Hanksville/Torrey: Bentonite Hills Drone/Photography Tour

Imagine exploring a landscape that looks like it belongs on another planet, then capturing its surreal beauty through your camera lens. That’s exactly what the Bentonite Hills Drone/Photography Tour offers—an adventure through one of Utah’s most striking desert environments, just a short drive from the NASA Mars research facility in Hanksville. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a curious traveler eager to snap some out-of-this-world vistas, this tour combines stunning scenery with expert guidance for a memorable experience.

Two things that really stand out about this tour are its spectacular vistas and knowledgeable guides. The terrain’s vibrant red hues and rugged formations make for incredible photographs, and the guides’ deep local knowledge enhances the overall experience. But it’s worth noting that reaching the best vantage points involves climbing approximately 50 to 100 feet, which may not suit everyone. This tour is best suited for participants comfortable with a bit of physical activity and those interested in drone photography or landscape capturing.

If you love exploring remote landscapes, enjoy learning about geology, or are keen to practice aerial photography, this tour could be a highlight of your Utah trip. It’s a chance to see some of the most alien-looking terrain on Earth—without leaving the state—and to do so with expert guidance that helps you make the most of every shot.

Key Points

• Unique landscape: The Bentonite Hills resemble a Martian surface, offering surreal photo opportunities.
• Expert guides: Guides bring a wealth of knowledge about the area’s geology and scenery.
• Flexible options: The tour includes pickup, transportation, water, and an optional drone footage add-on.
• Accessible for photography enthusiasts: Designed for both hobbyists and professional photographers interested in aerial shots.
• Caution on terrain: Reaching vantage points may require some climbing and physical effort.
• Private groups: The experience is tailored for small, private groups, ensuring personal attention.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting Point and Logistics

The adventure kicks off with a pickup in a Black or White SUV emblazoned with the MERIDIAN logo, either in Hanksville, Torrey, Teasdale, or along Highway 24. This flexible pickup arrangement is a thoughtful touch, making it convenient whether you’re staying in nearby towns or passing through. The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, a good length for a morning or late afternoon outing that won’t overtake your whole day.

Transportation feels comfortable and efficient, and since this is a private group experience, you’re assured personal attention and a tailored journey. The guides speak English, Russian, and Italian, so language isn’t a barrier if you’re multilingual—or just eager to learn from guides who can cater to your interests.

The Terrain and Scenic Highlights

The core of this tour is the Bentonite Hills, a landscape characterized by vibrant reds, rugged rock formations, and unique geological patterns. The terrain is rocky and uneven, making the scenery look like a scene from a sci-fi movie—something you and your camera will want to capture from every angle.

What makes this landscape particularly special is its similarity to conditions on Mars, which is why the nearby NASA facility is so fascinated. You’ll be led to various vantage points, some requiring a modest climb of about 50-100 feet. These locations provide sweeping views of the hills and allow for incredible foregrounds for your photos or drone footage.

Guides and Their Knowledge

Reviews consistently praise guides like Jenny and Mel for their deep knowledge and friendly attitude. One reviewer noted, “Jenny is the best and I had such a great time,” emphasizing the importance of a guide who can enhance the experience beyond just sightseeing. Another mentioned how Mel offered great advice and local tips even before the tour started, enriching their overall visit.

The guides’ geology insights mean you won’t just be snapping pictures—you’ll also understand what makes this landscape so unique. Whether it’s the mineral composition or how the formations were shaped over time, their explanations add depth to the visual experience.

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Photography and Drone Footage

If you’re into landscape or aerial photography, this tour is a treasure. The landscape’s vivid colors and unusual patterns lend themselves beautifully to both ground-level shots and drone footage. A notable feature is the optional drone video footage add-on, which many reviewers recommended highly. It allows you to capture the hills from a perspective that’s impossible to get with just a camera in hand.

While renting your own drone (like the DJI Mini 4) isn’t included, the option to rent one for the day is available. Remember, reaching the best view points involves some climbing, so be prepared for that physical aspect if you want the top vantage spots.

Inclusivity and Practical Considerations

The tour includes pickup, drop-off, water, and guidance, making it quite a convenient package. It’s designed for those interested in drone photography or landscape capturing but is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, over 60, or those low on physical fitness. The required climb to get the best views is a key factor here.

Weather can impact the tour—cancellation can only be made by the provider based on their assessment of conditions, not weather apps or park websites. This cautious approach ensures safety but might mean occasional rescheduling if the weather turns unfavorable.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The stunning vistas of the Bentonite Hills are truly extraordinary; you won’t find many places with similar Martian-like terrain so accessible and close to the comforts of Utah’s charming towns. The guides’ local expertise and friendly approach elevate the experience, transforming a simple sightseeing outing into a memorable learning adventure.

The option for drone footage adds a professional touch, perfect for those wanting to document their trip with high-quality aerial shots. Reviewers consistently mention their excitement about the drone videos, which serve as a lasting memento of this otherworldly landscape.

The Value of the Experience

At $210 per person, the tour offers a well-rounded package: transportation, expert guidance, and the chance to capture stunning images. When you consider the scenery’s uniqueness and the quality of guides, the price reflects a good value for a personalized, small-group experience.

Potential Drawbacks

The main consideration is the physical aspect—climbing to vantage points isn’t strenuous but does require walking on uneven terrain. People with mobility issues or who prefer a more relaxed experience might find it challenging. Weather-related cancellations are possible, so travelers should be flexible with their plans.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience excels for photographers and drone enthusiasts eager to get spectacular landscape shots. It’s also perfect for travelers interested in geology or looking for an adventure that combines natural beauty with a touch of scientific curiosity. Due to the physical demands, it’s ideal for those in good health and comfortable with some light climbing.

If you’re traveling with family, it’s best suited for older children or teens who can handle the terrain. The private group setup ensures personalized attention, making it suitable for small parties or couples seeking a more intimate experience.

The Sum Up

The Hanksville/Torrey: Bentonite Hills Drone/Photography Tour offers an excellent balance of adventure, education, and photographic opportunity. The landscape’s resemblance to an alien world makes it a compelling stop for those looking to see Utah’s less-traveled, stunning terrain. The guides’ expertise and friendly demeanor help you make the most of every moment, whether you’re capturing sweeping vistas or learning about the area’s geology.

This tour is especially valuable for photo lovers, drone pilots, and curious explorers who want to experience Utah’s rugged beauty firsthand. While physically modest, it’s best suited for those comfortable with some climbing and uneven terrain. If you’re after a truly unique landscape with professional guidance and the chance to create memorable images, this experience is hard to beat.

FAQs

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, complimentary pickup and drop-off are available from Hanksville, Torrey, Teasdale, and anywhere along Highway 24. Just look for a Black or White SUV with the MERIDIAN logo.

How long does the tour last?
The total duration is approximately 3 hours, making it a manageable outing that can fit into a day of exploring the area.

Can I rent a drone for this tour?
You can rent a drone like the DJI Mini 4 to capture footage, but it’s not included in the price. Many guests find the drone footage add-on highly worthwhile.

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?
It’s mainly designed for those interested in photography and willing to climb a little for the best views. It’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments or over 60, due to the physical activity involved.

What should I bring?
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must. Water is provided, but bring additional layers if the weather is unpredictable.

What happens if the weather turns bad?
The provider assesses weather conditions and can modify, reschedule, or cancel the tour for safety reasons. Cancellations are made solely by the provider based on weather, regardless of weather apps or park websites.

Exploring Utah’s Bentonite Hills on this drone and photography tour offers a rare chance to see and capture a landscape that feels like it’s from another planet. With expert guides, stunning vistas, and the option for aerial footage, it’s an experience worth considering for any adventurous traveler eager to document a truly unique environment.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby