What are the Bentonite Hills
The Bentonite Hills near Capitol Reef National Park in Hanksville, Utah feel unreal, like you accidentally drove onto Mars and no one told you. These soft, rainbow-colored hills are made up of clay-rich layers, volcanic ash, and ancient sediment, creating one of the most unique desert landscapes I’ve seen anywhere in the Southwest.
If you love weird geology, epic photo ops, or places that make you say “how is this real?” out loud, the Bentonite Hills deserve a spot on your itinerary. Just know this isn’t a traditional hike or overlook — it’s a fragile landscape that rewards slow wandering, good light, and respectful exploring.
Pro Tip: The landscape formation looks cooler from up higher so either hike up to a high point or bring a drone.
Trail Stats: Bentonite Hills Utah
- Distance: Variable; no official trails—explore at your own pace
Elevation Gain: Minimal, but terrain is uneven - Difficulty: Easy to moderate (if you stick to firm ground)
- Location: Hanksville, Utah
- Time Needed: 1–2 hours for a casual visit
- Permit Info: No permit required; however, access via Hartnet Road requires AWD but 4WD is preferable, especially after recent rain
- Best Time to Visit: Sunrise or sunset for optimal lighting
How to get to Bentonite Hills
The Bentonite Hills are located just east of Capitol Reef National Park and just west of Hanksville, Utah, along UT-24E. There are plenty of spots to pull off the main road onto dirt roads to get into the Bentonite Hills, and you can take your pick for the best path to take.
The most popular route is via Hartnet Road, which requires a high-clearance vehicle, but AWD may suffice.
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What to Expect: A Martian Landscape
The Bentonite Hills is one of the most beautiful places in Utah. It appears as softly-contoured, banded hills in varying hues of brown, red, purple, gray, and green. According to the National Park Service, the hills are composed of the Brushy Basin shale member of the Morrison Formation. This layer was formed during Jurassic times when mud, silt, fine sand, and volcanic ash were deposited in swamps and lakes. Bentonite clay (altered volcanic ash) absorbs water and becomes very slick and gummy when wet, making vehicle or foot travel difficult or impossible.
Repeated cycles of absorbing water and then drying result in a popcorn-like appearance on the clay’s surface. The surface is easily damaged; scars from footprints and tire tracks take many years to heal. Please only drive on the road and limit foot travel to firm, previously disturbed areas and wash bottoms. Remember to leave no trace of your visit.
Is Bentonite Hills Worth Exploring
Yes and no. Honestly, the landscape does not appear as you see it online. The colors are not as vibrant to the naked eye and you really have to time your visit to see and capture the colors to be able to edit it ok. You can “hike” up higher to see it from above if you don’t have a drone but don’t expect to capture the same shot as what you primarily see on social media. Also, I use the term “hike” loosely as you’re walking up a mineral hill that seems sturdy but loose.
Best Time to Visit: Golden Hour, Blue Hour, and Beyond
Spring is a great time to visit. The best time of day to visit the Bentonite Hills are during the early morning or late evening hours. During these times, the lighting is soft and highlights the vibrant colors of the hills. The hills are especially stunning during the golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) and the blue hour (just before sunrise or after sunset).
These times also offer the best opportunities for photography, as the lighting creates dramatic shadows and enhances the colors of the hills.
Blue hour is most common… which means it’s a lot of tourists as well.
Click here to book a Bentonite Hills photography tour.
Leave No Trace: Protecting the Bentonite Hills
The Bentonite Hills are a fragile environment. The surface is easily damaged; scars from footprints and tire tracks take many years to heal. Please only drive on the road and limit foot travel to firm, previously disturbed areas and wash bottoms.
Nearby Hikes and Sights: More to Explore in Capitol Reef Country
- Moonscape Overlook: A quick pull-off just outside Capitol Reef that looks like the surface of the moon if the moon decided to get dramatic. This overlook gives you sweeping views of pale gray badlands and eroded ridges with almost zero effort. Perfect for sunset, stargazing, or when you want max payoff with minimal leg burn.
- Temples of the Sun and Moon: Iconic rock formations located along the Cathedral Valley Loop. These formations are especially stunning during sunrise and sunset.
- Leprechaun Canyon: A short but wildly photogenic slot canyon near Hanksville with narrow passages, sculpted walls, and a whole lot of personality packed into a small space. It’s an easy add-on if you’re already exploring the area and a fun way to experience a slot canyon without committing to a full-day adventure. Flash floods are real here, so check weather before you go — the canyon doesn’t mess around.
Fun Things to Do Nearby
- Book a photography tour to capture and explore Bentonite Hills here.
- Book a half day canyoneering adventure in nearby Goblin Valley State Park here.
- Book a full day canyoneering adventure in North Wash Slot Canyon here.
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FAQ
Can I hike in the Bentonite Hills?
While there are no official trails, you can explore the area on foot. However, the surface is fragile, and it’s important to stay on firm ground and avoid disturbing the landscape.
Is a high-clearance vehicle necessary?
Yes, Hartnet Road requires a high-clearance vehicle. It’s advisable to check road conditions before your visit.
Can I camp near the Bentonite Hills?
Camping is not permitted within the Bentonite Hills area. However, there are campgrounds and dispersed camping options nearby in Capitol Reef National Park.
Are drones allowed?
Yes, drones are allowed, but it’s important to follow all local regulations and respect the environment.
When is the best time to visit?
The best times to visit are during the early morning or late evening hours for optimal lighting and fewer crowds.
Booking travel soon?
Please consider using my affiliate links below. It costs nothing additional for you but helps me maintain the ever-increasing costs of running a travel blog:
General travel through Tripadvisor here.
Book your flights here.
Book your accommodations here on Expedia, Booking.com, Hotels.com, and VRBO.
Book your car rentals here.
Book your tours here.
Book your travel insurance here.
Shop my favorite gear here.
Final Thoughts: Bentonite Hills Utah
The Bentonite Hills are one of the most beautiful places in Utah and a hidden gem in Utah’s Capitol Reef Country. Their vibrant colors and unique formations make them a must-see for nature lovers and photographers. Remember to tread lightly and respect the fragile environment to ensure that this natural wonder remains for generations to come.
Tiff, the owner and author of Follow Tiff’s Journey, is a California/ Colorado-based adventurer and outdoor connoisseur who divides her heart between the Eastern Sierra Mountains and the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Despite her fear of heights, she’s become a seasoned mountaineer, ultralight hiking and backcountry camping enthusiast, expert road trip planner, and a fervent explorer of alpine lakes, natural hot springs, and sandstone canyons.
With 10 years of experience exploring the outdoors, her blog is your go-to source for all things wilderness, offering invaluable insights and pro tips, essential gear recommendations, and awe-inspiring stories from her adventures.
Join Tiff on her quest to share the wonders of nature and inspire others to follow their own path in the great outdoors.