Alright, folks, buckle up! This past weekend, Kenny (Coverstone Photography) and I decided to embark on a legendary adventure out to the Moonscape Overlook, near Factory Butte, Utah. And let me tell you, it was anything but boring. Spoiler alert: this trip had it all—ancient fossils, epic hikes, insane weather, and a lot of “MAN STUFF”. So grab your gear and let’s dive into this wild ride through the desolate beauty of the Utah desert.

Journey to Moonscape Overlook

We kicked things off by heading out to Moonscape Overlook, located just east of Capitol Reef National Park. If you’re up for some serious off-roading, this place is your playground. To get there, take Highway 24 from the Capitol Reef Visitor Center for about 26 miles, or from the Hollow Mountain gas station in Hanksville (the one that is built inside a massive rock) and travel west for about 11 miles, then turn north onto a rugged dirt road marked “6650 E. AKA (N Factory Butte Road)” At the 6-mile mark, turn right onto a narrow dirt road marked “0913,” and from there, it’s just a few more miles to the overlook. A word of caution: make sure your vehicle has good clearance, and take it slow—those rocky roads are no joke!

Moonscape Overlook is exactly what it sounds like: a view straight out of a sci-fi movie. The landscape stretches out in a cold, gray expanse that really does look like the surface of the moon. The overlook was formed over millions of years through erosion, as wind and water slowly carved out this otherworldly terrain. Kenny and I couldn’t help but joke about setting up a lunar base here, but we figured we’d leave that to NASA.

Be warned, though: the drop from the overlook is fatal, so don’t get too close to the edge! We snapped some incredible photos in the late afternoon light, which is the best time to visit if you want that golden hour glow. And if you’re into dark sky photography, this spot is ideal. With no light pollution, the stars are brighter than ever—perfect for capturing those mesmerizing shots of the Milky Way.

Fossils

Once we found and made our camp at Moonscape Overlook, Kenny and I got distracted and ventured into a random slot canyon east of Factory Butte. These canyons are a fossil hunter’s dream, carved over eons by flowing water. And let me tell you, the thrill of discovery is real—especially when you find something like I did: a fossilized oyster from the Jurassic period! Yes, you heard that right, a Jurassic oyster! It turns out these ancient sea creatures once lived here when this area was underwater, which is hard to believe considering it’s now a sprawling desert.

But remember, folks, these canyons can be dangerous. Flash floods are a real threat, and the scorching sun can be relentless. Always check the weather forecast, stay hydrated, and know your limits.

The Epic Hike to Long Dong (Lone Spire)

No boys’ weekend would be complete without a daring hike to a rock formation with a questionable name. Enter Long Dong Silver, also known as Lone Spire. This towering rock formation is located off Utah Highway 24, about 7 miles west of Hanksville. To find it, plug these coordinates into your GPS: 38.369457, -110.840582. As you near this spot, look for a place to pull off on the north side of the road.

There isn’t an official trail to Long Dong, so you’ll have to blaze your own path. You can park about 2 miles away, but we recommend driving in a bit further to cut the hike in half. Follow the tire tracks left by others—the soft sand here can be tricky to navigate, but these tracks will guide you through the more compact areas.

Your goal is to reach these coordinates: 38.382063, -110.838436. This is the closest point to Long Dong where you can park. From here, it’s about a mile hike. Be respectful of the posted signs prohibiting driving any further. This area is pristine and undeveloped, and we want to keep it that way.

As we hiked toward the spire, Mother Nature decided to put on a show. Out of nowhere, a massive storm rolled in, complete with freezing rain and hail. Kenny and I were soaked to the bone, but we pressed on—because what’s a little hypothermia when you’re on the quest for epic photos, right? When we finally made it, the storm broke, revealing Long Dong Silver in all its towering glory. The dramatic clouds and wet rock only made the photos more epic, so it was totally worth it.

The Formation of Long Dong Silver

Long Dong was formed millions of years ago through a combination of geological processes. The rock itself is a remnant of a larger formation that was slowly eroded away, leaving behind this impressive spire that stands tall amidst the flat landscape. The hike to is pretty easy, but when the ground is wet, the mud sticks to every step. you will gain some height with the amount of mud that will stick to your boots.

After our hike, we returned to our camp site where our friend Max found us and decided to crash the party and take some amazing drone FPV shots we well as set up for come dark sky star photos. We decided to cook some steaks over an open fire and just enjoy how insanely quiet and peaceful it is.

Dark Sky Photography: Tips for Capturing the Milky Way

Utah is known for its dark skies, and this area is no exception. If you’re into astrophotography, here are a few tips:

• Bring a Tripod: A stable tripod is a must for long exposure shots.
• Use a Wide-Angle Lens: The wider, the better for capturing those sprawling sky views.
• Set Your Camera to Manual Mode: You’ll need to adjust your settings to get the perfect shot. Start with a high ISO (around 3200), a wide aperture (f/2.8), and a 20-30 second exposure.
• Check the Moon Phase: The best time for star photography is during a new moon or when the moon is below the horizon.

Bonus Adventure: Hiking Leprechaun Canyon

The next day we decided to check out Leprechaun Canyon, a hidden gem not too far from Hanksville. To get there, head south on Highway 95 from Hanksville for about 20 miles. Keep an eye out for a small, unmarked parking area on the left side of the road.

Leprechaun Canyon, like many slot canyons in the area, was formed by water erosion over millions of years. The narrow passages are perfect for some thrilling hikes and great photo ops. We squeezed, scrambled, and shimmied our way through, laughing the whole time. And while the name suggests leprechauns, the only treasure we found was the unforgettable views and a solid dose of adventure.

Final Thoughts: Plan Your Adventure Today!

This boys’ weekend was one for the books—fossils, epic hikes, and unforgettable moments under the stars. If you’re up for an adventure, the Moonscape Overlook area has something for everyone. Just remember to be prepared, stay safe, and leave no trace. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find your own Jurassic oyster or capture the most epic photo of Long Dong in the middle of a storm. Whatever you do, make sure you have fun—and maybe bring a rain jacket.

Lake Powell is only about 60 miles away from this area, and if you’ve got extra time, it’s worth the trip. There’s nothing like cooling off in the refreshing waters of Lake Powell after a day in the desert heat. Other notable spots include Goblin Valley State Park, just a short drive away, and Capitol Reef National Park, which offers stunning rock formations and hiking trails.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your gear, rally your crew, and get out there. Adventure is calling!

Ready to explore Moonscape Overlook and beyond? Reach out if you need tips, and don’t forget to share your own adventures with us!

Tips for Planning Your Photography and Videography Session in Utah

Capturing Your Special Moments with Hawkins Photo and Film: Your Local Photography and Videography Experts in Utah

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