The badlands in central Utah are home to some of the most beautiful and rugged wilderness we have ever seen. Encompassing Goblin Valley State Park and a lot of public land, this area is perfect for adventurers looking to get off the beaten path. In this travel guide, we will share everything you need to know about exploring the area around Hanksville, Utah.
If you’re wondering, “Where the hell is Hanksville?” You are not alone. A row of souvenir t-shirts says that exact thing at the only gas station in the town of 162 people.
Located in the middle of rural Utah, Hanksville has recently gained an influx of attention due to the natural wonders surrounding it. In our opinion, this is the most underrated place in Utah, and we can’t wait to show you around!
Surrounded by Goblin Valley State Park and a lot of public land, Hanksville is perfect for adventurers looking to get off the beaten path. It is one of the most untouched areas we have ever travelled through, meaning we all need to take extra care to protect it.
Before diving into this travel guide, we first need to talk about Utah’s fragile ecosystem.
Utah is known for its unique desert landscapes and vast public land. In fact, almost 75% of this beautiful state is dedicated to recreation in the form of public BLM land, National Parks, National Monuments, and National Forests.
While this makes it the perfect place for van life and boondocking, exploring Utah comes with a huge responsibility. While the ecosystem here may seem resilient, it is actually extremely fragile. Because of this, it is important that we all do everything we can to minimize our impact on the environment.
Leave No Trace
Here is a quick overview of the 7 Leave No Trace principles and how they apply to Utah:
1. Pack it in, Pack it out
Take all trash and waste with you and dispose of it properly in designated receptacles. *THIS INCLUDES TOILET PAPER!* A common misconception is that organic matter can be disposed of in the outdoors (e.g. orange peels, food scraps, poop).
The truth is that this waste can be especially harmful in the desert as it decomposes very slowly. Organic material takes months to years to break down, so we must leave absolutely nothing. If you do not have a toilet in your van, you need to bury human waste (6 inches deep) or use a “Wag Bag” to take your waste and toilet paper with you to the nearest garbage. No excuses!
2. Camp/Travel on Existing Surfaces
Utilize established camping spots whenever possible. When camping off-road, choose sites that are already impacted and follow BLM regulations. Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is never necessary. Travel on existing trails, paths or hardy surfaces such as rock and gravel. This will help reduce the chance of destroying fragile plant species such as Cryptobiotic soil.
3. Minimize Campfire Impact
Campfires are often prohibited due to the risk of wildfires. Use a camp stove for cooking and heating. Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings or pits and make sure to put it out completely before you leave.
4. Plan Ahead and Prepare
Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you’ll visit. Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies. ALWAYS bring extra food and water on any outing in Utah. The heat sneaks up on you, making it easy to dehydrate and overheat. Use reusable containers and bottles for food and water to reduce the potential of waste while out in the desert.
5. Leave What You Find
Leaving what you find in beautiful, historic hot spots like the desert is always good. Others want to be able to see the natural relics of the wilderness as much as you do, so don’t remove or alter them.
6. Respect Wildlife
Always observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them. Do not feed the wildlife or allow your pets to get too close.
7. Be Considerate
This is especially important in an area where many people are gathering to camp, hike, and enjoy the great outdoors without any amenities or “rules.” Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience. The public lands are for all of us to use, so be the neighbour you would want to have and enjoy!
Where to Stay
If you want to stay in an established campground, we would recommend Goblin Valley State Park or Dukes RV Park. Hotels in the area are VERY limited, but there are a few options:
*By booking accommodation through our tailored maps + links, you support us at no additional cost to you. We appreciate you!*
Also, how fun are these glamping domes? We didn’t get a chance to stay, but they are located near Factory Butte Road, which is super convenient!
If you are looking to wild camp, there is a TON of free wild camping in this area. Here are the rules around wild camping as per the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) Website:
Free dispersed camping is allowed throughout BLM Utah-managed lands except where posted. There are no fees, permits or passes associated with dispersed camping. Please follow these regulations while dispersed camping:
- There is a 14-day camping limit while occupying any campsite on BLM-managed lands.
- Only travel on designated routes. Check with local offices for off-roading information.
- Camp only in previously disturbed sites or areas. Do not camp in the vicinity of developed recreation sites such as picnic areas, campgrounds or trailheads.
- Camp at least 300 feet from range improvements. Range improvements can include corrals, gates, livestock waters and livestock pens. §43 CFR 4140.1 (b)(7) prohibits interfering with lawful range functions and can result in a citation.
- Do not trench, dig or level your site. Do not cut tree limbs to fit your tent or trailer.
- Pack out all trash.
– BLM Utah Website
How Long Do You Need
The highlights of The Badlands around Hanksville can be seen in 3 to 5 days. This depends on whether you want to do a lot of hiking and whether you want to be at each photography spot for sunrise or sunset.
Van Life Essentials
Cheap Showers: The Goblin Valley Campground and Dukes RV Park offer guests free showers. If you are wild camping, you can shower at Dukes RV Park for $7 USD per person.
Laundry: Dukes RV Park in Hanksville has inexpensive coin laundry machines that are available to the public.
Water Fill Stations: We showered at Dukes RV Park, and they let us fill our van with water for free!
Groceries: Hanksville has a very small market for essentials, but we recommend stocking up before you arrive. If you do end up going to The Bull Mountain Market in Hanksville, try the pizza! It’s made fresh to order and surprisingly good.
The Best Things to Do
Goblin Valley State Park
Goblin Valley State Park is an adventurer’s paradise with otherworldly rock formations and boundless exploration opportunities. This is one of the only state parks we have seen that allows drones; a permit costs $10 at the visitor’s center.
Several hiking trails wind through the park, leading you through ancient sandstone formations and towering hoodoos. The Goblin’s Lair Trail (3.7 km/ 2.3 miles + 62 metres/203 feet of elevation gain) is a must-visit. It is fairly easy and takes you to a hidden chamber in the cliffs.
For a shorter walk, the Carmel Canyon Loop (1.9 km/1.2 miles + 29 m/95 feet of elevation gain) guides you through the “goblins” that this park is famous for.
This park is also home to a variety of biking trails and a few spots for canyoneering. If you have the required equipment and experience, you can apply for a permit to do this independently or hire a guide.
As the sun sets over the desert, experience the magic of camping under a blanket of stars in Goblin Valley State Park. The campground here offers beautiful sites and yurts with free showers, picnic tables, a place for water fill-up, and a dump station.
The Bentonite Hills
These colourful hills, composed of clay-rich bentonite soil, exhibit an otherworldly palette ranging from vibrant reds to deep blues and purples. Hiking through this unique terrain is what you would expect to find exploring Mars!
To get here, drive past the Mars Research Station (2WD is okay as long as the road is not wet or muddy!) and make your way to Purple Mountain. The blue and purple tones pop best during blue hour, so sunrise or sunset is the best time for photos.
Moonscape Overlook
Perched high on the cliffs in central Utah, Moonscape Overlook transports visitors to a lunar-like landscape. A wild camping area is located just beside this overlook, making sunrise visits a breeze. *SUPER IMPORTANT to follow Leave No Trace Principles here so that we can all continue to enjoy it for years to come!*
To get here, drive east from Hanksville on Highway 24. Turn right (north) onto Factory Butte Road and then right onto Skyline View Road. As soon as you turn off Highway 24, the roads turn to dirt, and cell service disappears. A 4X4 vehicle is not required as long as the ground is dry, and an offline map is essential!
Factory Butte
Located on the way to The Moonscape Overlook, Factory Butte is a beautiful place to stop for sunrise or sunset photos. There is no real trail here, so feel free to explore as you like.
This area is very fragile, and off-road travel with motorized vehicles is strictly prohibited. We decided to ride our bikes along the 4WD road that circles the butte to enjoy the sunset. Make sure to pack plenty of water if you are going to hike here! The sand dunes require more effort than you think to climb.
The Lone Spire AKA Long Dong Silver
Long Dong Silver, or The Lone Spire, is a stunning rock formation and a really cool photo spot. To get there, park your vehicle HERE and hike along the ATV road for approximately 3 kilometres. You can drive a bit closer if you have an e-bike or a 4X4 vehicle. *Make sure not to cross the boundary into the protected area in a vehicle; you will have to walk the last kilometre.*
Download an offline map for this one to ensure you are going the right way. Here are the coordinates for your final destination. This hike is fairly flat, and we would highly recommend going for sunrise!
We hope you enjoy your time in Hanksville, Utah! Feel free to reach out with any questions or comment below with your favourite stop. We would love to hear from you.
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