Mars rover expedition site

[Ben Egbert]

If you are ever near Hanksville Utah (near Capitol Reef NP), you need to check this place out. If you have seen my Skyline overlook images, this is the access to the eastern side of the same valley. We could not be here and at Skyline at the same time, so all I have are mid day shots.

I am not going to try to provide directions, it is too complex. But if you go to the Hanksville BLM office and ask for Mars Rover Expedition maps, they will provide a map. This only gets you to the expedition site which is a fenced area off limits to visitors. But the maps will help you find a way to the valley edge. Just keep heading north and west until you find a road that takes you out. Stay on the roads, the soil is very soft.

This would be a good sunrise place.

 

[JimFox]

How interesting Ben! I sure like the topography there. This 2nd one is really awesome!

You could take a photo of the map you got from the BLM office and post it here if you want.

 

[AlanLichty]

Very curious looking landscape - certainly makes sense why they tested the Mars rover there.

 

[Ben Egbert]

Here are scans of the maps provided, which were in turns scans from a larger map. This is what was provided.

 

[Ben Egbert]

I can't get both maps in one reply for some reason, here is the other map,

 

[AlanLichty]

Cow Dung Road? Sounds like a nice place for a family picnic

 

[Ben Egbert]

Hey, even that road is hard to find, we drove past it the first time and it turns off from 24. There is a sort of water impoundment on the Fremont river which is across the road and serves as a landmark.

 

[JimFox]

Very interesting Ben. I have been all around that area, but not to this spot of the Skyline overview. Thanks for the maps, I am definitely stopping by there soon.

 

[Jim Sanderson]

Like the color palette on these. Reminds me a little of Alan Briots work.