The Trickster Shibes

During our Midwest USA road trip last spring, we opted for the scenic route through Hanksville, Utah, on our journey from Moab to Kanab. Known for its striking, otherworldly landscapes, this area is often said to resemble Mars more than Earth. While there are countless dog-friendly activities to enjoy here, time constraints and the challenges of navigating certain backroads (many of which recommend high-clearance 4×4 vehicles) meant we had to choose our stops carefully. Even so, our visit left us in awe of the area’s natural beauty and unique charm.

Wild Horse Window: A Hidden Gem

Our primary stop near Hanksville was a hike to Wild Horse Window, a truly stunning spot that did not disappoint. This trail takes you through a rocky, desert landscape to a natural arch formation that feels like it belongs on another planet. We saw some beautiful cacti and desert flowers along the way and Loki, Raven, and Ivy enjoyed putting their paws in the sand. A continuing theme of this hike was that we had the trail (nearly) to ourselves with only one other pair of hikers crossing our paths. I can’t express how peaceful it was to be able to take our time and explore in solitude.

A Quick Visit to the Mars Desert Research Station

On our way through Hanksville, we made a brief detour to check out the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS). This facility is used by researchers to simulate conditions on Mars, further cementing the area’s reputation for looking like another world. While it’s not open to the public, just seeing the station in its dramatic desert setting was a fascinating experience and made us feel like we had traveled to the Red Planet.

What We Missed: More Martian Marvels

The area around Hanksville is home to an array of attractions that we didn’t have time to visit but are definitely worth mentioning for future travelers:

• Goblin Valley State Park: Known for its unique hoodoo formations, this state park is a playground of otherworldly rock structures that resemble goblins.
• The Bentonite Hills: These colorful, rolling hills look like a pastel painting come to life and are a photographer’s dream. It’s recommended to visit during “blue” hour for optimal vibrancy.
• Moonscape Overlook: An iconic viewpoint offering sweeping vistas of a landscape so barren and surreal it’s often compared to the moon.
• Long Dong Silver: A massive sandstone spire that’s a favorite among climbers and an impressive sight for onlookers. I personally think it looks like something out of Lord of the Rings.
• Factory Butte: This striking flat-topped mesa dominates the horizon and is a popular spot for photography and off-road exploration.

Fun Facts About Hanksville

• The area’s resemblance to Mars has made it a popular location for sci-fi movies and research. In addition to the MDRS, it has been used as a backdrop for films and television.
• Hanksville was once a supply stop for gold miners and settlers moving westward.
• The Bentonite Hills get their vibrant colors from volcanic ash deposits that have eroded over millions of years.

Reflections on Our Martian Adventure

Though we only scratched the surface of what Hanksville has to offer, our time there was unforgettable. The dramatic desert landscapes, unique geological formations, and quiet, unspoiled trails made it a highlight of our road trip. While this area might feel remote, it’s well worth the detour, especially for dog owners looking to share an adventure with their pups. Next time, we’ll plan to spend more time exploring this Martian wonderland, and perhaps venture further off the beaten path to uncover more of its secrets.