Top “Free“ attractions for your next Southern Utah Roadtrip

I've just recently completed arguably the best roadtrip of my life through Southern Utah hitting all 5 of Utah's Mighty Five National Parks but there were a few gems along the way that didn't require a entrance fee that I feel compelled to share with everyone. Let's not waste time and jump right into it in no particular order!

While the town of Page, Arizona is known for it’s famous Antelope Canyon, there just so happens to be a similar attraction nearby that hasn’t recieved the same amount of hype AND is completely free. 

Hiking Buckskin Gulch is not for the faint of heart but is deeply rewarding. It can be accessed via the Wire Pass Trailhead or the Buckskin Trailhead, each offering its own unique entry into the canyon. Whether you’re planning a day hike or a multi-day trek through the full length of the canyon into the Paria River, the journey promises unforgettable sights.

Be prepared to scramble over rocks, wade through pools of water, and navigate tight passages just wide enough for one person. While the hike is an incredible adventure, it’s essential to check weather conditions ahead of time. Flash floods can transform this serene canyon into a dangerous torrent, making preparation and awareness crucial.

Whether you’re an avid hiker, a photographer, or simply someone looking to immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of Utah’s wilderness, Buckskin Gulch offers an unparalleled experience.

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Hidden within the rugged landscape of southeastern Utah, Butler Wash Ruins offers a fascinating window into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans who once thrived in this region. Located along Utah’s scenic Comb Ridge, this well-preserved cliff dwelling is an essential stop for history buffs, hikers, and anyone curious about the rich cultural heritage of the American Southwest.

The Butler Wash Ruins date back to roughly 1200 AD, during the height of the Ancestral Puebloan civilization. Built into an alcove high on the cliffs, the site features a collection of ancient dwellings, granaries, and kivas (ceremonial structures), all crafted from local sandstone and mortar. These structures were strategically constructed to provide shelter, store food, and foster community life.

Reaching the ruins is part of the adventure. Located off Highway 95 near Bluff, Utah, the Butler Wash Ruins are accessible via a short, 0.5-mile hike from the trailhead. The well-marked trail leads to a viewpoint overlooking the ruins, offering a spectacular vantage point to appreciate the site while ensuring its preservation.

What makes Butler Wash Ruins so special is its accessibility and serenity. Unlike larger, more crowded archaeological sites, Butler Wash allows visitors to connect with history in a peaceful, intimate setting. As you stand at the overlook, you can imagine the daily lives of the Ancestral Puebloans—farming corn, crafting pottery, and gathering for ceremonies in this striking desert landscape.

In a state renowned for its stunning landscapes, Factory Butte and Moonscape Overlook stand out as two of Utah’s most surreal and otherworldly destinations. Located near Hanksville, these iconic landmarks offer visitors a glimpse into a stark yet mesmerizing terrain that feels like it belongs on another planet.

Factory Butte is a striking flat-topped mesa rising dramatically from the surrounding desert. Its jagged edges and rugged slopes, sculpted by millions of years of erosion, make it a favorite subject for photographers and a thrilling sight for travelers. Often referred to as a “badlands” region, the area around Factory Butte is a maze of rippled hills, steep ridges, and cracked clay, offering endless opportunities for exploration.

This unique formation has long been a symbol of the remote beauty of Utah’s desert, attracting adventurers who crave solitude and raw, unspoiled landscapes. Factory Butte also serves as a hub for off-road enthusiasts, with designated areas for motorized recreation, making it a dynamic destination for diverse outdoor activities.

Just a short drive from Factory Butte, Moonscape Overlook offers panoramic views that are nothing short of extraterrestrial. From the overlook, visitors can gaze out over a vast expanse of gray and blue-hued badlands, where the landscape appears rippled and textured, like the surface of the moon. The otherworldly feel is heightened by the absence of vegetation and the sheer vastness of the view.

Sunrise and sunset are the best times to visit, as the soft light casts dramatic shadows across the terrain, emphasizing the alien-like contours and adding depth to the already surreal scene.

Factory Butte and Moonscape Overlook offer a unique escape into one of Utah’s most untouched and unconventional landscapes. Whether you’re a photographer, off-roader, or simply a traveler seeking quiet beauty, these destinations provide an unforgettable journey into a world that feels far removed from Earth.

For those ready to embrace the vast, alien beauty of Utah’s desert, Factory Butte and Moonscape Overlook are must-visit locations that will leave you in awe of the natural world. For both of these attractions, I can't stress the importance of a 4WD vehicle with high clearance as we were not able to get up close and personal to Factory Butte, and we had to park our 2WD Toyota Corolla about 3km's from the Moonscape Overlook before hitchhiking the rest of the distance due to difficult terrain.

Even though White Pocket is technically within the state of Arizona, it’s a superb location to be combined with Buckskin Gulch as it‘s only a short drive down the road!

Known for its swirling sandstone formations, vibrant colors, and intricate textures similar to that of it’s famous neighbour, “The Wave“. White Pocket requires no permits, making it an appealing alternative for those seeking a similar level of beauty without the competition. White Pocket is a haven for photographers, adventurers, and nature enthusiasts seeking a less-traveled destination free of charge.

Reaching White Pocket is an adventure in itself. Located in a remote part of the Vermilion Cliffs, it’s accessible only via rough, sandy roads that require a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle. Guided tours are available for those who prefer to avoid the tricky drive, offering an easier way to explore this hidden gem.

Once you arrive, the experience is entirely self-guided, allowing visitors to roam freely among the formations and soak in the otherworldly scenery. A short walk from the parking area leads you into the heart of this remarkable landscape.