Visit the Bentonite Hills Utah | Mars Desert Research Station

Introduction

The Bentonite Hills are located on Bureau of Land Management property, outside the park. They can be accessed on Hartnett Road, and a high-clearance vehicle might be necessary. Geologists and landscape photographers enjoy these hills for their unique geology. They are a major destination for outdoor recreation because they are accessible and unique. The beautiful Hills exhibit bands of red, brown, purple, and gray in many shades, and therefore, they are multicolored peaks. These rust-colored Utah hills are close to Capitol Reef National Park. Strawberry Park Hot Springs is another top place to visit with kids and family.

Bentonite Hills

Bentonite Hills Utah Tours

BentoniteHillstour

Off-road jeep excursions of Utah’s Hills can be had in Torrey. The excursions last three hours and transport you through the diverse landscape of dinosaur fossils and ancient Native American ruins. The excursion is $220 per person and includes pickup. Boynton Canyon Trail is another top trail to hike on vacation.

Bentonite Hills Photos

BentoniteHillspictures

Bentonite Hills Trails

Bentonite Hills trailhead

No hiking trails have been established in the Bentonite Hills. The delicate surface is easily damaged, and the scars remain for years. Although some trails have been made by wildlife or by rain, visitors are requested to leave as little mark as possible and not to make new trails. ‘Leave No Trace’ is the most effective way to hike the area and leave it in its own natural state.

Bentonite Hills Utah Map

Bentonite Hills Tickets

The Bentonite Hills day tours are available online with the best price guarantee. Booking online saves time and money. Dreamwalk Park is another top destination in Utah to spend adventurous vacations.

Bentonite Hill Climb

climb Bentonite Hills

You are able to climb the Bentonite Hills, but there are no trails. The ground is arid and fragile, so attempt to leave as little trace as possible, and don’t tread on the formations. It is best to drive up a few of the hills in a high-clearance vehicle.

Bentonite Hills Best Time to Visit

best time to visit utah

The best time to capture the Bentonite Hills is during the blue hour, just before sunset. Sunset or after sunset is also a good time to capture, with enough light to prepare well before the blue hour. The time for the blue hour varies based on the time of sunset at any given time of the year. In addition, autumn and winter are the best times to capture the rainbow mountains of Utah.

Bentonite Hills Blue Hour

BentoniteHillsbluehour

This hour is the hour before sunset and is the reverse of the golden hour. When the hills are illuminated directly by the sun, they are not as radiant with the same intensity, and therefore, a reddish-brown hue can be seen. The blue hour is the best time to take a photo of the Bentonite Hills, either at sunrise or sunset.

Bentonite Hills Campsite

Hartnet Road, which can only be driven by a high-clearance truck, takes you to camping in the Bentonite Hills. Off-road camping is permitted; the Hills. Because this is Utah BLM land, you can camp for free and stay overnight. Airport Loop Trail is another top place to visit with kids and family in summer.

Bentonite Hills Site

The Bentonite Hills are located in north-central Utah, just outside the edge of Capitol Reef National Park, and on Bureau of Land Management land. They are located roughly an hour and a half west of Moab, an hour east of Capitol Reef National Park, and are accessible off Hartnett Road.

Bentonite Hills, Utah Hike

Utah’s Bentonite Hills have beautiful, multicolored rock formations, but they cannot be climbed since the surface bentonite clay is so delicate.

Bentonite Hills Sunset

Bentonite Hills sunset

The best time to photograph Hills is during sunset or just after, with the most favorable light. Blue hour and golden hour during sunset are the best times. Sunrise is also acceptable. Cloudy weather is acceptable, but less so than during sunset and sunrise.

Bentonite Hills to Salt Lake City

Interstate 15 South is the shortest path from the Hills to Salt Lake City. The 230-mile ride would take around four hours. Another option would be I-15 south to US-6 E at Price and then I-70 west. A seven-day automobile tour starting in Salt Lake City is mentioned in one source, and it indicates that the region can be toured.

Black Hills Bentonite Mines

Black Hills Bentonite LLC is a privately held company founded in 1947 and is engaged in bentonite product manufacturing globally. The north Black Hills mining district covers portions of South Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming. There are five processing plants and bentonite mines in Wyoming.

Bentonite Hills Weather

Bentonite Hills weather

The climate in Bentonite Hills is good throughout the year. Summer is hot and humid with occasional rain in the week, and winter is cold and rainy with winds throughout the area. Autumn and winter are the best times to travel to Rainbow Mountains in Utah.

Bentonite Hills Pets

Dogs are permitted in the Bentonite Hills, but they need to be on a leash. This includes searching the area. Also, pets are allowed on Wild Horse Road and a good portion of the surrounding BLM, as long as they are under control.

Bentonite Hills Hotels

There are a number of hotels around the Hills, such as Cathedral Valley Inn, Capitol Reef Resort, and Wingate House at Sand Creek Homestead. Others include the Rim Rock Inn, Sky Ridge Inn, and Broken Spur Inn. You may sleep there overnight or simply drive through for a quick bite.

Conclusion

Formed by the silt and volcanic ash layers, Utah’s Bentonite Hills are a breathtaking geological wonder characterized by their multicolored, colorful, and slightly arched ridges and mounds. The terrain in the area lacks trails, and it is very delicate, with car tracks and footprint scars taking a long time to heal. Do make it a point to visit this hidden gem and let Hills make an everlasting impression on your travel legacy. In short, the hills are a breathtaking array of colorful ridges and mounds amidst Utah’s Martian landscape.

Follow by Email
WhatsApp
Scroll to Top