Factory Butte, Mountain summit in Wayne County, Utah, US
Factory Butte is a flat-topped mountain in Wayne County near Hanksville, distinguished by its distinctive sandstone formation rising from the surrounding terrain. The area is surrounded by barren, grey-toned hills with minimal plant life, creating a starkly desolate environment.
Early settlers named this formation after its distinctive silhouette, which resembled the profile of a wool mill they knew from Provo. The name reflects how pioneers recognized familiar industrial shapes when viewing the unfamiliar desert landscape.
The Bureau of Land Management preserves two endangered cacti species near Factory Butte while maintaining designated areas for off-road vehicle recreation.
Access is via State Route 24, located roughly 12 miles northwest of Hanksville, which makes it easy to reach by car. The nearby Moonscape Overlook offers additional viewing opportunities, making a convenient stop during the same visit.
Unusual rock formations like Dark Spire and Swing Arm City appear in the surrounding area, created when harder Emery sandstone eroded above softer Mancos Shale. These rare geological structures demonstrate how different rock layers shape into distinct forms over time.
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