Moonscape Overlook, Utah: Otherworldly Views (Updated Late 2025)
Moonscape Overlook (also called Skyline View or Skyline Rim) delivers one of Utah’s most surreal landscapes—a vast, eroded badlands expanse resembling the moon’s surface, overlooking Blue Valley with Factory Butte in the distance. The Mancos Shale formation creates textured, gray-blue hues that glow dramatically during blue hour and golden hour.
Epic sunrise views over the lunar-like Blue Valley.
Drone perspectives reveal the full scale—perfect for capturing the crater-like formations.
Best Time to Visit
Arrive 30 minutes before sunrise or just before sunset for the most dramatic lighting—the shale takes on a bluish tint in low light. Daytime visits are still impressive but less vibrant. Winds can be fierce; check forecasts.
Sunset hues over the badlands.
How to Get There
From Utah Highway 24 (west of Hanksville, near mile marker 117), turn north onto Factory Butte Road (gravel, signed for Factory Butte). Drive ~6 miles, then east onto Coal Mine Road/Skyline View Road (unsigned but visible on Google Maps/Maps.me). Follow to the end—coordinates: 38.45222, -110.83806.
Total off-pavement: ~8-10 miles. Road conditions vary—generally passable in dry weather with careful driving, but some sections are rutted/rocky. Recent reports (2025) recommend high-clearance vehicles; low-clearance 2WD possible but slow/risky. Avoid after rain (flash floods/mud). No signs—download offline maps.
Vehicle Needs
No 4WD required in dry conditions, but high clearance advised. Many reach it in sedans/SUVs; others suggest AWD/4×4 for peace of mind.
Camping at Moonscape Overlook
Dispersed camping is free on BLM land (up to 14 nights in 28 days). No facilities—toilets, water, or trash. Pack everything out (Leave No Trace). Plenty of flat spots near the rim; popular for sunrise/sunset camping. Stay on existing sites to minimize impact.
Nearby Highlights Along Highway 24
This stretch of UT-24 ranks among Utah’s best for offbeat scenery:
- Factory Butte → Iconic standalone formation visible en route.
- Bentonite Hills → Colorful “painted” mounds nearby.
- Little Egypt, Long Dong Silver Spire, Goblin Valley, Capitol Reef NP.
Tips & Safety
- No services → Bring water, food, wag bags.
- Extreme temps → Hot days, cold nights; wind common.
- Drone flying → Allowed.
- Stay back from edges → Cliffs are unfenced; falls have occurred.
- Cell service → Spotty—download maps.
Moonscape Overlook offers a free, uncrowded alternative to Utah’s busier parks—perfect for photographers and adventurers. Pair it with a Highway 24 road trip for maximum impact!