Utah is full of jaw-dropping landscapes, but some places feel so unusual you might wonder if you’ve left Earth altogether. Beyond the iconic Utah national parks, Zion, Arches, Bryce Canyon, and Capitol Reef National Park, Southern Utah is packed with surreal destinations that look like they belong on Mars, the Moon, or in a fantasy movie.
From alien-like hoodoos and colorful slot canyons to bizarre desert monoliths, these unusual landscapes are perfect for adventure seekers, photographers, and anyone chasing Utah’s stranger side. Here are some of the most unique places to visit in Southern Utah.
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Did We Travel to Mars? Hanksville & The Mars Desert Research Station
The town of Hanksville, Utah sits in the middle of landscapes that look more like Mars than Earth. Surrounding rock layers of Wingate, Navajo Sandstone, Mancos Shale, and Chinle formations give the area its red-planet vibe.
This terrain caught the attention of The Mars Society, which built the Mars Desert Research Station nearby to simulate what life might be like on Mars. While the station itself isn’t open to the public, you can view it from the road and explore the surrounding Martian-like desert.
Bentonite Hills – Utah’s Lunar-Like Clay Landscape
Just an hour from Hanksville lies the surreal Bentonite Hills, a favorite among photographers and geologists. The soft clay creates waves of purple, red, and gray that look like a lunar landscape.
These formations are extremely fragile, so it’s important to stick to established roads and trails. This is one of those Southern Utah hidden gems that looks almost too strange to be real.
Moonscape Overlook – Skyline View Near Factory Butte
If you’re chasing unforgettable views, you can’t miss Moonscape Overlook, also known as Skyline View. This dramatic cliffside viewpoint near Factory Butte offers panoramic vistas of badlands, rugged canyons, and desert monoliths stretching to the horizon.
The crumbly rock edges make it dangerous to get too close, so admire the view safely from a distance. Located about 16 miles west of Hanksville, this spot is a must for anyone exploring Factory Butte.
Factory Butte – A Cathedral in the Desert
Rising 6,302 feet above the desert floor, Factory Butte is one of Southern Utah’s most striking landmarks. Its sheer size and flat-topped shape make it look almost manmade, like a massive desert cathedral.
Located just east of Capitol Reef National Park, Factory Butte is surrounded by barren desert and open skies, often dotted with mule deer. It’s a classic Utah roadside stop for landscape photographers and adventurers alike.
The Little Grand Canyon of the San Rafael Swell
Nicknamed the Little Grand Canyon, this hidden gem offers sweeping canyon views without the crowds of Arizona’s Grand Canyon. Located in the San Rafael Swell, the best place to experience it is from the Wedge Overlook, where you’ll find multiple viewpoints with incredible perspectives of the gorge’s steep cliffs and layered rock formations.
It’s an off-the-beaten-path stop that showcases Utah’s canyon country at its finest. You can take the Wedge Overlook drive which cuts through the heart of the northern portion of the San Rafael Swell, providing access to several scenic play areas including the “Little Grand Canyon” of the San Rafael River, an ancient rock art panel in Buckhorn Draw and a camping area near the Swinging Bridge over the river.
Slot Canyons: Little Wild Horse Canyon & Beyond
Utah is famous for its slot canyons, and near Hanksville, Little Wild Horse Canyon is one of the most accessible and family friendly. The winding sandstone walls shift in color from deep reds to purples and golds, creating that otherworldly feel Utah is known for. Little Wild Horse trail is 3.3 miles one way or extend it into an 8-mile loop with Bell Canyon. It’s good for beginners, no ropes or climbing gear required.
More advanced slot canyons nearby: Ding and Dang, Little Bull, Blarney Canyon Loop, and Leprechaun Canyon (these require technical gear and experience).
Goblin Valley State Park – Utah’s Alien Playground
Located just 15 minutes north of Hanksville, Goblin Valley State Park is one of Utah’s most bizarre landscapes. Thousands of sandstone hoodoos nicknamed “goblins,” fill the valley, shaped like mushrooms, chimneys, gnomes, and alien-like creatures.
With three main hiking trails and plenty of areas to explore off-trail, this park feels like walking through another planet. It’s often compared to a real-life Mars or moonscape, making it one of the most unique state parks in Utah.
Little Egypt Geologic Site – A Secluded Hoodoo Wonderland
For a quieter alternative to Goblin Valley, head 30 minutes south of Hanksville to Little Egypt Geologic Site. Here, eerie stone hoodoos resemble ancient Egyptian temples, giving the site its name.
This small but stunning area is less visited, making it perfect if you want solitude while exploring unusual formations.
Long Dong Silver – Utah’s Remote Twin Spires
One of Southern Utah’s strangest and least-known formations, Long Dong Silver consists of two tall black spires rising from the desert. Remote and unsigned, this spot requires GPS navigation to find, it’s located off Highway 24 about 7 miles west of Hanksville.
Its mystery and solitude make it one of Utah’s coolest off-the-beaten-path destinations. If you love adventure, this is a must, plus you’ll get great pictures!
Final Thoughts – Southern Utah’s Otherworldly Adventures
Southern Utah is packed with destinations that feel like stepping onto another planet. From Martian deserts and lunar badlands to goblin-shaped hoodoos and winding slot canyons, the landscapes here are some of the most unusual in the U.S.
Whether you are road-tripping through Capitol Reef Country or seeking Utah hidden gems beyond the national parks, these otherworldly destinations prove that Utah is truly one of the most adventurous and photogenic states in America. If you need ideas or help planning a road trip through Utah or somewhere else, check out roadtrippers.com. We’ve used them for a couple trips and found some great places to stop that we wouldn’t have known about. If you use code BTR5QTP, you can save $5.
We love to share information and tips we learn along the way to help you plan your next vacation. We hope to inspire you to find your adventures, have fun and make lots of memories.