Factory Butte, Utah – A Hidden Gem Off Highway 24

Updated July 2025, Factory Butte, Utah – A Hidden Gem Off Highway 24 was published in November 2023.

Flat-Topped Factory Butte is impossible to miss for anyone traveling along Utah’s Highway 24 between Capitol Reef National Park and Hanksville.

It was one of the first things I noticed as I departed toward Capitol Reef along the 24 after leaving Bentonite Hills.

Factory Butte is also conveniently located very close to the out-of-this-world Moonscape Overlook. In fact, it would be impossible to get to Moonscape without noticing Factory Butte as you drive right past it to get there.

So for those checking out the area here around Utah Highway 24, here are a few pointers to know before you visit Factory Butte yourself.

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Factory Butte Geology

Factor Butte is sat on a wide flat badlands plateau of mancos shale.

The mancos shale in the area gives Factory Butte its unique appearance with ripples of greys, purples, oranges, and golds.

The Best Time of Day to Visit Factory Butte

The best time, especially for photographing Factory Butte is at sunrise and sunset, though it’s still impressive in the midday sun.

How to Get to Factory Butte

Factory Butte is located about 12 miles west of Hanksville. You can find it on Google Maps.

You’ll want to turn north off Highway 24 at Factory Butte Road and follow the dirt road for about 5.5 miles.

Near the turn at Coal Mine Road that leads to Moonscape the Overlook, you will follow a dirt path in the opposite direction.

Eventually, you’ll reach a rocky outcrop just before Factory Butte which is the perfect spot to get some photos.

Camping at Factory Butte

Factory Butte is a popular off-road area and with that, it’s quite a popular camping area too.

Note that camping is allowed but there are no facilities here around Factory Butte.

Places to Stay Nearby to Factory Butte

If camping isn’t up your alley, check out the Whispering Sands Motel in Hanksville. Otherwise, you can opt to stay in one of the scattering of lodges over in Torrey on the other side of Capitol Reef National Park.