Bentonite Hills Photo Tour

If you’re looking for a photography adventure that offers both visual spectacle and expert guidance, the Bentonite Hills Photo Tour might just be what you need. This 3.5-hour excursion takes you into one of Utah’s most colorful and strange landscapes, operated by Capitol Reef Photography Tours.

While we haven’t personally taken this tour, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a compelling picture of what participants can expect — and it’s impressive.

What really stands out are the stunning, almost alien landscapes and the chance to learn how to best capture them. The tour combines landscape photography tips with the thrill of exploring a terrain that looks like it’s from another planet. One thing to keep in mind is the off-road drive — it’s not your typical bus ride and involves river crossings and rugged desert terrain, so a sense of adventure is essential.

This tour is perfect for travelers eager to combine photography skills development with the awe-inspiring scenery of Utah’s desert.

Key Points

• Unique landscape: The Bentonite Hills offer colors and textures unlike anything else in Utah.
• Expert guidance: Professional photographer-led instruction helps you improve your camera skills.
• Short and memorable: At just 3.5 hours, it’s a manageable, impactful outing.
• All skill levels welcome: Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced shutterbug, there’s value here.
• Off-road adventure: The drive adds a rugged, memorable element to the experience.
• Limited groups: Small group size enhances personal attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

You can check availability for your dates here:

This experience made our article of Which Torrey Utah Photography Experiences To Choose? We Rank The 4 Best.

An Overview of the Bentonite Hills Photo Tour

This guided tour is designed to maximize your time in the striking Bentonite Hills region, known for its otherworldly colors and shapes. It’s operated by Capitol Reef Photography Tours, meaning you’ll be led by a professional photographer who can offer insightful tips on camera settings, composition, and how to make the most of the landscape. The tour lasts about 3.5 hours, including the drive, which takes you through some rugged terrain — think river crossings and desert vistas.

The price, at $369 per person, might seem high at first glance, but when you consider the expert instruction, transportation, and exclusive access to prime photo locations, many find it offers excellent value. The tour is limited to just four participants, ensuring you get personalized guidance and plenty of time to experiment with different shots.

What Makes the Landscape Special?

The Bentonite Hills are unlike anywhere else in Utah. Their vivid colors—ranging from rich reds and deep purples to bright yellows and greens—combine with unusual textures and shapes to create a landscape that looks almost surreal. The low-angled light during late afternoon or early evening makes these colors pop even more, which is why the timing of the tour is ideal.

Participants rave about the scenery, describing it as “other-worldly,” “like landing on another planet,” and “absolutely mesmerizing.” The rolling mounds, jagged edges, and swirling lines provide endless opportunities for creative compositions. As one review noted, “The compositions are truly endless,” highlighting how the landscape invites experimentation.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The tour begins with a pickup from your hotel in Torrey, Utah, and a brief introduction to what lies ahead. From there, you’ll hop into a vehicle that’s prepared for off-road conditions, setting out on a journey across desert plains, river crossings, and rugged trails**. The drive itself is part of the adventure, providing a taste of the wild Utah wilderness.

Once at the location, the guide will direct you to several vantage points where you can photograph the vivid mounds, textured ridges, and layered formations. The guide’s focus is not only on helping you capture great images but also on sharing geological insights that add depth to your understanding of the landscape. Expect to spend plenty of time experimenting with your camera, adjusting angles, and playing with different settings.

The timing is carefully chosen to coincide with the best light—often during the “golden hour”—when the colors are at their most intense. This ensures your photos will be vibrant and full of depth. The entire experience wraps up with a return trip to Torrey, giving you a chance to review your images and perhaps even share a few laughs about the wild drive.

The Instruction and Support

What truly elevates this tour is the personalized guidance from a professional landscape photographer. Whether you’re new to photography or looking to refine your skills, the instructor offers tailored advice on camera operation, composition, and lighting. One reviewer appreciated that it’s “like a condensed photo workshop,” which makes it a fantastic value for those wanting to learn more about their camera.

Even if you’re just snapping photos with a phone, the instructor will help you find interesting angles and techniques to elevate your shots. So, whether you’re wielding a DSLR or just using your smartphone, you’ll leave with not only beautiful images but also a better grasp of how to capture landscapes effectively.

More Great Tours Nearby

Transportation and Group Size

Transportation is included in the tour fee, and the pickup is from your hotel in Torrey. The group size is very limited—just four participants—which ensures a relaxed environment and plenty of individual attention. This small group dynamic helps foster a friendly atmosphere where questions and experimentation are encouraged.

The drive to the location involves off-roading, including crossing rivers and navigating a desert landscape. This isn’t a casual sightseeing bus ride but a genuine safari experience, adding a dash of adventure to the day.

Practical Considerations

To make the most of the experience, travelers should bring their camera (or smartphone), tripods, hiking shoes, water, and snacks. The guide recommends being prepared with all gear needed for photography and a bit of walking around the landscape.

Since food and water are not included, it’s wise to pack a snack or two. The tour operates in the afternoon, which is perfect for capturing those warm, glowing colors on the landscape. The tour is not suitable for babies under one year, given the off-road driving and outdoor nature of the experience.

The Value of the Bentonite Hills Photo Tour

At $369, this tour offers a rich mix of scenic beauty, expert instruction, and adventure. For those who enjoy photography and want to expand their skills while exploring Utah’s unique landscapes, it’s a solid investment. The personalized guidance ensures you’ll learn techniques tailored to your skill level and interests, which adds value beyond just the scenery.

The small group size means you won’t feel rushed or lost among strangers, allowing for a more intimate and relaxed experience. The off-road drive through rivers and rugged terrain makes the journey memorable in itself, matching the surreal landscape you’ll be photographing.

While the price might seem steep compared to more casual tours, the quality of instruction, the extraordinary scenery, and the exclusive access make it worthwhile for serious photographers or those eager to create standout images.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for photographers of all levels who want to improve their skills in a spectacular environment. It suits travelers who enjoy outdoor adventures and are comfortable with a bit of off-road travel. The landscape’s otherworldly quality makes it perfect for those seeking unique images, especially during the golden hour.

It’s also great for anyone interested in geology and natural history, given the geological insights shared during the tour. If you’re traveling in Utah and want a combination of adventure, education, and stunning scenery, this tour offers a balanced, memorable experience.

This isn’t for travelers seeking a leisurely bus tour or those with mobility issues, as the drive involves some rugged terrain, and you’ll want to be prepared for outdoor photography.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the cost of the tour?
The tour costs $369 per person, which includes transportation, expert instruction, and access to photogenic sites.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 3.5 hours, including the drive and photography time.

What should I bring?
Bring your camera or smartphone, lenses, tripod, hiking shoes, water, and snacks. Be prepared for outdoor conditions and varied terrain.

Are meals or water provided?
No, food and water are not included, so plan to bring your own.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, beginners can participate, especially with the guided instruction. More experienced photographers will also find value in the technical tips.

What’s the group size?
Limited to four participants for a more personalized experience.

Where does the tour meet?
At the Chuck Wagon in Torrey, Utah.

What’s the terrain like?
The drive involves off-roading, river crossings, and rugged desert landscape, so be prepared for outdoor adventure.

Can I use my phone instead of a camera?
Absolutely, the guide can help you make the most of your phone camera for landscape shots.

The Bentonite Hills Photo Tour offers a compelling blend of stunning scenery, expert guidance, and adventure. It’s particularly suited for travelers who want to take home breathtaking images and learn more about landscape photography in a truly unique setting. Whether you’re a seasoned shutterbug or a curious beginner, the opportunity to capture Utah’s vivid colors with professional help makes for a memorable experience.

While it’s on the pricier side, the quality of the landscape and the personalized instruction provide good value. Just be ready for a bit of rough riding and outdoor exploration — it’s part of the adventure that makes this tour stand out.

If your Utah trip includes Torrey or Capitol Reef, and you’re eager to photograph one of the most surreal landscapes in the Southwest, this tour is definitely worth considering. It promises not just photographs but an authentic, adventure-filled experience that stays with you long after you leave.

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