Moonscape Overlook Utah: Must-Read Detailed Itinerary Guide

The Moonscape Overlook Utah is one of the most unique geological viewpoints in Utah. It is also known as “Skyline Rim Overlook” and Instagram-focused overlook. This scenic viewpoint is standing on the edge of the moon that give travelers feel like they are flying.

Do you want to surprise yourself with natural wonders & magical surprises? Look no further than Moonscape Overlook in Hanksville, Southern Utah. Among other Utah’s couple of spots, this remote location deserves attention because of its uniqueness.

Keep reading this blog post to learn about Moonscape overlook Utah history, map, directions, hiking, photography, nearby attractions & more.

What Moonscape Overlook Utah?

Maybe it’s first time for you to go to this popular spot but literally worth visiting than you might think. Moonscape Overlook is a lunar landscape which is located on the cliff edge of Skyline Rim, about 12 miles west of Hanksville.

The geological and historical features of this places make it one of the best viewpoints in Utah. The unique terrain, red rock formations and desert landscape are worth-exploring. Also, there are some nearby landmarks like Canyonlands and Arches National Park.

Do not skip out on reading!

Moonscape Overlook Utah Map

Take a look at Moonscape Overlook Utah map Google Maps.

How to Get to Moonscape Overlook Utah?

To get here, you need to know about directions, accessibility, parking facilities and guided tours. Let’s get into these details one by one.

Moonscape Overlook Utah Directions

You can get to this location through nearby cities. There are two famous nearby cities that are named as Moab or Grand Junction.

Here’s how you can get to this favorite spot for landscape photographers.

Starting from Moab, Utah

• The nearest major town to this Moonscape Overlook hiking trail is Moab. Also, it’s only about 20-30 minutes’ drive away. Not an hour drive.
• From Moab, head southwest on paved U.S. highway 191 toward La Sal town.
• Before leaving Moab, just turn left onto Mill Creek Drive.
• For at least 10 miles, follow Mill Creek Drive which turns into dirty road. So prepare yourself beforehand and move your 4-wheel drive vehicle smoothly.
• Continue straight toward the overlook.
• When the road ends, you will find parking area of Moonscape Overlook, where you can park your vehicle and enjoy views.

Starting from Arches National Park

• You can get to your location through Arches National Park too. Here’s how to get there via this route:
• Via Visitor Center exit, left Arches National Park.
• Turn left onto U.S. Highway 191 South and head toward Moab.
• Almost after 5 miles, turn left onto Mill Creek Scenic Drive.
• Continue straight on the narrow dirt roads for about 10 miles until you reach to your final destination.

From Grand Junction, Colorado

For example, if you are coming from north side junction, follow these directions:

• Head south on Interstate 70 (I-70) toward Green River, Utah.
• Take Exit 182 for U.S. Highway 191 South toward Moab.
• Follow U.S. Highway 191 for about 50 miles south and head towards to Mill Creek Drive.

The Moonscape Overlook, Utah coordinates are 38°27’05.8″N 110°50’16.6″W.

Accessibility

Based on vehicle and road considerations, you need to get to this destination through accessible vehicles that is easy for you to drive.

✔️ 4×4 Vehicle Recommended

For scenic drive, 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended because the road is challenging that may not be perfect for all type of vehicles. Especially in winter months and rainy weather conditions, it is ideal to go on 4×4 vehicles.

✔️ Road Conditions

Before starting your journey towards this fantastic spot, make sure to check road and weather conditions. Few parts of the road may come with slippery conditions so be prepared for this too.

✔️ Parking

Once you arrive at this one of the incredible landscapes, there is a designated parking area where you can park your vehicle. From parking area, you can explore views of Skyline View Road and take short Moonscape overlook Utah hike if you wish.

Guided Tours

Currently, there are no official guided tours for getting towards to this beautiful spot. But in Moab and Southern Utah region, there are some nearby guided tours that you can take to get here. Here are some options:

• Guided jeep tours
• Scenic driving tours
• Private hiking tours

Best Time to Visit Moonscape Overlook

Seasons

✔️ Spring (March-May)

Spring is considered as one of the best times to visit this place because of ideal weather conditions. in spring, you will not need to deal to extreme soar heat issues. Also, springtime is ideal for seeing dessert floor wildflowers.

✔️ Fall (September to November)

Just like spring, fall is also the perfect time to go here. Temperatures are comfortable for hiking and photography opportunities. Also, the crowds are decreased after summer time so still an ideal time for popular spot for landscape photographers.

Apart from spring and fall, winter and summer are fewer ideal times of period to go here.

Time of Day

For drone photos and picturesque photographs, the time of day matters most. Here’s what you need to know:

✔️ Sunrise

If you want to enjoy sunrise views from above, you need to go here in early morning. Also, you can enjoy incredible peaceful atmosphere without the disturbance of crowds and admire the real natural beauty. It is recommended to arrive half hour earlier before sunrise.

✔️ Sunet

Moonscape Overlook sunset views are truly worth-seeing and surprising.The fading light creates beautiful colors in the sky and the desert landscape. Sunset time can be crowded with large number of tourists but worth-visit time for anyone.

✔️ Midday

Midday time is not ideal especially during summer time. This time is between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. if you want to visit during midday, it is recommended to follow tips and precautions for memorable itinerary.

Weather Considerations

The dessert climate can be challenging especially for first-timers. So, to face or prepare for different weather conditions, follow these tips:

• Dress in layers to deal with temperature variations and bring extra clothing for colder evenings or nights.
• For sun protection, pack sunscreen, hat, glasses, gloves and lightweight clothing.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and bring own bottle with yourself.
• If you visit in summer, must check weather forecast and avoid visiting if rain is expected because there are chances of flash flooding.
• Always check the weather for wind speeds and be prepared with suitable gear.

Hiking and Exploring Moonscape Overlook

✔️ Hiking Trails

Moonscape Overlook is not a full-fledge hiking destination, a scenic viewpoint with multiple of activities. There are a few nearby trails and routes that offer access to incredible views of the surrounding desert.

Mild Creek Road

Mill Creek Road is the pathway to arrive at Skyline View Rd. This is not a traditional hiking trail but road or pathway. You will pass through a rugged desert landscape that includes rock formations, desert vegetation, and striking views.

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Length: Approx. 10 miles

Estimated time: 20-30 minutes

The following are some nearby hiking trails:

• The Delicate Arch Trail
• The Devil’s Garden Trail
• The Grand View Point Trail
• Utah Cassidy Arch Trail

What to Expect Along the Trails?

As we earlier stated that Moonscape Overlook doesn’t has any hiking trail but still some viewpoints. Visitors will explore variety of different landscapes from nearby roads or routes. Here’s what you can expect:

✔️ Terrain

The area comes with both rugged and rocky terrains. You need to drive 4×4 vehicles as compared to standard cars. Redrock and sandstone formations make this landscape and natural beauty of this place is a photographer’s dream.

✔️ Views

Skyline view Rd will let visitors enjoy the panoramic views. Depending on time of the day you visit, sunrise and sunset time is ideal time for beautiful surrounding views. You can explore:

• Rock formations
• Canyons
• Mountain ranges
• Valleys
• Cliffs
• Plateaus
• Landmarks

✔️ Landmarks

• Red rock spires
• Canyon edges
• Arches and natural bridges
• Desert scrub vegetation

Essential Tips for Hiking

For hiking purposes, there are some tips that you need to follow for memorable hiking experience:

• Carry enough water to stay yourself away from dehydration issues.
• Wear appropriate hiking gear like sturdy shoes, lightweight clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Do not forget to stay on marked paths and make sure that you follow the signboards for routes.
• Go for hiking during appropriate time of the day like sunrise and sunset.
• Before start your hiking adventure, check weather forecast to.
• Must pack first-aid kit with you including supplies for blisters, sprains, or insect bites.

Alternative Activities

Apart from hiking, there are various other alternative activities that you can enjoy here.

✔️ Photography

The beautiful views of this public land urge visitors to capture photos from different angles. During sunrise and sunset time, the changing colors of the sky make this place a top photography spot for visitors.

✔️ Picnicking

If you travel with your friends or family, picnicking is one of the best fun-filled opportunities for whole family. There are some nearby parks where you can enjoy picnic with your friends or family. These parks are:

• Capitol Reef National Park
• Coal Mine Road Park
• Canyonlands National Park
• Bryce Canyon National Park
• Capital Reef National Park

✔️ Stargazing

Want to enjoy one of the best night sky views with minimal pollution? Moonscape Overlook is an excellent spot for stargazing. If you prefer to visit during new moon phase, you will explore beautiful views of the Milky Way. For stargazing, you can do tent camping.

Photography at Moonscape Place

Why It’s a Photographer’s Dream?

Maybe you think why this dramatic spot is a famous photo spot for photographers? Let me explain it with reasons.

✔️ Rugged Terrain

There is no other such rugged terrain like Moonscape. Geological rock formations like deep dessert canyons, scattered boulders and red rock formations make it a popular spot for photography.

✔️ Changing Light Conditions

Throughout the day, the location’s changing light conditions allow photographers to shot beautiful pictures of their choice. Two of the most ideal times are sunrise and sunset when views are totally extra clearance.

✔️ Distant Views

The overlook’s clear and distant views are only appealing for eyes but also make it ideal for wide-angle panoramic shots. You can capture different drone shots from different angles.

Best Photography Tips

No matter whether you are beginner or professional level photographer, here are some tips that you should follow while capturing single shot.

✔️ Camera Settings

• Use Aperture Priority Mode for landscape shots.
• During daylight time, you can avoid graininess by using low ISO (100-200).
• For daytime shots, it is recommended to use a faster shutter speed (1/250 or faster). But during sunrise or sunset, try slower speeds (1/30 or slower).

✔️ Lighting Considerations

• Golden hour like early morning and late afternoon is the ideal time.
• For dramatic views, blue hour time is good like sunrise or sunset.

✔️ Composition Techniques

• To balance overall composition, use the rule of thirds.
• Use leading lines for clicking shots of geological rock formations.
• Go for natural elements to frame your pictures in beautiful way.

What to Capture?

Not every view is aimed to capture so you should know what to capture for creating memorable moments. There are some things that you won’t forget to capture:

• Panoramic views
• Golden hour shots
• Textured landscapes
• Clouds and sky

Wildlife and Nature Photography

We know that Moonscape Overlook is famous for its dessert landscape but there are still some wildlife opportunities in the area. The dessert place is home to:

• Native plants
• Sagebrush
• Junipers
• Cactus species
• Lizards
• Rock wren birds
• Cottontail rabbits
• Red-tailed hawks

Nearby Attractions to Explore

The famous activity comes now. No matter whether we want to go for hiking, biking or just exploring any place, we want to go to nearby attractions. Here are some nearby attractions where you can go for fun, adventure and relaxation.

1. Canyonlands National Park

From Moonscape Overlook, Canyonlands National Park is located just a short drive of 45 minute. After enjoying the amazing views, you can go to this natural walk for exploring natural beauty and walk. This park stretches over more than 330,000 acres.

Key Sights & Activities

• Island in the Sky
• The Needles
• White Rim Road

2. Arches National Park

Arches National Park is one of the best hidden gems in Utah. It is located approximately 30 minutes away from overlook. This park is famous for more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches and must-visit place for outdoor enthusiasts.

Key Sights & Activities

• Delicate Arch
• The Windows Section
• Devil’s Garden Trail

3. Dead Horse Point State Park

If you do not want to watch sunrise or sunset in Moonscape, Dead Horse Point State Park is one of the best places to visit in Southern Utah. This viewpoint is an excellent place to catch a sunrise or sunset and is located above the Colorado River.

Key Sights & Activities

• Dead Horse Point Overlook
• Mountain Biking Trails
• East Rim Trail

4. Local Towns and Dining

Moab is the nearest town to Moonscape and there are amazing towns and dining options in Moab where you can go or eat.

Places to Eat

• The Spoke on Center
• Desert Bistro
• Moab Brewery

Local Towns

• Green River
• Monticello
• Castle Valley
• Blanding
• Bluff
• Hanksville
• Mexican Hat
• Spanish Valley

Moonscape Overlook Death Incident

On January 27, 2024, Jonathan Fielding, 19 expired after falling from Moonscape Overlook in Utah. According to authorities, his death was an accident. Jonathan Fielding was originally from Blue Springs, Missouri. He had recently moved to Orem, Utah. He wanted to explore nature and love photography.

The incident happened when he and his friends were hiking near the site, which is located east of Capitol Reef National Park. Fielding was taking photos when his death occurred and he fell more than 200 feet to his death.

His sister named as Rebecca kept Jonathan’s memory alive through traveling journal. She also requests people to share his death story with others and spread word. In the end, she advised people to be careful and when standing on cliff, follow necessary precautions.

How High is Moonscape Overlook Utah?

According to one information, Moonscape Overlook in Utah is at an elevation of approximately 5,000 feet (1,524 meters). This elevation provides visitors panoramic views of surrounding desert landscapes including striking red rock formations, canyons, and distant mountains. The height makes it one of the best popular spots for photography.

Final Thoughts!

The Moonscape overlook Utah is more than landscape and hiking trail. Not only this place welcome tourists with surprising views but also nearby attractions, things to do and scenic drive routes make it more crowded during peak season like spring or fall.

As a tourist, you should maintain cleanliness by following leave not trace principles. Nature is there for us to enjoy but respect and leave the way we found it but as well as respecting nature. Before go there, be sure to follow this blog’s guidelines, tips, directions and more.

Frequently Asked Questions