An Oasis In The Desert

Welcome to HANKSVILLE, UTAH

Hanksville offers the perfect basecamp for adventures in southern Utah. Whether it's hiking, biking, camping, boating, climbing, off-roading, or just simply sightseeing, Hanksville is the place to be! With its close proximity to Capitol Reef National Park, Goblin Valley State Park, Canyonlands National Park and many more incredible locations, Hanksville is the perfect place to start! Hanksville is also home to a variety of businesses that cater to outdoor enthusiasts, including food, fuel, lodging, and off-road rentals. In addition, the neighboring Henry Mountains makes it a popular destination for wildlife watching or hunting. Visitors can often spot mule deer, pronghorn antelope, and buffalo in the nearby hills. Whether you're looking for an action-packed vacation or a relaxing getaway, Hanksville is the perfect place to stay.

This is Hanksville's official website. Here you will find everything you need to know about our town and its government, including links to key resources and services for our residents, as well as information for visitors. Whether you're a long-time resident or just passing through on your next adventure, we hope that you'll enjoy exploring Hanksville!

Food

Looking for places to eat near Capitol Reef National Park?

Fuel

Looking for where to fuel up on your way to Lake Powell?

Lodging

Need a place to stay while exploring southern Utah?

Adventure

Need help planning your southern Utah adventure?

Our History

Hanksville Town is a small settlement adjacent to the Fremont River. Originally it was known as Graves Valley; so named after John Graves, who is said to have been a member of the Powell exploring expeditions. It was finally established as a town by Ebenezer Hanks in 1882.

Hanksville has many interesting historical pasts. It was famously a supply post for Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch, who would hide out at Robbers Roost in the desert southeast of town. Additionally, During the uranium mining frenzy following World War II, Hanksville became a supply center for the prospectors and miners scouring the deserts of the Colorado Plateau. Many abandoned mines can be found in the deserts surrounding the town.

Today agriculture, mining, and tourism are the main drivers to the local economy. Tourism is particularly important with people coming for recreation at Lake Powell, Capitol Reef National Park, the Henry Mountains, the San Rafael Swell, Factory Butte, Goblin Valley State Park, the local slot canyons, and the solitude of the surrounding deserts.