How to Visit Long Dong Silver Spire in Utah
- Logan & Audri
- 2 days ago
- 9 min read
Updated: 6 hours ago
I'm not going to pretend the name isn't the first thing that gets people interested. But once you actually see Long Dong Silver in person, the name is the last thing on your mind.
It's a 350-foot sandstone spire rising straight up from the middle of a remote desert valley near Hanksville, Utah, and it's one of the most surreal things I've seen anywhere in the Southwest. The landscape around it looks nothing like the red rock canyon scenery Utah is famous for. It's more like driving into a different planet, grey and brown clay badlands stretching out in every direction, maybe a little eerie, but absolutely breathtaking.
Most people drive right past it on Highway 24 without ever realizing it exists. There are no signs, no entrance fee, and best of all, no crowds. If you're willing to do a little adventuring to find it, the payoff is genuinely one of the coolest things in Utah.
Here's exactly how to get there and what to expect when you do!
Long Dong Silver Spire: Trail Facts & Info
Location: Hanksville, Utah (Find coordinates here.) Distance: 2.2 miles roundtrip from the parking area (4.2 miles if parking on Highway 24) Elevation Gain: 190 feet Difficulty: Easy Time: 1–2 hours Fee: None Permit: None required Restrooms: None, plan accordingly before leaving Hanksville Cell Service: Very limited, download offline maps before you leave |
Where is Long Dong Silver Spire?
Long Dong Silver is located just off Utah Highway 24 between Hanksville and Caineville in Wayne County. It sits in the middle of Blue Valley, a stunning stretch of clay badlands that has a completely different feel from the rest of the state. The valley was actually home to pioneer settlements back in the 1880s that later became ghost towns after a major flood in 1910.
The spire goes by a few other names: Dark Spire, Lone Spire, Blue Valley Spire, and the Hanksville Spire, so if you've seen it called any of those, it's the same place.
GPS Coordinates for the dirt road turn: 38.3695512, -110.8391614
GPS Coordinates for the parking area: 38.3822893, -110.8383940
GPS Coordinates for Long Dong Silver Spire: 38.3937536, -110.8323231
Save all of these to your phone before you leave and download the AllTrails map ahead of time. Cell service disappears fast out here, and you'll want everything ready to go!
Tip: Make sure to have directions to your next destination before getting to Long Dong Silver so you're not battling limited service to find your way out.
How to Get to Long Dong Silver
From Hanksville, head west on Utah Highway 24. The turn-off is roughly 10 to 12 miles from town, so watch the right side of the road, it can be hard to spot. The spire is also not visible from the highway.
Important heads up if you're coming from the east: There are two dirt road entrances off Highway 24 that are pretty close together. Take the FIRST one. The second entrance has some really deep ruts and tire tracks that can get you stuck if you're not in a high-clearance vehicle. Take the first one, and you'll be fine.
Once you turn off the highway, the tire tracks are easy to follow across the desert floor. You'll keep going for about a mile until you reach the fence with "No Motor Vehicles Past This Point" signs. That's your parking spot. Park at the fence and walk from there.
Do You Need a 4x4 for Long Dong Silver?
We drove a Jeep Compass Limited (4x4) and the road was completely fine in dry conditions. There were a few ruts closer to the parking area but nothing an SUV can't handle. After rain though, the clay turns extremely slick, and the road becomes a different situation entirely. If it's been raining recently, either wait for it to dry out or park on Highway 24 and walk the extra mile in. You do not need a 4x4 if there has been no rain lately, but I would recommend an SUV, although we did see a sedan make it out here! (I personally would not suggest that though.)
The Hike to Long Dong Silver Spire
There's no marked trail out here, you pick your own path, but the tracks are well-worn and very easy to follow the whole way.
The terrain is flat and easy for most of the hike. Hard-packed dirt, some loose clay, a few rocks here and there. Honestly, the difficulty level really doesn't match the payoff, which is one of my favorite parts about this spot.
About 0.9 miles in, the path curves right around a cliffside, and that's when you get your first real look at Long Dong Silver in the distance. It looks like something from another world.
To reach the base, you'll need to climb a short, steep section on crumbly soil. Take your time here, especially if there's been any moisture, because it can be slippery. When you make it to the base, look up. Standing directly underneath it gives you a completely different sense of how tall 350 feet actually is.
The best viewpoint is past the spire on top of the hill behind it. From up there you can see the full spire against the canyon below and the open valley stretching out in every direction.
On the walk back, keep an eye out, there's another spire formation out there called "The Angel of Death." The rock formations in this valley all have extremely memorable names!!
Can You Climb Long Dong Silver?
Please don't. The spire is made of bentonite clay and shale that has been slowly eroding for millions of years, it's far more fragile than it looks. You can walk right up to the base, and the views from the hill behind it are spectacular, but climbing the spire itself risks damaging it permanently.
Same goes for the surrounding desert, stick to existing tire tracks and footprints to protect the soil and plants. It's a lot more delicate out here than it looks.
What to Expect at Long Dong Silver
You'll probably have it completely to yourself, we saw two other families when we were leaving, but we had the spire all to ourselves. There are no shuttles, no parking lots, and no tour groups. That's how you know you've made it to an epic place!
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Can You Fly a Drone at Long Dong Silver?
Yes, and this is one of the most spectacular places to fly one in Utah!
The aerial view of the spire rising from the desert valley is unlike anything else. If you have a drone, don't leave it in the car. Drones are currently permitted here since it's BLM land outside any national park, just please be mindful of other visitors while you're flying.
What to Pack for Long Dong Silver Spire
There are no services anywhere near this trailhead, so come prepared. Here's what to bring:
Hiking shoes — the clay surface gets slippery near the base of the spire, so something with grip is always helpful.
Hydration pack or water bottle — at least 1 liter per person, more in summer. No water source out here at all.
Sunscreen and sun hat— zero shade on this trail, the Utah sun is no joke!
Trekking poles — helpful for the short steep climb to the base of the spire.
Headlamp — if you're going at sunrise or staying for sunset, bring one for the walk back in the dark.
First aid kit — always a good idea in remote areas with no services nearby
Camera and/or drone — this place is incredibly photogenic, and you'll want both, especially aerial shots!
Best Time to Visit Long Dong Silver
Sunrise or sunset is the move no matter what time of year you go. The midday sun out here is harsh, and the spire just doesn't photograph the same way in flat light.
We went around 5pm in mid-August, and it was hot, but the lighting was perfect for photography with no shadows covering the formations. We're from South Florida, so the heat doesn't bother us much, but if you're not used to high temperatures, I'd probably skip the summer afternoon visit and stick to sunrise instead.
For the most comfortable experience overall, aim for spring or fall; April, May, September, and October are all great options with good temperatures, reliable road conditions, and beautiful light in the valley.
If you're visiting in summer, keep in mind that afternoon monsoon storms between July and September can cause flooding with very little warning, and any rain makes that clay access road extremely sketchy to drive. Always check the forecast before heading out!
Winter is quiet out here, crowds are never really a concern at Long Dong Silver anyway, but in winter you'll really have it to yourself. If there's a light dusting of snow on the formations it looks incredible. Just check road conditions carefully before you go.
Things to Consider Before You Go
Is the road safe to drive? Check the weather forecast for the previous 48 hours before heading out. Any rain makes that clay road extremely slick and can get you stuck even in a 4x4. Dry conditions only (unless you pull off on Highway 24 and hike the extra mile)
Do you have offline maps downloaded? There is no cell service once you turn off Highway 24. Download AllTrails or Google Maps offline and save the GPS coordinates before you leave Hanksville.
Have you used the restroom? There are none anywhere near the trailhead. Hanksville is your last stop.
Are you sticking to the existing tracks? The desert soil and plants out here are more fragile than they look. Stay on existing tire tracks and footprints, and please don't touch or climb the spire, it's made of bentonite clay and shale that has been slowly eroding for millions of years.
Where to Stay Near Long Dong Silver Spire
Hanksville, Utah is the closest town and the most practical base for visiting Long Dong Silver. It's small, a couple of motels, a gas station, a few spots to eat, but it puts you right there for an early morning visit without a long drive in.
Torrey, Utah is about 45 minutes away near Capitol Reef National Park and has some really beautiful accommodation options if you want something more comfortable after a day of adventuring. It's a great base if you're combining Long Dong Silver with Capitol Reef.
Green River, Utah is about an hour away in the other direction with more budget-friendly options if you're continuing your trip to Moab and just need a place to sleep.
Camping near Long Dong Silver:
Goblin Valley State Park Campground — about 30 minutes away, one of the coolest places to camp in Utah, books up fast, so reserve ahead
BLM dispersed camping — free and legal throughout the surrounding area, just follow Leave No Trace principles and pack everything out
Epic Spots Near Long Dong Silver Spire
If you're already making the drive out to this remote corner of Utah, you'd be crazy not to combine it with a few of these. This whole area is packed with some of the most underrated landscapes in the state.
Bentonite Hills
One of the most surreal and photogenic landscapes in Utah with rolling hills of red, blue, orange, and purple clay that look completely unreal, especially at sunrise or blue hour. It's practically on the way to Long Dong Silver and best appreciated with a drone.
Moonscape Overlook
A panoramic viewpoint that looks out over what feels like the edge of the world. The drive up is rough, but the view makes it so worth it. This spot will make you feel like you're on the moon (hence the name.)
Goblin Valley State Park
About 30 minutes from Long Dong Silver, there are thousands of mushroom-shaped rock formations called "goblins" that cover the valley floor, and you can wander freely through all of them. It's weird and wonderful and a must-do if you're already out this way.
Factory Butte
A massive flat-topped butte rising from the surrounding badlands. You can drive right up to the base, and it's a spectacular area for hiking!
Capitol Reef National Park
About 45 minutes away and one of the most underrated national parks in Utah. Most people skip it for Zion National Park or Arches, and they're really missing out. The canyon scenery, the historic fruit orchards, and the hiking are all incredible.
Is Long Dong Silver Worth It?
If you're road tripping through Utah and you're anywhere near Hanksville, go!
The hike is easy, it's free, it takes a couple of hours, and the payoff is one of the most unique and memorable things we've done in this state.
And the surrounding area makes it even better! Between Long Dong Silver, the Bentonite Hills, Moonscape Overlook, Goblin Valley, and Capitol Reef, this corner of Utah could easily fill two or three days of exploring, and most of it costs nothing.
Places like this remind you that there's something beautiful to find around every corner! :)
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