The Overlook
THE OVERLOOK
Near Hanksville, UT
Utah is one of the most photographically fertile areas in the American southwest - with ever-ending abstracts, buttes, formations, striations, and jaw-dropping vistas. And this location, overlooking the astonishing badlands near Hanksville, UT, is just another example of the amazing natural beauty this area has to offer.
The landscape west of Hanksville, often perceived as lifeless and barren, presents some of the most unique topographical features in the American Southwest.
Images and location summary by Tim Wier
Trail Difficulty - MODERATE
I would rate the difficulty of this trail as a 2.5 on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being most difficult). The main road (Coal Mine Rd) is rough in a few spots, and the dirt road that takes you to the Overlook can be a bit bumpy. However, the walk from the parking area to the shot location is an easy 25 yds.
NOTE: The dirt road to this location can be impassable when the ground is wet/muddy.
GPS Coordinates & Elevation
4,653 Ft. Elevation
Google Earth
Download KMZ Trail File
Click Here to download the KMZ file for this location.
Directions
CLICK HERE to get driving directions to the Moonscape Overlook.
From Hanksville - head west on UT-24 for 10.6 miles until you see a sign for 6650 East (Coal Mine Road). Turn right onto Coal Mine Road and continue for 6.1 miles. Then, turn onto the dirt road labeled BLM 0913. Take a right and follow this dirt road east for 2.7 miles until you reach the Overlook of the Badlands. The Overlook is just a short walk from the parking area.
IMPORTANT: There are three separate dirt roads off of Coal Mine Rd that lead toward the Overlook (see the graphic below). Two of these roads are labeled BLM 0913, and the third is labeled BLM 0931. Most people take the second BLM 0913 (marked in red), but I find that the first BLM 0913 (marked in yellow) has the least bumps and is the easiest to navigate.
If you plan to shoot sunrise at this location, it’s a good idea to scout it out the day before to find a composition that works for you. Driving to this location for the first time in the middle of the night could be frustrating.
Photography Tips
From this location, you can explore several compositions by varying your angles, focal lengths, and foregrounds. To make the most of your shoot, consider scouting the location the day before or arriving about half an hour before sunrise. This will give you time to find the spot that works best for you. If possible, try to position yourself to include the right side walls as they begin to illuminate.
Keep in mind that the sky and the side wall will light up at different times, so you may need to blend them together during post-processing.
EXIF Data
Focal Length – 16 mm
Exposure – 1/8 th sec @ f 8.0
ISO – 100
Date – Aug 16th
Time – 5:46 am
Best Time of Day to Shoot
This location is great for either sunrise or sunset. I prefer SUNRISE, because of the red glow on the side walls just as the sun crests the horizon.
If you like drone shots, this place is one of the VERY BEST locations in the southwest. The aerial shots of the badlands are something out of a sci-fi movie. A nice time for drone shots is 15-20 minutes BEFORE sunrise and an hour or so BEFORE SUNSET as the valley floor comes into shadow and the patterns explode.
Best Time of Year
You can shoot the badlands overlook any time of year. However, the red glow on the side walls is best during April - Sept. In the winter, the sun rises in the southeast (which means you are shooting directly into the sun).
Lens(es) Needed
You can shoot this location with anything from an ultra-wide to a standard lens. I would recommend your widest lens up to a standard 50mm lens.
The above shot was taken at 16mm.
Birds-Eye View From Google Earth Pro
Permits
At this time, no permits are required in the area.
Direction of the Shot
The direction of the shot is southeast around 150°.
Equipment Needed
No need for any special photography equipment (other than a sturdy tripod and a polarizer) unless you plan on doing a panoramic shot. You may also want to consider using a tilt/shift lens to compensate for the keystone effect while pointing down toward the valley floor.
A headlamp or flashlight is very helpful if you are shooting at early morning or twilight. If you are shooting on the ledge, it is always important to know where you are, as a fall from here would be catastrophic.
Number of Other Photographers to Expect
The area surrounding Factory Butte is a popular destination for tourists, sightseers, photographers, and drone enthusiasts at all times of the day. At sunrise and sunset, it is likely to be crowded.
Weather
The area around Factory Butte/Badlands is the high desert climate at about 4,800 ft. elevation. The temperatures can vary up to 30° - 40° a day. Spring and fall are nice, but summer can get into the high 90s.
Cell Service
I have Verizon and the cell service from this location is spotty. A stronger cell signal is available as you approach Hanksville.
Overnight Camping Options
There are 2 motels and 2 RV Parks in Hanksville and 1 hotel in Caineville.
Camping - click on the campground below for directions
Duke's Slickrock Campground & RV Park – 275 E Highway 24, Hanksville, UT 84734
Lodging - click on the lodging below for a TripAdvisor review
Muddy Creek Mining Company
(877) 711-3857
280 E 100 N, Hanksville, UT
Whispering Sands Motel
(435) 542-3238
90 South HW 95, UT
Nearby Restaurants
Hanksville is the closest town and there are a few places to eat there. After a morning shoot, I enjoy a good breakfast (biscuits and gravy) at Duke’s Slickrock Grill in Hanksville. They have great food, and nice people run the place. Stan's Burger Shak makes a good hamburger and a hardy shake, and the Outlaw’s Roost makes great tacos.
Nearby Restaurants - click on the restaurant below for yelp review
Duke’s Slickrock Grill
(435) 542-3235
Stan's Burger Shak
(435) 542-3330
Outlaw’s Roost
(435) 542-1763
Area Guides and Workshops
Melvin Perc @ Meridan Tours 954-907-6259
There are many areas around Hanksville are wonderful to photograph, but they can only be visited with a high-clearance vehicle. Several outfitters, guides, and tour companies take you to remote places for photography tours or overnight stays.
I have used Melvin Perc at Meridian Tours (954-907-6259) and really enjoy his knowledge of the area and time he takes to make sure your experience is first rate (NOTE: I have no relationship with Mel and pay full price when using him for tours).