The Final Information to Tenting at Moonscape Overlook in Utah

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When you’ve got ever dreamed of sleeping on the moon, tenting at Moonscape Overlook in southern Utah may be the closest factor to it. With a panorama just like the moon’s lunar floor, you’ll query in case you are nonetheless on Earth.

Once I deliberate to move to Utah in my Sprinter Van, I reached out to my buddies for dispersed tenting suggestions. A fellow van life couple that I observe on Instagram really helpful Moonscape Overlook.

I used to be intrigued by the identify alone, however as quickly as I noticed footage of the comfortable pink skies above the moonlike floor at sundown, I used to be offered! I knew I needed to camp right here for no less than an evening on my Utah street journey.

Nevertheless, I had a tough time discovering correct instructions on methods to get there for the reason that spot is fairly off-grid. This information goals to cowl every part it is advisable learn about tenting at Moonscape Overlook, together with GPS coordinates, step-by-step driving instructions, tenting info, and extra.

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Vital Reminder: Because it goes in all the locations we share, please apply good path etiquette and bear in mind to Depart No Hint. This implies packing out your entire rubbish (together with rest room paper), being respectful to others, and following the established guidelines.

What’s Moonscape Overlook

Moonscape Overlook is a free, dispersed tenting space close to Hanksville, Utah between Capitol Reef and Canyonlands Nationwide Park. You may drive straight to the overlook and attain it with out mountaineering.

It doesn’t seem on maps or most free campsite finder apps, so lots of people haven’t heard of it. Vacationers don’t have a tendency to go to except they’ve both seen images of it on social media or heard about it from a good friend.

If you’re road-tripping by Utah’s Mighty 5 Nationwide Parks, Moonscape Overlook is certainly definitely worth the cease. It is just about 40 minutes away from Capitol Reef Nationwide Park.

I visited Moonscape Overlook in October 2023. I camped right here for an evening and headed to Capitol Reef the next day.

Rock crevices showing the moon-like surface of Moonscape Overlook near Hanksville, Utah — The moon-like floor that you simply see when wanting over the sting at Moonscape Overlook

Moonscape Overlook particulars

Look: It’s a large overlook the place the bottom resembles the moon’s floor. The crater-like panorama seems gray and brown. Whereas the floor of the tenting space is rocky, the view from the sting exhibits crevices that resemble traces on the palm of a hand.
Security: The overlook has steep drop-offs with harmful edges and fragile rock. The cliffs are unstable, so guests ought to keep away from the sting, stroll slowly, and be additional cautious with their footing.
Location: This space is off UT-24 when heading west in direction of Capitol Reef Nationwide Park. It’s about half an hour from Hanksville, Utah in the identical neighborhood as a well-known rock formation referred to as Manufacturing unit Butte.
Facilities: There are NO facilities together with designated campsites, bogs, trash cans, or water.
Dimension: The overlook is huge and might accommodate a number of rigs. Although solely 5 different teams had been tenting once I visited, Moonscape Overlook may seemingly match as much as 30 campers comfortably at a time.
Photograph alternatives: Moonscape Overlook can be well-known for its iconic photograph spot. There’s a slender walkway that results in a round rock as outlined additional beneath.

A sky with an orange horizon line as the sunrise illuminates orange rock formations on the edge of Moonscape Overlook — The dawn illuminating the rock formations alongside the sting of Moonscape Overlook

The right way to Get to Moonscape Overlook

Once I tried to lookup Moonscape Overlook on Google Maps, nothing got here up. I additionally noticed varied units of coordinates listed for the placement, and I struggled to seek out detailed driving instructions.

The toughest a part of tenting at Moonscape Overlook is discovering the spot. These instructions will show you how to navigate the roads and really feel assured driving to this epic tenting space.

Guarantee you will have the right car

I like to recommend taking a 4-wheel drive car to this space. Though I’ve van life buddies who made it of their 2-wheel drive ProMaster van, they felt uneasy and nearly rotated a number of occasions.

The roads resulting in Moonscape Overlook embrace gravel, filth, and even a brief stretch of sand. The street is rutted and bumpy for almost all of the drive.

When driving on the sand, you’ll straddle the center of the street to maintain your car stage. For that reason, I encourage driving a car with excessive clearance.

Useful Tip

Do I NEED 4×4?

In the end, if the roads are dry and also you drive slowly, be careful for big rocks, and have first rate clearance, you need to have the ability to make it to Moonscape Overlook in most autos with no downside. Nevertheless, I like to recommend taking a 4-wheel drive car for additional peace of thoughts in case you find yourself needing to make use of it. This space can be difficult (and costly!) to get towed out of.

When you flip off the primary gravel street described within the instructions beneath, the rest of the roads resulting in Moonscape Overlook are slender filth roads with no shoulder to drag over. Though the realm has restricted visitors, pay shut consideration to oncoming autos if it is advisable squeeze previous each other.

I obtained into an in depth name with a piece truck coming down the street, however fortunately, there was part of the street that was a bit wider the place I may anticipate it to go.

Moonscape Overlook GPS coordinates

Put the next GPS coordinates into your cellphone whereas crosschecking the written instructions beneath. You may verify that your GPS leads you in the proper path and keep away from by chance making mistaken turns.

The coordinates for Moonscape Overlook are 38.45222 N, 110.83806 W. This can lead you to the final tenting space, and when you arrive, you may resolve the place you wish to arrange camp.

Moonscape Overlook near Hanksville, Utah at sunset with brown rocks and a mountain in the distance — Moonscape Overlook is a bit challening to seek out – use the GPS coordinates above to assist navigate / Photograph Credit score: @nomadxtom

Instructions to Moonscape Overlook

Since there isn’t any cell service at Moonscape Overlook, print or screenshot the instructions beneath forward of time. If you’re driving from the city of Hanksville, it’s a few 30-minute drive.

From Hanksville, take UT-24 west for 10.6 miles.
Flip proper onto Coal Mine Street/N Manufacturing unit Butte Street. This street is a large gravel street that will get bumpier the additional you drive. You’ll keep on this street for five.6 miles.
Flip proper onto a street with a stick numbered 0913 (Skyline View Street). At this flip, you’ll seemingly query if you can also make it with 2-wheel drive (as talked about above, you may). This stretch additionally consists of the part of the street that’s sandy.
Proceed driving till you attain a fork within the street. Flip left on the fork.
Drive a bit additional till you attain one other stick numbered 1552. This stick marks the filth street to achieve Moonscape Overlook.
Pull in on the small turn-off. I like to recommend parking someplace momentarily and strolling round a bit to scope the realm earlier than selecting a campsite. You’ll instantly really feel like you will have arrived on the moon!

Finest Time to Go to Moonscape Overlook

Much like tenting in different areas of Utah, the very best occasions to go to Moonscape Overlook for excellent tenting situations are late spring and early fall. In case you camp right here within the fall as I did, try these important fall tenting ideas that will help you plan your journey.

Winter situations

In winter, the roads can grow to be moist and muddy, which will increase the chance of getting caught. And with out cell service, you don’t wish to get your self right into a pickle.

The temperatures throughout winter months can fall beneath freezing at evening. This leads to chilly tenting situations, particularly for tent tenting.

Summer season situations

In the summertime, temperatures at Moonscape Overlook can attain over 100°F through the day and there’s no shade. These excessive temps could make for uncomfortably heat situations whereas hanging out at your campsite through the day.

There’s additionally a threat of afternoon thunderstorms within the late summer time months. In case you go to in summer time, make certain to convey a shade construction or awning just like the Moonshade (save $40 with code BEARFOOTTHEORY).

Useful Tip

Finest time of day to go to

In my view, the very best time of day to go to Moonscape Overlook is sundown. I camped in a single day and watched each sundown and dawn. I choose the golden gentle of sundown with the comfortable shades of pink and orange tones throughout the sky. Some could argue that dawn is healthier. Watching the tiny orange ball of the solar rise above the horizon line is gorgeous in its personal proper. You can’t go mistaken both method and if you happen to select to camp right here, I like to recommend watching each sundown and dawn!

Sunrise at Moonscape Overlook near Hanksville, Utah. An orange sun is rising just above the horizon line. — The orange solar rising above the horizon line at Moonscape Overlook

Tenting at Moonscape Overlook

If you’re tenting at Moonscape Overlook, listed here are some essential issues to notice earlier than you arrive. It would be best to go into this distant tenting space with sensible expectations and the right tenting gear.

IMPORTANT: Hold an in depth eye in your youngsters and pets always if you happen to take them tenting at Moonscape Overlook. The overlook has no ropes or constructions in place to guard guests from getting too near the sting, and a fall might be deadly.

Moonscape Overlook tenting info

Moonscape Overlook is a dispersed tenting space. You can’t reserve spots, and there are not any designated campsites (although individuals have organized stones into fireplace pits). Spots are first come, first choose. Nevertheless, there isn’t any such factor as a nasty spot right here for my part!
There are spots each close to and away from the sting. If you’re unafraid of heights or drop-offs, you may camp nearer to the sting with views overlooking the valley beneath. Bear in mind to not get too shut, although, because the rock is extra fragile than it seems. There are additionally loads of spots away from the sting the place you may arrange camp.
It’s NOT big-rig pleasant. Once I camped right here, about 5 different teams had been tenting, too. There was a mixture of tents, campers, and vans. I didn’t see any RVs or different huge rigs, and I believe the street might be difficult to maneuver for bigger rigs.
There isn’t a water. You have to convey sufficient water to final nonetheless lengthy you intend to remain. I like to recommend no less than a gallon of water per individual per day. Carry much more water if you happen to select to have a secure campfire and depart no hint.
Carry leisure. In case you plan to hang around right here through the day, it’s possible you’ll wish to convey some leisure and tenting video games to play on the street. Aside from admiring the views and taking images, there’s not a lot to do at Moonscape Overlook.
Carry your personal trash and toilet provides. There are not any rubbish services right here, so convey trash baggage. You’ll need to be ready to pee and poop outside and depart no hint. Carry a trowel and pack out rest room paper.

Female wearing an orange rain jacket and a white beanie looking out at the horizon at Moonscape Overlook in Utah — Having fun with early dawn views in my heat layers / Photograph Credit score: @nomadxtom

Moonscape Overlook Images

With my husband being knowledgeable photographer, tenting at Moonscape Overlook was a dream come true for him to seize some breathtaking photographs. The spot has 360 views and lots of locations to arrange a tripod for time lapses of the sundown or dawn.

Be extraordinarily cautious of your footing and keep away from strolling on the sting of the overlook whereas taking images. Sadly, individuals have died whereas taking images at Moonscape Overlook because of the rock crumbling beneath them. Bear in mind, the right photograph is just not price your life!

Well-known Moonscape Overlook Photograph Spot

There’s an iconic photograph spot the place many individuals pose at Moonscape Overlook that’s in style on social media. Whereas tenting right here, I noticed many individuals drive up the street for the only function of snapping a couple of images of their companion, good friend, or member of the family at this spot.

This well-known Moonscape Overlook photograph spot is close to the far proper nook if you drive into the tenting space. It’s a slender walkway resulting in a flat rock which you’ll be able to climb and stand on for a photograph. There are steep drop-offs alongside the walkway in addition to on high of the rock.

I don’t suggest taking a photograph right here when you have poor steadiness, vertigo, or expertise concern of heights, edges, or drop-offs. I’m often okay with all of those, however I skilled slight vertigo and felt dizzy once I stood on the flat rock on the finish. I additionally don’t suggest permitting youngsters to stroll to this photograph spot.

Female wearing an orange hat, white shirt, and black leggings standing on a rock above Moonscape Overlook near Hanksville, Utah at sunset — Placing a pose on the iconic photograph spot at Moonscape Overlook / Photograph Credit score: @nomadxtom

Useful Tip

Put on footwear with good traction

In case you select to stroll out to this well-known photograph spot, be extraordinarily cautious and put on grippy mountaineering footwear with good traction to keep away from slipping. There’s free rock scree and random gusts of wind, so it would be best to be sure to are coated in these situations.

Drones at Moonscape Overlook

It’s authorized to fly your drone at Moonscape Overlook. Drones are a method to get some unbelievable aerial pictures from a chook’s eye view of this distinctive panorama.

Listed here are some ideas to bear in mind if you happen to plan to fly your drone right here.

Verify climate situations: This dispersed tenting space is extraordinarily windy. Be certain that the winds and forecasted climate are secure for flying.
Be careful for different drones: I noticed many individuals drive to Moonscape Overlook for sundown to fly their drones, and at one level, there have been 5 completely different drones within the sky directly. Hold your eye out for different drones flying close to yours to keep away from a collision.
Be respectful of different campers: Keep away from flying your drone over the opposite peoples’ campsites, and restrict the period of time you fly. Not everyone seems to be tremendous eager on the sound or view of drones within the sky.
Decelerate and assume logically: It may be straightforward to get caught up in the great thing about locations like this and make careless errors. For instance, I noticed somebody overlook their drone alongside the sting. Take your time and assume safely about the place you stand, fly, and place your gear.

Pink and orange clouds in the sky above rock features at Moonscape Overlook during sunset — A drone within the sky capturing the sundown over rock formations at Moonscape Overlook

Suggestions for Visiting Moonscape Overlook

When dispersed tenting, it’s essential to analysis and plan to your security earlier than spontaneously hitting the street. In case you plan to camp at Moonscape Overlook, listed here are some ideas that will help you have the very best expertise doable.

Keep away from strolling too near the sting. I’ll repeat, the rocks alongside the sting of the overlook should not as steady as they may seem. Be extraordinarily cautious of the place you step, and take images from a secure distance.
Put together for no cell service. Except you will have a method to get Wi-Fi on the street, you’ll not have entry to the web or the flexibility to make calls whereas tenting at Moonscape Overlook. Save the instructions on methods to depart Moonscape Overlook since your cellphone is not going to have service to load instructions in your method out. Additionally, inform somebody the place you’re tenting and if you count on to return.
Carry written instructions. Though it’s possible you’ll assume the GPS coordinates are adequate, your gadget could lead you astray. It’s straightforward to by chance shut out of the map or take a mistaken flip, and since there isn’t any cell service, your gadget could not recalculate to the proper route. I like to recommend printing the written instructions on this article or screenshotting them in your cellphone. It’s essential to not rely solely in your gadget when heading to a distant space and to double-check that your GPS leads you in the proper path.
Verify the forecast to keep away from getting caught. If it has rained lately, the bottom could grow to be comfortable and moist. The muddy floor may result in your car turning into caught on the street. You additionally wish to test if it’s going to rain throughout your time tenting there. Since that is an uncovered space with no shelter in any way, it’s harmful to camp at Moonscape Overlook when there are thunderstorms. A flash flood may make the roads impassable, leaving you stranded.
Put together for crowds. Some individuals assume that dispersed tenting areas imply no crowds. Whereas this can be true in some areas, Moonscape Overlook is turning into in style for dispersed tenting. There’ll seemingly be different individuals right here tenting and taking images. If you wish to have your first selection of a tenting spot, arrive on a weekday and get there early. Throughout dawn and sundown on the iconic photograph spot, then count on to take turns with others. Be type and apply endurance.
Pack the necessities. As talked about, this spot is off-grid. Pack your entire tenting necessities, together with a first assist package. Additionally, you will wish to convey emergency provides to your car, together with a spare tire and jumper cables. Use the packing listing beneath that will help you bear in mind to convey this stuff in your tenting journey.
Watch out with youngsters. In case you plan to camp along with your youngsters, I’m unsure I’d suggest this spot because of the cliffs. You’d need to be extraordinarily cautious to verify they don’t wander close to the sting.

People standing with tripods near the edge of Moonscape Overlook near Hanksville, Utah — Many individuals drive to Moonscape Overlook to {photograph} it at dawn and sundown

Issues to See Close to Moonscape Overlook

Though tenting at Moonscape Overlook is the primary attraction, you may try different attention-grabbing formations close by. Beneath are a few spots I like to recommend exploring when you have time.

Manufacturing unit Butte

In your method out and in of Moonscape Overlook, you will notice a large rock formation in the other way referred to as Manufacturing unit Butte. Like Moonscape Overlook, Manufacturing unit Butte is positioned in an space referred to as the Manufacturing unit Bench Mesa.

Look: This geologic formation is made from clay and silt mudstone and stands over 6,000 toes tall. It’s a monolith surrounded by a lunar panorama, making it one other distinctive characteristic to {photograph}.
Historical past: It was once dwelling to coal miners. It’s now a broadly recognized attraction for guests to cease and admire. Though it’s well-known, there are not often crowds of individuals right here as it’s off the overwhelmed path.
Instructions: You may see this formation when driving on Coal Mine Street/N Manufacturing unit Butte Street. When heading in direction of Moonscape Overlook, you will notice it in your left after driving for 10 minutes.
Driving Circumstances: To drive nearer to test it out, you may take a dust street that results in the formation. Nevertheless, you’ll have to cross some water bars in your car.
Coordinates: The coordinates for Manufacturing unit Butte are 38.4369 N, 110.9135 W.

Factory Butte, a monolith gray rock formation in Utah with a blue sky in the background — The Manufacturing unit Butte monolith down the street from Moonscape Overlook

Bentonite Hills

If you’re leaving Moonscape Overlook to drive to Capitol Reef Nationwide Park, there’s a cease alongside the way in which referred to as the Bentonite Hills. It takes about an hour and quarter-hour to drive from the highest of Moonscape Overlook to the Bentonite Hills.

Though my Sprinter Van has 4-wheel drive, the filth street main right here seemed extraordinarily slender and out of my consolation zone. As quickly as I noticed it, I modified my thoughts about visiting and continued in direction of Capitol Reef.

Nevertheless, in case you are used to driving slender 4×4 roads and have a smaller car, I’ve heard it’s price a cease.

Look: The Bentonite Hills are colourful mounds of Bentonite clay with rings of purple, orange, pink, and inexperienced round them. You’ll have seen images of this iconic spot on social media. That is additionally a superb location to seize attention-grabbing drone pictures.
Historical past: The hills are made from mud, silt, sand, and volcanic ash and have existed for the reason that Jurassic occasions.
Instructions: No mountaineering trails result in the Bentonite Hills. If you wish to go to, it’s essential to drive and take Hartnet Street, which requires a excessive clearance, 4-wheel drive car.
Driving Circumstances: Verify the climate situations earlier than you head to this spot. When the filth roads resulting in the Bentonite Hills grow to be moist, they are often impassable.
Coordinates: The coordinates for the Bentonite Hills are 38.3601 N, 111.1283 W.

Useful Tip

Restrict your steps

When you arrive, watch out to not step on the floor, as it’s fragile and simply broken. There are footprints and tire tracks within the space that may take years to fade. To protect this particular place for years to return, keep away from strolling round unnecessarily.

Orange and white mounds of the Bentonite Hills in Utah — Orange and white rings on the mounds of the Bentonite Hills

Moonscape Overlook Packing Record

These are a number of the gadgets it would be best to convey with you when tenting at Moonscape Overlook. For an entire listing, try these automotive tenting necessities.

Printed instructions, a compass, and a map in case you grow to be misplaced with out cell service.
At the least 1 gallon of water per individual per day
Grippy mountaineering boots or footwear. There’s free rock scree throughout Moonscape Overlook. It is very important have good traction when strolling across the edge, particularly if you happen to plan to stroll out to the enduring photograph spot.
Insulated puff jacket and a heat beanie. The evenings and early mornings are chilly nearly year-round.
Windbreaker or rain jacket. Since Moonscape Overlook is uncovered, it’s usually fairly windy. This layer may help hold you heat through the day and dry if it storms.
A solar hat such because the Wallaroo Sedona Hat (BFT readers get 20% off with the code “BEARFOOT20”).
Sunscreen and sun shades to put on whereas being exterior through the day. The uncovered space has no bushes or shade.
Digital camera and drone if you happen to plan to take images and movies (which I extremely suggest).
Heat sleeping bag to make use of in your automotive or tent. It will get chilly at evening!
Sleeping pad in case you are tent tenting. The bottom right here is tough and rocky.
First assist package in case of emergency!
Trowel and bathroom paper (bear in mind to pack out your TP)
Range or tenting pots and pans together with a lighter or matches for cooking
Headlamp to see at evening

A crescent moon in a blue sky with pink and orange clouds during sunset at Moonscape Overlook — A crescent moon within the sky throughout sundown at Moonscape Overlook

Need to discover Utah additional? Take a look at these spots!

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Would you prefer to camp on Moonscape Overlook? In case you’ve visited beforehand, I’d love to listen to your tales and ideas for others within the feedback!

The Final Information to Tenting at Moonscape Overlook in Utah – Bearfoot Concept

Obtain my FREE Outside Journey Planning Toolkit

What’s Moonscape Overlook

Moonscape Overlook particulars

The right way to Get to Moonscape Overlook

Guarantee you will have the right car

Useful Tip

Do I NEED 4×4?

Moonscape Overlook GPS coordinates

Instructions to Moonscape Overlook

Finest Time to Go to Moonscape Overlook

Winter situations

Summer season situations

Useful Tip

Finest time of day to go to

Tenting at Moonscape Overlook

Moonscape Overlook tenting info

Moonscape Overlook Images

Well-known Moonscape Overlook Photograph Spot

Useful Tip

Put on footwear with good traction

Drones at Moonscape Overlook

Suggestions for Visiting Moonscape Overlook

Issues to See Close to Moonscape Overlook

Manufacturing unit Butte

Bentonite Hills

Useful Tip

Restrict your steps

Moonscape Overlook Packing Record

Save this submit to Pinterest

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