🌄 From Lake Powell to Lunar Landscapes: Off the Beaten Path in Hanksville, Utah 🚐💫

November 24, 2024

Adventure 3 of 12 | Hidden Gems of the Utah Backcountry

There’s something about that drive from Lake Powell to Hanksville that never gets old. Maybe it’s the shift in scenery—from the shimmering waters of Glen Canyon to the surreal high desert of the San Rafael Swell—or maybe it’s just Utah working its magic again. Either way, we’re back on the road for Part 3 of our 12-part series uncovering lesser-known outdoor adventures across Utah.

And let me tell you... this one is a ride.

🍔 Small Town, Big Flavor: Hanksville's Best Burger

As we rolled into town, stomachs rumbling, we hit up a burger joint (Stan's Shake Shack) recommended by multiple forums and friends. Sometimes, small-town diners really deliver—and this one definitely did.

✅ Great prices

✅ Delicious burgers

✅ Plenty of parking (even for the big rigs!)

No wonder it earned a well-deserved spot on our shoutout list. If you're passing through, it's a must-stop. Grab a table, soak in the quirky charm, and fuel up for your next backcountry leg.

🏜️ First Stop: Swing Arm OHV Area – More Peaceful Than You’d Think

About 12 miles west of Hanksville on scenic Highway 24 lies Swing Arm OHV Area, a sprawling 2,600-acre playground for off-highway vehicles.

We weren’t sure what to expect. I braced myself for roaring engines and chaos—but when we pulled in on a quiet Monday afternoon, we had the entire area to ourselves. So much for noise!

The landscape was classic Utah: dusty, blue-gray bentonite clay hills that shimmer under the sun. This terrain makes for a grippy ride, and while it might not be the most scenic spot in the state, it’s perfect for testing your off-road skills.

🌀 Off-Road Thrills & “Hang-On” Hills

We accidentally took a narrow side trail that quickly turned into an adrenaline-fueled moment. We had to punch the gas and use centrifugal force just to stay upright.

Even “The Hubs” said it was a bit much.

🎥 (Spoiler alert: no footage of that part—too busy holding on for dear life.)

Note to self (and others): bring a flag on your side-by-side in case you meet someone coming over a ridge. We didn’t, and thankfully had the trail to ourselves, but lesson learned.

🚁 Drone Practice in the Desert: Second Chances

After our Colorado drone disaster (don’t ask), this open space felt like the perfect spot for redemption.

The Hubs took the drone up for a few practice flights, and to his credit, he’s getting better. Baby steps. At least this time no mountaintop rescues were required!

🗺️ Back to Hanksville: Maps, History & Local Color

After our quick overnight at Swing Arm, we headed back to Hanksville in search of the perfect dispersed campsite. First stop? The BLM Field Office—always a gold mine for:

• 🧭 Free maps

• 📍 Local camping tips

• 🚫 Land-use rules

• 👀 Hidden gems you won't find on Google

🏚️ History Detour: Wolverton Mill

Behind the BLM office sits the historic Wolverton Mill, built in 1921 to crush ore and cut lumber. It's part gold mill, part sawmill, and all fascinating. Best part? It’s self-guided and open to visitors.

Fun fact: The whole structure was moved to its current location by helicopter. Now that’s a sight I wish I’d seen.

🛒 Tiny Town with Big Spirit: Why Hanksville is Growing on Us

With a 2022 population of just 171, Hanksville is one of the few towns we’ll encounter in this region of Utah. But it punches way above its weight.

What You’ll Find in Hanksville (store with one stop shopping):

• 🛒 A surprisingly well-stocked grocery store

• 🍕 A pizza shop

• 💅 A hair and nail salon

• 🔨 A hardware store

• 🪑 A little picnic area out front

Honestly, who needs a Walmart?

🎨 Junkyard Art Magic

We also swung by a funky roadside art installation made from salvaged materials—think “junkyard meets creativity.” There are definite themes, but we’ll let you guess. Drop a comment and tell us what you think!

🪨 Rockhounding & Small-Town Kindness

Local friends tipped us off about an area rich in petrified wood nearby. We stopped into a small rock shop where we met the sweetest woman who shared her love of geology—and her town.

Turns out, she’s finding treasure on her own property and guided us to the best BLM areas for rockhounding. But the real gem was her story of community spirit: people in Hanksville often juggle multiple jobs—from waitress to mayor—to keep the town thriving.

🏚️ Stone Mystery: Giles Townsite?

On our way out of town, we paused at a stone ruin with no signage. Curious, we did a little digging and believe it’s part of the old Giles Townsite, an early Mormon settlement washed out by floods. If you know more about it—tell us!

⛺ Onward to Camp: Factory Butte OHV Area

Taking the advice of the BLM staff, we headed toward Caineville, looking for a dispersed campsite near the legendary Factory Butte.

The road was easy—just 6.7 miles of well-maintained dirt—and we found a large cluster of boulders perfect for setting up camp.

🧹 Miss Kitty Gets a Clean Sweep

A quick shoutout to the Hubs, who did a serious tidy-up of Miss Kitty (our camper). 💪 A man who cleans? Keeper status unlocked.

🪨 Big Rocks, Big Smiles: Camp at Factory Butte

The views? Next-level.The buttes? Towering.The vibes? Immaculate.

Factory Butte rises 6,300 feet, a stark monolith dominating the skyline. Its surrounding bentonite moonscape reflects light like you’re on another planet. I didn’t expect to be so moved by a pile of rock—but here we are.

🔥 Firelight & Stargazing

The Hubs picked a perfect fire spot among the boulders. I opted for a slower pace—leaving the ramp down, sipping tea, and soaking up the stillness.

Sweet dreams, indeed.

🌅 Morning Glow & the Skyline Rim

Sunrise is sacred in the desert—soft light, cool air, and that hush before the world wakes.

Our next goal? Skyline Rim, a viewpoint said to rival the most otherworldly landscapes in Utah. It overlooks Blue Valley and features jagged, moon-like formations that attract photographers year-round.

🫨 Would You Walk the Edge?

We considered joining the brave souls who walk out for the cliffside photo... but let’s just say our feet stayed firmly planted. Even the photographers kept their distance. No shame here!

🎥 Thanks for Riding Along

That wraps up Part 3 of our backcountry Utah series. If you enjoyed this slice of wild desert life—from burgers and bentonite to rocks and remote ruins—be sure to:

👉 Like the video🔔 Subscribe to the channel💬 Comment your favorite moment (or your theory on that junkyard art!)

🔜 Coming Up Next: More Secrets from Southern Utah

Stay tuned as we dive into more hidden sites around Hanksville, explore forgotten trails, and uncover stories tucked into the red rock folds of this wild land.

Until then—keep your tires dusty, your coffee strong, and your heart open to the road ahead.