Factory Butte Sunset
Looking Back
Near Hanksville, UT
My good friend from college used to say, “I would rather be lucky than good”.
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
38°27'5.80"N 110°50'16.64"W Launch location
38°27'24.1"N 110°49'40.1"W Location of shot
4,653 Ft. Elevation
Download KMZ Trail File
Click Here to download the KMZ file for this location.
Photography Tips
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 3 separate dirt roads off of Coal Mine Rd that will take you toward the Overlook (see graphic below). Two of the roads are currently labeled BLM 0913 and the other one is labeled BLM 0931. Most folks take the the 2nd BLM 0913 (red). However, I find the 1st BLM 0913 (yellow) has the least bumping and easiest road.
If you are going to shoot sunrise at this location, it would be prudent to scout out the location the day before to find the composition that works for you. Driving to this location for the first time in the middle of the night might end up being frustrating.
Google Earth
EXIF Data
Focal Length – 24 mm
Exposure – 1/10 sec sec @ f 2.8
ISO – 100
Date – Sept 20th
Time – 6:32 PM
Best Time of Day to Shoot
The best times to photograph the Factory Butte area with a drone are 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 photography the badlands overlook with a drone any time of year.
Lens(es) Needed
This shot was taken with the wide-angle 24 mm lens on a Mavic 3 Pro.
Birds-Eye View From Google Earth Pro
Permits
At this time, there are no permits required in the area.
Direction of the Shot
The direction of the shot is west at approximately 270°.
Equipment Needed
A drone with a wide-angle lens.
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.
Area Guides and Workshops
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).