Exploring the Bentonite Hills: Capitol Reef’s Untamed Offroad Adventure
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for those with basic fitness; offroad travel involves some jostling but limited hiking.
Overview
Escape the crowds and venture into Capitol Reef’s northern Bentonite Hills on a private 4x4 tour. Navigate rugged terrain and capture surreal, rainbow-colored clay formations that most never see.
Exploring the Bentonite Hills: Capitol Reef’s Untamed Offroad Adventure
Select participants and date
Rising early in Torrey, Utah, you slip into a rugged 4x4 built for the rough terrain ahead. Just past the Phillips 66 gas station, a wooden archway marks the unofficial gateway to an otherworldly landscape. The Bentonite Hills stretch out before you — a surreal mosaic of rust-red clay and muted pastel mounds carved by wind and water, their cracked surfaces daring you to explore beyond the usual pavement.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Spring: Watch for sudden rain storms
Spring can bring brief but intense showers—pack a lightweight rain jacket and check the forecast.
Summer: Prepare for heat
Midday temperatures often climb above 90°F; plan tours early or late in the day and carry extra water.
Fall: Ideal weather and crowds ease
Fall offers milder temps and quieter trails, perfect for photography and hiking.
Winter: Cold mornings, mild days
Temperatures drop below freezing at dawn, but days remain pleasant; dress in layers and expect dustier terrain.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Desert cottontail rabbits
- Golden eagles soaring overhead
History
Capitol Reef was part of ancestral lands of the Fremont culture, visible in rock art and historical sites scattered nearby.
Conservation
Guides promote Leave No Trace to protect the fragile bentonite clay and desert ecosystems impacted by vehicle traffic.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Torrey
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Lightweight rain jacket
Protects against sudden spring showers on the trail.
spring specific
Extra water supply
Essential to stay hydrated during hot summer conditions.
summer specific
Insulating layers
Keeps you comfortable in cooler fall temperatures with changing weather.
fall specific
Warm hat and gloves
Useful for chilly mornings before the desert warms up.
winter specific