Roadside Attraction Skyline Rim (Moonscape) Overlook
Factory Butte
Overview
Sat 85 | 51 |
Sun 81 | 49 |
Mon 75 | 52 |
Tue 75 | 49 |
Wed 77 | 48 |
View Full Weather Details |
Sat 85 | 51 |
Sun 81 | 49 |
Mon 75 | 52 |
Tue 75 | 49 |
Wed 77 | 48 |
View Full Weather Details |
The Factory Butte area is about as close to a lunar landscape as I think you can get on earth! The terrain is sparsely vegetated, grey, rocky, and muted. Though stark, to my eye, it has a unique beauty and is a lovely place to spend some time.
The Skyline Rim Overlook visits the edge of an escarpment where the grey lunar-like landscape around Factory Butte changes to colorful badlands below. It is a dramatic spot with big views. The area east Skyline Rim is home to both NASA’s Mars Research Station, as well as the Burpee Dinosaur Quary.
Getting There
From Hanksville, go west on UT-24 toward Torrey/Captiol Reef about 10.5 miles to between mile post 105 and 106. Turn north here, on the well maintained Factory Butte Road (labeled 6650 East). Reset your odometer. ( 12S 509406mE 4246550mN / N38° 22' 02" W110° 53' 32" ) Stay on the main Factory Butte road as it heads north.
- 6.05 miles - Side Road on the right. Take this side road, as it heads east. There are a few roads that leave this side road. Stay straight at all intersections as the road heads mostly due east. ( 12S 510251mE 4255587mN / N38° 26' 55" W110° 52' 57" )
- 8.75 miles - End of the road at and overlook. ( 12S 514122mE 4255994mN / N38° 27' 08" W110° 50' 17" )
Route
The end of the road is the overlook. A few sights to point out:
- The mountain range to the south across the bad lands is the Henry Mountains. This was the last range mapped in the lower 48, and home to a free roaming bison population. Mount Ellen, the highest peak, is visible from the rim and is 11,522 feet.
- Due east, across the badlands, the red sandstone area far in the distance is Robbers Roost Country, with the La Sal Mountains visible far beyond.
- The view to the north is dominated by the sandstone ridges of the San Rafael Swell and eastern reef. A keen eye can pick out Cedar Mountain that sits just north of the San Rafael Swell.
- Northwest, beyond Factory Butte, is Thousand Lake Mountain.
- Finally, west, and southwest Boulder Mountain can be seen.