Located in the south-central area of Utah, Hanksville is a small rural town in Wayne County with a population of fewer than 250 people. In the middle of the desert, Hanksville is surrounded by mountains and deep canyons. The landscape is beautiful and isolated, making it the perfect place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
1. Hanksville parks and places for a walk on a first date
Given Hanksville’s location in the middle of the desert, there are many parks and trails that provide great places for a leisurely stroll. Clyde, a natural park just outside of Hanksville, offers beautiful, wide-open views of desert vistas. There is a 3.2-mile loop trail featuring a variety of terrain and a great look at the desert’s expansive beauty. Not far from Clyde is Strike Valley Overlook, also an ideal spot for a walk. The views from the overlook are unparalleled and can be enjoyed from the top of a stunning cliff overlooking the Colorado River. Towering red sandstone formations, views of Hanksville, and the Colorado River can be seen from here. There is also a short path to Goblins Valley State Park, which features a unique rock formation known as “goblins.”
2. Places for a coffee date in Hanksville
Hanksville doesn’t have a coffee shop, but there are plenty of places to get a hot cup of coffee. The Bistro at Canyonlands National Park is a great place to get a cup of coffee and enjoy the stunning views of the nearby canyons and desert. The Bistro also offers a variety of sandwiches, pastries, and salads. Another option is The Deli at Robbers Roost, which serves up freshly-brewed coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and homemade pastries. Both restaurants are excellent places for a coffee date.
3. Hanksville galleries, museums and exhibitions to visit on a date
Unfortunately, Hanksville does not have any museums or galleries, but nearby Capitol Reef National Park does. The Fruita Historic District at the park offers a variety of buildings and artifacts from the frontier days, as well as a museum where visitors can learn about the park’s history and culture. A variety of temporary exhibitions can also be seen at the park’s visitor center.
4. Live music and entertainment to invite your date to in Hanksville
Hanksville isn’t known for its live music and entertainment scene, but there are a few options. Head to Warpaint, a bar located in nearby Torrey, to catch a live music show. Warpaint hosts live performances from local artists and bands on certain nights. You can also check out The Cowboy Country Club in nearby Teasdale, which offers live music and dancing on weekends.
5. Hanksville pubs, bars or restaurants for a first date drink or food
There are plenty of restaurants and bars in Hanksville to choose from. The Wild West Saloon is a great place to grab a drink and a bite to eat, offering classic bar food in a unique atmosphere. For a more upscale experience, try The Cowboy Country Club, which also offers an extensive wine and beer selection. For a unique atmosphere, check out the Hanksville Saloon and Grill, a combination bar and restaurant that serves up cocktails and burgers.
6. Other date ideas to try in Hanksville
If you’re looking for something a bit different, consider visiting one of the nearby slot canyons or going on a desert safari. A slot canyon is a narrow canyon formed by erosion, offering breathtaking views and photo ops. For a fun desert adventure, head to Harpers Corner for a guided desert safari. You can explore the wild terrain and take in the stunning desert views. If you’re looking for something a bit more low-key, take a drive to Factory Butte for spectacular views of the surrounding desert. No matter what kind of date you’re looking for, Hanksville has something for everyone. From romantic strolls in the park and coffee dates to live music and unique desert adventures, there are plenty of options for a first date in Hanksville.
