Back in Time
Factory Butte rises majestically above the alien and barren Caineville, Utah badlands. This striking, menacing sandstone peak appears to be equal parts Mordor and Mars.
The butte was named by early settlers. Its outline resembled the Provo, Utah woolen mill, a huge factory building.
According to photographer Eric Bunch, "Visiting Factory Butte is like going back in time. The views feel ancient and stir my imagination towards images of dinosaurs roaming the land, while cinder cones pour molten lava into the valleys, and the long-lost oceans of blue waters teem with life."
Located just east of Capitol Reef National Park, this 6,302-foot monolith was once home to dusty coal miners. These days, the butte and surrounding lunar-like badlands create a photographer’s wonderland. The root-like combs, crags, and shoulders that snake towards the hilltop give it the appearance of an enormous, ancient rock stump.
The Shot
Last October 29, I was in the area with friends Scott Fuller and Steve Horne. Our attention was focused on Moonscape Overlook to the east of Factory Butte.
Moonscape Overlook, the opposite direction of Factory Butte
But photographers should always remember to turn around and look behind. As I turned, the morning light began breaking through the clouds and onto the Butte.
I quickly abandoned my “big” camera and launched my drone. Flying towards the massif, I stopped to include a photogenic, smaller feature in the foreground of my composition.
After landing the drone and packing up our gear, it was time to thaw out our hands in the truck while heading back to Duke’s Slickrock Grill for breakfast. Duke’s is the best (and only) restaurant open in nearby Hanksville, Utah during the off-season.
Thanks for looking,
Chuck Derus