Driving near Kanab and Hanksville

[BlackRockArt]

Hi all.

I'm going to be in Kanab and Hanksville next weekend, driving in from Vegas.
As I checked the weather forecast, I saw a few days of thunderstorm coming week.

Will I need special high clearance 4X4 to get around?

My main time will be around White Pocket, Goblin Valley,, Factory Butte, Capital Reef NP. These places on my bucket list.

Thanks for any advice.

Oliver

 

[Ben Egbert]

Goblin Valley and Factory Butte will not require 4WD, White pocket requires high clearance as it is a sand road with deep ruts. 4WD would be advisable.

While at Factory Butte, be sure to check out Skyline Overllook which is only 6 miles away

 

[JimFox]

Hey Oliver, what a fun trip!

Ben answered your question. If you haven't really driven 4x4 in a sand filled roads, I would suggest skipping White Pocket. You don't need high clearance for it, my Jeep Grand Cherokee isn't high clearance, it's normal, but I have aggressive tires on it, and it is a 4x4. I did scrape a time of two, but not bad. If you know how to take a line, when driving a 4x4 road, you will be fine. But driving the sand can be really tricky. First rule is don't stop no matter what. Some people air down their tires. I didn't, but airing down is one way to handle the sand better. Of course then you have yo have a way to put air back into the tires.

In Kanab, you can rent a 4x4. Or there also are guides that will drive you out there and bring you back. That's maybe a good option for White Pocket.

As Ben mentioned, don't forget Skyline Overlook. You can't miss that. We can help with directions if you need it.

Are you thinking of Temple of the Sun and Moon in Capitol Reef? For that you want a 4x4.

Not sure what vehicle you are renting initially, and you probably know this but all wheel drive isn't 4x4. And the rental 4x4 from major rental company's, will dock you if they see any sand or dirt on it as that shows you went off road.

 

[Jameel Hyder]

A much better and cheaper option to rent vehicles is TURO - download this app. It is the equivalent of AirBnP for vehicles. Many people rent their 4x4 on it for a much reasonable price than the rental car companies. Get a Jeep Wrangler and you are set for all the locations.

 

[BlackRockArt]

Goblin Valley and Factory Butte will not require 4WD, White pocket requires high clearance as it is a sand road with deep ruts. 4WD would be advisable.

While at Factory Butte, be sure to check out Skyline Overllook which is only 6 miles away

Goblin Valley and Factory Butte will not require 4WD, White pocket requires high clearance as it is a sand road with deep ruts. 4WD would be advisable.

While at Factory Butte, be sure to check out Skyline Overllook which is only 6 miles away

Ben, thank you, I will add that onto my stop-list, I think I saw one of your pictures of that spot.

Oliver

 

[Ben Egbert]

Here is a map to skyline.

 

[BlackRockArt]

Here is a map to skyline.

View attachment 51044

Ben, thank you for such a helpful guide. Three years ago when I drove past Hanksville, I was totally oblivious to the beautiful scenery on the north side. This time I won't miss it.

Thanks again.

Oliver

 

[BlackRockArt]

Hey Oliver, what a fun trip!

Ben answered your question. If you haven't really driven 4x4 in a sand filled roads, I would suggest skipping White Pocket. You don't need high clearance for it, my Jeep Grand Cherokee isn't high clearance, it's normal, but I have aggressive tires on it, and it is a 4x4. I did scrape a time of two, but not bad. If you know how to take a line, when driving a 4x4 road, you will be fine. But driving the sand can be really tricky. First rule is don't stop no matter what. Some people air down their tires. I didn't, but airing down is one way to handle the sand better. Of course then you have yo have a way to put air back into the tires.

In Kanab, you can rent a 4x4. Or there also are guides that will drive you out there and bring you back. That's maybe a good option for White Pocket.

As Ben mentioned, don't forget Skyline Overlook. You can't miss that. We can help with directions if you need it.

Are you thinking of Temple of the Sun and Moon in Capitol Reef? For that you want a 4x4.

Not sure what vehicle you are renting initially, and you probably know this but all wheel drive isn't 4x4. And the rental 4x4 from major rental company's, will dock you if they see any sand or dirt on it as that shows you went off road.

Hi Jim, I checked pictures of some of the places you mentioned, which I wasn't even aware of, definitely would go there. Thanks again.

A much better and cheaper option to rent vehicles is TURO - download this app. It is the equivalent of AirBnP for vehicles. Many people rent their 4x4 on it for a much reasonable price than the rental car companies. Get a Jeep Wrangler and you are set for all the locations.

Jameel, thanks for the TURO info, will use it in the future. Love the tip.

Oliver

 

[MonikaC]

For Capitol Reef, if you're going to go into the backcountry e.g. Valley of the Sun & Moon, check the park website as there's a river ford that may close that particular access.
For the White Pocket, as has been noted, you need "real" 4x4 capability & experience with deep sand. If it's just rained, it makes the sand much easier to drive, but you'll still want some kind of traction device (I have picked up many discarded rug remnants on my way out as the stuck drivers were probably too scared to stop after they extricated themselves and just left them on the road).
Everywhere else is either a maintained or paved road. You'll want campground reservations for Goblin Valley (includes entry fee & showers) unless you intend to dispersed camp in the Swell.

 

[Ben Egbert]

You can enter and exit the road to the Temple of the Sun and Moon from the Cainville side and avoid the river crossing. This entry point is just a short distance from Factory Butte.

 

[BlackRockArt]

For Capitol Reef, if you're going to go into the backcountry e.g. Valley of the Sun & Moon, check the park website as there's a river ford that may close that particular access.
For the White Pocket, as has been noted, you need "real" 4x4 capability & experience with deep sand. If it's just rained, it makes the sand much easier to drive, but you'll still want some kind of traction device (I have picked up many discarded rug remnants on my way out as the stuck drivers were probably too scared to stop after they extricated themselves and just left them on the road).
Everywhere else is either a maintained or paved road. You'll want campground reservations for Goblin Valley (includes entry fee & showers) unless you intend to dispersed camp in the Swell.

Monika, thanks so much. I keep hearing of the Temple, it's on my to-go list.

You can enter and exit the road to the Temple of the Sun and Moon from the Cainville side and avoid the river crossing. This entry point is just a short distance from Factory Butte.

Ben, thank you. It looks an easier route from Cainville.

Oliver

 

[MonikaC]

Monika, thanks so much. I keep hearing of the Temple, it's on my to-go list.



Ben, thank you. It looks an easier route from Cainville.

Oliver

The turnoff is easy to miss (but easy to turn around & go back, too). I don't know if you'll be camping, but there are numerous dispersed camping sites on that road.

 

[ckcarr]

Here's your problem this time of year. It's monsoon season. That particular area by Hanksville to Capitol Reef is prone to flash floods. Once I got stuck by the Temples of the Sun & Moon for a day & night. Then the road out and the washes were completely realigned.

Watch this for fun..

 

[BlackRockArt]

Goblin Valley and Factory Butte will not require 4WD, White pocket requires high clearance as it is a sand road with deep ruts. 4WD would be advisable.

While at Factory Butte, be sure to check out Skyline Overllook which is only 6 miles away

Hi, Ben, I went to the Skyline Overlook but something funny happened on the way, I will talk more later.

Hey Oliver, what a fun trip!

Ben answered your question. If you haven't really driven 4x4 in a sand filled roads, I would suggest skipping White Pocket. You don't need high clearance for it, my Jeep Grand Cherokee isn't high clearance, it's normal, but I have aggressive tires on it, and it is a 4x4. I did scrape a time of two, but not bad. If you know how to take a line, when driving a 4x4 road, you will be fine. But driving the sand can be really tricky. First rule is don't stop no matter what. Some people air down their tires. I didn't, but airing down is one way to handle the sand better. Of course then you have yo have a way to put air back into the tires.

In Kanab, you can rent a 4x4. Or there also are guides that will drive you out there and bring you back. That's maybe a good option for White Pocket.

As Ben mentioned, don't forget Skyline Overlook. You can't miss that. We can help with directions if you need it.

Are you thinking of Temple of the Sun and Moon in Capitol Reef? For that you want a 4x4.

Not sure what vehicle you are renting initially, and you probably know this but all wheel drive isn't 4x4. And the rental 4x4 from major rental company's, will dock you if they see any sand or dirt on it as that shows you went off road.

Ben, Jim, the landscape near Factory Butte is out of this world, I spent 2 days there but felt too short. Definitely, I should go back for some more.

Here is a quick one I took after an hour of hiking under the scorching sun.

Oliver

 

[Ben Egbert]

Love your nighttime images of Skyline. Is this a drone shot? Or did you drive out cowdung road to get this? If I am not mistaken, Skyline is that ridge in the background.

 

[BlackRockArt]

Love your nighttime images of Skyline. Is this a drone shot? Or did you drive out cowdung road to get this? If I am not mistaken, Skyline is that ridge in the background.

Ben, I stopped by way out because all the roads were washed out, my AWD simply didn't cut it, you are correct this is a drone shot.

Oliver

 

[JimFox]

Hi, Ben, I went to the Skyline Overlook but something funny happened on the way, I will talk more later.



Ben, Jim, the landscape near Factory Butte is out of this world, I spent 2 days there but felt too short. Definitely, I should go back for some more.

Here is a quick one I took after an hour of hiking under the scorching sun.

Oliver

View attachment 51363

Love your creativity with this Oliver!

Yeah, I had forgotten about so many of the roads there being washed out or muddy/clay messes. You will need to make a trip back there, and it's great to see that you saw just why Ben and I are so in love with that area.