If you’re into photography or just love landscapes that seem plucked from another planet, the Bentonite Hills Photo Tour in Utah promises a fascinating half-day adventure. With its striking colors, bizarre textures, and endless opportunities for creative shots, this tour is a dream for landscape lovers. Operated by Capitol Reef Photography Tours and led by a professional photographer, it offers much more than just pretty views — it’s a compact, guided photography workshop that keeps your camera clicking.
From off-road driving through desert terrain to learning how to optimize your camera settings, this experience blends stunning scenery with educational fun. But as with any guided tour, it’s important to keep expectations in check, especially concerning the tour’s duration and the ruggedness of the drive. Still, for those who love vibrant landscapes and tailored guidance, this tour hits the mark.
What we love about this experience include the chance to capture the unique colors of the Bentonite Hills during the perfect lighting conditions, the insightful guidance from a professional photographer who shares expert tips, and the variety of shooting locations all within a manageable area. The only potential hiccup might be the off-road nature of the drive, which isn’t suitable for everyone, especially those prone to motion sickness or looking for a more relaxed experience.
This tour is best suited for photographers of all levels who want to improve their skills, travelers craving striking desert scenery, and small groups that value personalized attention. It’s an ideal fit for those eager to combine adventure with education, capturing Utah’s otherworldly landscape in a way that’s both fun and educational.
This experience made our article of Top 2 Photography Experiences In Hanksville Utah.
Key Points
- Stunning Landscape: The Bentonite Hills offer surreal, colorful scenery perfect for photography.
- Expert Guidance: Led by a professional photographer providing personalized tips on camera settings and composition.
- Off-Road Adventure: Involves driving through rivers and across desert terrain, adding a rugged twist.
- Small Group Setting: Limited to 4 participants, ensuring individualized attention.
- Educational Focus: A condensed workshop focusing on enhancing your photography skills.
- Value for Money: At $359, it includes transportation, instruction, and geology insights, making it a well-rounded experience.
Exploring the Itinerary and What to Expect
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Starting Point: Chuck Wagon Lodge in Torrey
The adventure kicks off at the Chuck Wagon Lodge, a cozy hub that’s easy to find. From here, your guide — a professional photographer with a knack for storytelling — provides an overview of what’s to come and sets expectations for capturing the landscape’s most photogenic moments.
Off-Road Drive: The Journey Through Utah’s Wilderness
The drive lasts approximately 4 hours, with a mix of 4WD excursions, river crossings, and stretches across the vast desert. This part of the tour is where the real fun begins — you’ll experience Utah’s rugged beauty firsthand, bouncing over uneven terrain and passing through scenic spots that are inaccessible by regular vehicles.
Reviewers mention the drive as “a wild ride,” but also note how “it adds to the adventure” and “sets the tone for an exciting day.” The off-road aspect means you should be comfortable with bumpy rides and bring sturdy hiking shoes.
First Photo Stop: The Unique Bentonite Hills
Once you reach the Hills, the real photography magic starts. These formations are famous for their unearthly colors, textures, and shapes — the kind of landscape that makes you feel like you’ve landed on another planet. The light during the tour’s timing accentuates the vibrant hues, so you’ll be encouraged to shoot during the low-angled hours for maximum effect.
Guides provide insights into how to handle the challenging light and composition, helping you frame the perfect shot. Expect endless options: curves, mounds, lines, and natural mosaics that seem impossible to capture fully in one image.
More Great Tours NearbySecond Photography Stop: Utah’s Scenic Vistas
After exploring the hills, the tour moves on to another location within the area, giving you additional opportunities to experiment with different angles and elements. This part lasts around 2.5 hours, providing plenty of time to experiment and learn.
One reviewer noted, “The diversity of the scenery, combined with the guide’s tips, really helped me improve my landscape photography.” Whether you prefer wide shots or close-ups, you’ll find compositions that inspire.
Final Drive & Return: Wrapping up at Chuck Wagon Lodge
The last hour involves heading back across the desert terrain, reflecting on the images captured and discussing what worked well. The entire experience wraps up approximately 3.5 hours after departure, leaving you with a sense of accomplishment and a collection of striking images.
What’s Included and What to Keep in Mind
The tour includes transportation from and back to your hotel, making it convenient for travelers. You’ll also get educational instruction on your camera, composition, and geology, which enriches your understanding of the landscape and your equipment.
Not included are food, water, and gratuities, so plan accordingly. The tour recommends bringing your camera gear, hiking shoes, and water, while noting that using a phone is perfectly acceptable.
Reviewers emphasize the importance of coming prepared with gear — “I brought my DSLR and tripod, and the guide was very helpful in showing me how to get the best shots.”
Duration and Group Size
The tour lasts roughly 3.5 hours, making it a manageable half-day activity. Small group sizes (limited to 4 participants) ensure you receive personalized feedback, which many find invaluable to improve their shots.
Accessibility and Suitability
While the scenery is stunning, the off-road drive might not be suited for everyone — particularly those with mobility issues or who dislike bumpy rides. The tour is not suitable for babies under 1 year, and alcohol or drugs are not allowed.
Analyzing the Value
At $359 per person, this experience offers a lot. The inclusion of expert guidance, transportation, and geology insights makes it a comprehensive package. Expect to gain more than just pretty pictures; you’ll leave with improved photography skills and a deeper appreciation of Utah’s geological marvels.
Given the small group size, you’ll receive tailored tips that can elevate your landscape photography long after the tour ends. Plus, the off-road adventure itself adds a layer of excitement, making it worth the price for those who love a bit of rugged exploration.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This tour is ideal for photographers of all skill levels eager to learn and capture amazing landscapes. It suits travelers who enjoy a bit of adventure, don’t mind a bumpy ride, and want to walk away with spectacular images. Nature enthusiasts interested in geology will also appreciate the insights shared during the trip.
It’s perfect for those who want an immersive, guided experience that balances education with adventure — not just a sightseeing drive but a mini workshop in some of Utah’s most surreal scenery.
Final Thoughts
The Bentonite Hills Photo Tour offers an engaging mix of adventure, education, and awe-inspiring scenery. For those who love to photograph unique landscapes, this experience is a fantastic way to spend a half-day in Utah. The personalized guidance from a professional photographer ensures you’ll leave with better photos and a new appreciation for desert geology.
While the off-road drive and the rugged terrain might not appeal to everyone, the chance to witness and capture Utah’s otherworldly beauty makes this tour a worthwhile investment. Whether you’re an amateur looking to improve your skills or an experienced photographer eager to add extraordinary images to your portfolio, this tour delivers value with a touch of adventure.
FAQs
Do I need to bring my own camera?
Yes, you should bring your camera, lenses, tripod, and any other gear you prefer. Using a phone is also acceptable if you don’t have a camera.
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours, including driving and stops, with starting times available on check-in.
What is included in the price?
The fee covers transportation, educational instruction on your camera and composition, and geology insights during the tour.
Is the drive suitable for everyone?
The drive involves off-road segments, river crossings, and rugged terrain, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with bumpy rides and outdoor adventure.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Is there a minimum group size?
Yes, the tour is limited to small groups of 4 participants for a more personalized experience.
What should I wear?
Bring sturdy hiking shoes, water, and sun protection. Dress for the weather and be prepared for potentially dusty conditions.
Can I join if I’m a beginner photographer?
Absolutely — the guide provides instruction suitable for all skill levels, and you’ll learn practical tips that can be applied immediately.
To sum it up, the Bentonite Hills Photo Tour offers a rare chance to photograph one of Utah’s most surreal landscapes with expert guidance, all within a compact, adventure-packed timeframe. It’s perfect for those who crave authentic landscape images, enjoy a touch of off-road fun, and value small-group, personalized instruction. If you’re looking for a memorable, photogenic excursion that blends scenery, education, and adventure, this tour could be the highlight of your Utah trip.
📍 This experience made our list of the 2 best Photography Experiences in Hanksville Utah