Both locations are beautiful throughout the day, but the light makes a big difference.
Sunrise: Morning light can create soft color in the sky and long shadows across the badlands. Temperatures are also cooler, which is helpful during the summer.
Late Afternoon and Sunset: Late-day light brings out the layers and textures around Factory Butte. The butte may glow with warm shades of gold and brown while the surrounding hills remain blue-gray.
This is one of our favorite times to photograph the area, but leave enough daylight to return to the highway safely.
Midday:
Midday light is brighter and flatter, but it can still show off the contrast between the gray desert and the blue sky. This is also an easier time to navigate if it is your first visit.
In summer, midday temperatures can be dangerously hot. Limit walking and carry more water than you think you will need.
Moonscape Overlook is especially popular at sunrise. As the sun comes up, light moves across the ridges and creates shadows that show off the depth of the landscape.
Sunset can also be beautiful, but the main view may not receive the same direct light. What you see will depend on the season, cloud cover and weather.
If you visit at sunrise, remember that you will be driving unfamiliar dirt roads in the dark. Download the route, inspect the road conditions ahead of time and allow extra travel time.
If you visit at sunset, begin your return drive before the area becomes completely dark.
