breathtaking views, I suddenly felt a tear escape my eye. I couldn’t help but wonder, “What the hell is this?” It took me by surprise, but there I was, shedding tears in the middle of the desert, surrounded by silence, and it felt absolutely incredible.