Best Hikes in Hanksville, Utah: A Guide to Top Scenic Spots

Introduction:

Hanksville, Utah, a seemingly modest town, is surrounded by some of the most awe inspiring and diverse landscapes in the American Southwest. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting, Hanksville serves as a gateway to adventures that are as varied in their terrain as they are in their difficulty levels. Here’s your guide to the top 10 hikes in this rugged region, where the lands whisper tales of ancient times and beckon adventurers to explore further.

 

 

1. Little Wild Horse Canyon

Location: San Rafael Swell

Trail Description: A winding narrow canyon known for its accessible slot canyon experiences. The walls, smooth and sculpted by eons of water flow, enclose hikers in a mesmerizing natural maze.

Difficulty and Length: Moderate; 8 miles round trip

Dog-Friendly: No, dogs might find the narrow passages restrictive.

Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall when the temperatures are cooler and flash flood risks are minimized.

 

 

2. The Goblin’s Lair

Location: Goblin Valley State Park

Trail Description: Often mistaken as just an extension of the Valley of the Goblins, this trail leads to a hidden cavern known as ‘The Goblin’s Lair,’ an amphitheater of geological wonder.

Difficulty and Length: Moderate; 3 miles round trip

Dog-Friendly: Yes, keep your companion leashed.

Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for the best light and cooler temperatures.

 

 

3. Valley of the Goblins

Location: Goblin Valley State Park

Trail Description: This isn’t so much a trail as a playground of sandstone goblins. The landscape is surreal, dotted with thousands of hoodoos and formations.

Difficulty and Length: Easy; explore at your own pace

Dog-Friendly: Yes, keep your companion leashed.

Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall to avoid the scorching summer heat.

 

 

4. Carmel Canyon Trail

Location: Within Goblin Valley State Park

Trail Description: Offers a loop around the valley, providing different perspectives of the park’s unique geological features.

Difficulty and Length: Moderate; 1.5 miles loop

Dog-Friendly: Yes, keep your companion leashed.

Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon for stunning sunsets.

 

 

5. Long Dong Silver

Location: West of Goblin Valley

Trail Description: A less traveled path known for its solitude and striking rock formations.

Difficulty and Length: Moderate; 3 miles

Dog-Friendly: Yes, keep your companion leashed.

Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall for the best hiking conditions.

 

 

6. Moonscape Overlook

Location: Near Factory Butte

Trail Description: True to its name, this trail offers lunar landscapes that are stark and expansive.

Difficulty and Length: Easy; varies as you can explore freely

Dog-Friendly: Yes, keep your companion leashed.

Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for dramatic lighting.

 

 

7. Factory Butte

Location: North of Hanksville

Trail Description: Renowned for its rugged, otherworldly appearance, Factory Butte challenges hikers with its stark and barren landscapes.

Difficulty and Length: Easy; varies as you can explore freely

Dog-Friendly: Yes, keep your companion leashed.

Best Time to Visit: Spring when the area is less exposed.

 

8. Bentonite Hills

Location: Capitol Reef National Park vicinity

Trail Description: Offers colorful views of the bentonite hills, which are rich in hues of red, purple, and green.

Difficulty and Length: Easy; varies as you can explore freely

Dog-Friendly: Yes, keep your companion leashed.

Best Time to Visit: Late spring for cooler temperatures and fewer visitors.

 

9. Mars Research Station

Location: Capitol Reef National Park vicinity

Trail Description: Offers colorful views, which are rich in hues of red, purple, and green.

Difficulty and Length: Easy; Roadside

Dog-Friendly: Yes, keep your companion leashed.

Best Time to Visit: Late spring for cooler temperatures and fewer visitors.

 

Support the Adventure

To make your walls less boring, check out my photography portfolio and bring a piece of the wild and my story into your home.

If you’d like to fuel future adventures, you can donate a coffee on Ko-Fi. Every cup keeps me chasing sunrises and stories.

When you shop using my affiliate links, every click helps support this blog at no extra cost to you. It’s a small way to keep Unicorn Adventure alive and kicking while I keep exploring.

Subscribe to my mailing list for future updates, new stories, and behind-the-scenes adventures.

Stay connected with me on Instagram and Facebook for more photos and daily inspiration.

Thanks for being part of the journey, Unicorn Squadron!