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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.
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.
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.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Capitol Reef Outfitters · Torrey, Utah
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.
This northern district of Capitol Reef National Park remains a secret kept safe by the Fremont River, whose shallow fords deter all but the highest clearance vehicles. With a professional guide behind the wheel, the three-hour private tour traverses bumpy dirt roads that traverse the Waterpocket Fold — a massive geological wrinkle pushing through the earth’s crust. The hills are an open canvas of bentonite clay, swirling colors shifting with the daylight and the enigmatic textures begging to be photographed.
Photography and drone enthusiasts will find plenty of moments to pause and capture sweeping views, especially where the hills give way to a glimpse of the lower Cathedral Valley not far beyond. This stark region embodies the rugged spirit of Utah’s red rock country, where silence is punctuated only by the crunch of tires on gravel and the desert wind.
Steeped in geological history, Capitol Reef is part of the Colorado Plateau, shaped by millions of years of tectonic forces and erosion. The Waterpocket Fold itself is a nearly 100-mile long monocline — a record of earth’s slow, relentless movement visible in sheer canyon walls and layered cliffs.
Visitors should prepare for a bumpy ride where dust kicks up with each turn. Comfortable, sturdy shoes and sun protection are essential; the arid high desert offers little shade, and the sun intensifies midday. Hydrate often, as the demanding terrain moves fast but the environment is unforgiving. Since this private tour accommodates up to six passengers, booking early is recommended to secure your spot.
Local guides encourage respect for the fragile desert environment and participate in Leave No Trace principles to minimize impact on the delicate clay hills and desert flora.
Whether you’re chasing dramatic photographs or simply looking to escape into a raw and wild landscape, the Bentonite Hills offroad tour delivers a rare encounter with Capitol Reef’s less-traveled face. Here, the land pushes back gently, demanding both curiosity and caution on every turn.
Planning tip: Combine this with extended tours into Cathedral Valley for a full day of varied terrain and surreal vistas. Pickup options from Torrey make access convenient, but check vehicle guidelines if you have back problems or are pregnant, as the road can be jolting.
moderate.
3 hours.
Suitable for those with basic fitness; offroad travel involves some jostling but limited hiking.
Yes, high-clearance 4x4 vehicles are necessary due to rough river fords and unpaved, bumpy roads.
The main tour is in the vehicle, but there are options to stop for short hikes near the Bentonite Hills and nearby Cathedral Valley.
Yes, the vehicle can accommodate up to four adults and two children comfortably.
Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes, sun protection clothing, and prepare for dusty conditions.
Drone use is generally allowed in this remote area, but follow local regulations and your guide’s instructions.
The ride can be rough and bumpy; travelers with back issues or pregnant guests should use discretion.
Capitol Reef was part of ancestral lands of the Fremont culture, visible in rock art and historical sites scattered nearby.
Guides promote Leave No Trace to protect the fragile bentonite clay and desert ecosystems impacted by vehicle traffic.
Capitol Reef Outfitters operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
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.
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.
This northern district of Capitol Reef National Park remains a secret kept safe by the Fremont River, whose shallow fords deter all but the highest clearance vehicles. With a professional guide behind the wheel, the three-hour private tour traverses bumpy dirt roads that traverse the Waterpocket Fold — a massive geological wrinkle pushing through the earth’s crust. The hills are an open canvas of bentonite clay, swirling colors shifting with the daylight and the enigmatic textures begging to be photographed.
Photography and drone enthusiasts will find plenty of moments to pause and capture sweeping views, especially where the hills give way to a glimpse of the lower Cathedral Valley not far beyond. This stark region embodies the rugged spirit of Utah’s red rock country, where silence is punctuated only by the crunch of tires on gravel and the desert wind.
Steeped in geological history, Capitol Reef is part of the Colorado Plateau, shaped by millions of years of tectonic forces and erosion. The Waterpocket Fold itself is a nearly 100-mile long monocline — a record of earth’s slow, relentless movement visible in sheer canyon walls and layered cliffs.
Visitors should prepare for a bumpy ride where dust kicks up with each turn. Comfortable, sturdy shoes and sun protection are essential; the arid high desert offers little shade, and the sun intensifies midday. Hydrate often, as the demanding terrain moves fast but the environment is unforgiving. Since this private tour accommodates up to six passengers, booking early is recommended to secure your spot.
Local guides encourage respect for the fragile desert environment and participate in Leave No Trace principles to minimize impact on the delicate clay hills and desert flora.
Whether you’re chasing dramatic photographs or simply looking to escape into a raw and wild landscape, the Bentonite Hills offroad tour delivers a rare encounter with Capitol Reef’s less-traveled face. Here, the land pushes back gently, demanding both curiosity and caution on every turn.
Planning tip: Combine this with extended tours into Cathedral Valley for a full day of varied terrain and surreal vistas. Pickup options from Torrey make access convenient, but check vehicle guidelines if you have back problems or are pregnant, as the road can be jolting.