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.
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Theo Maynard is a landscape photographer and adventure blogger based in Salt Lake City. He chases remote desert and mountain light across the American West, documents it all solo, and shares the journey through Unicorn Adventure. He’s on the autism spectrum, and that’s not a footnote, it’s the whole story. He creates to inspire others to get outside, chase what lights them up, and live their best possible life. Unapologetically himself.