Hanksville/Torrey: Bentonite Hills Drone/Photography Tour — A Detailed Review
Exploring Utah’s unique landscapes often leads travelers to iconic national parks, but for those seeking a more offbeat adventure, the Bentonite Hills Drone/Photography Tour offers a rare glimpse into an alien-like terrain just outside Hanksville. While we haven’t personally flown the drone ourselves, numerous glowing reviews and the detailed itinerary reveal an experience packed with breathtaking vistas, expert guides, and plenty of opportunities to sharpen your photography skills.
What makes this tour stand out? First, the spectacular Martian-like landscapes surrounding NASA’s Mars research facility create a visual feast. Second, the knowledgeable guides are praised for their expertise—sharing geological insights and local tips. Lastly, the chance to capture surreal vistas with a drone adds an exciting, modern twist to traditional landscape photography. One consideration? The terrain involves some climbing, which might not suit everyone.
This tour is perfect for adventure-loving photographers, drone enthusiasts, and curious travelers eager to see Utah’s striking, less-trodden landscapes — all within a manageable 3-hour window.
You can check if your dates are available here:Good To Know
- Unique Landscape: Explore Martian-like terrain that feels worlds away from everyday scenery.
- Expert Guidance: Guides like Jenny and Mel are highly praised for their knowledge and friendliness.
- Photography Focus: A prime opportunity to hone landscape and drone photography skills.
- Convenient & Flexible: Included pickup from Hanksville, Torrey, and other locations along Highway 24.
- Value: At $210, the tour offers a lot of visual and educational value, especially with drone footage options.
- Physical Demand: Some climbing (50-100 feet) needed for optimal vantage points; not suitable for all mobility levels.
Like taking photos? Other Hanksville Utah photography tours we've covered
An In-Depth Look at the Bentonite Hills Drone/Photography Tour
What’s Included and How Does It Add to the Experience?
For $210 per person, the tour provides pickup and drop-off from key locations, transportation in a black or white SUV marked with Meridian logos, and a guided tour in English, Russian, or Italian. The package also includes water, which is essential in a desert climate, and the option to purchase drone footage—a tempting add-on for capturing the landscape from above.
The small, private group setting ensures personalized attention, and the flexible booking system allows you to reserve now and pay later, making it easier to plan your Utah adventure.
The Itinerary – What Really Happens During the 3 Hours?
The tour begins with pickup from your designated location, usually early in the day to beat the midday sun. The guides, including friendly experts like Jenny and Mel, lead you on an off-road adventure through the rugged terrain of the Bentonite Hills.
Once on site, you’ll be introduced to the area’s geological features—vivid red hues, strange rock formations, and expansive vistas that resemble images from another planet. The terrain involves climbing approximately 50 to 100 feet to reach the best viewpoints, which means good footwear and some mobility are necessary.
Guides will help you identify the most photogenic spots, offering tips for framing shots and making the most of your drone footage. The landscape’s surreal textures and colors serve as a perfect backdrop for both novice and seasoned photographers to experiment with their camera settings.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyWhy This Landscape Is So Special
The Bentonite Hills are not part of a national park but are a hidden gem that offers striking visual contrasts—bright red earth against darker rock and the expansive blue skies. Many reviews mention the landscape’s alien quality, making it ideal for those interested in capturing distinctive, otherworldly images.
The Drone Experience
The tour is particularly appealing to drone enthusiasts, with the option to rent a DJI Mini 4 drone or simply have your footage taken as an add-on. The guides are experienced with drone safety and regulations, ensuring you get high-quality footage without hassle.
One reviewer enthusiastically recommended booking the drone footage add-on, describing it as a highlight. The ability to view the landscape from above provides a unique perspective that elevates your photography portfolio.
Guides and Their Impact
Guests frequently mention guides like Jenny and Mel, emphasizing their depth of knowledge and friendly approach. Mel, for instance, offered tips on other activities around Utah, enhancing the overall trip. Jenny’s insights into the area’s geology enriched the experience, making it more than just a photo tour — it became an educational journey.
Their understanding of the terrain and ability to customize the experience based on weather and group fitness levels help ensure everyone gets the best possible shots and insights.
Terrain, Accessibility, and Physical Demands
While the scenery is stunning, reaching the top vantage points involves climbing steep inclines—about 50 to 100 feet elevation change. This means the tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments, those over 60, or travelers with low fitness levels.
Guests should come prepared with closed-toe shoes for safety and comfortable clothing suited for desert conditions. Given the unpredictability of weather, guides reserve the right to modify or reschedule the tour if conditions become unsafe, which is standard practice but worth keeping in mind.
Duration and Timing
The 3-hour duration strikes a good balance—ample time to explore, photograph, and learn without feeling rushed. Starting times vary based on availability, so checking ahead is essential. The tour’s flexibility in timing is convenient for fitting into broader Utah itineraries.
Pricing and Value
At $210 per person, this tour offers a compelling mix of adventure, education, and photography in a unique landscape. The inclusion of transportation, guides, water, and the option for drone footage makes it an excellent value, especially for those eager to capture Utah’s less accessible but equally stunning scenery.
Compared to similar experiences, it’s priced competitively, considering the specialized focus and small group setting. For serious photography buffs, the drone footage alone can be worth the investment.
Authentic Experiences from Past Participants
Several reviews highlight the knowledgeability of the guides. Jessica praised Jenny as “the best,” while Mary mentioned how Mel provided helpful tips and geology insights. Both appreciated the stunning scenery and the chance to take incredible photos. Marcy Lynne raved about her guide’s vast knowledge, vowing to return.
The consistent theme? Guides are not just there to lead but to enrich the experience with their expertise, making the entire trip more meaningful.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is ideal for photographers eager to shoot surreal landscapes, drone enthusiasts wanting unique footage, and travelers looking for an adventure outside the main tourist spots. If you’re comfortable climbing and want to see Utah’s less-accessible geological wonders, this is a perfect fit.
However, it’s not suitable for those with mobility challenges or people over 60, given the physical demands and terrain. Also, if you’re not comfortable with off-road driving or quick weather changes, it’s worth considering the potential for rescheduling.
Final Thoughts: Is This Experience Worth It?
Absolutely. For $210, you’re getting more than just a scenic drive—you’re engaging with a fascinating landscape, learning from expert guides, and capturing images that could easily be mistaken for extraterrestrial environments. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the drone footage option offers a modern twist to a classic landscape photography day.
If you’re passionate about photography, drone flying, or simply craving a taste of Utah’s quirkiest terrains, this tour offers a well-rounded, memorable experience. The guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge shine through, turning a simple landscape visit into an educational, fun, and highly photogenic adventure.
FAQ
What is included in the tour?
The tour provides pickup and drop-off, transportation in a marked SUV, a guided experience in multiple languages, water, and optional drone footage.
How long does the tour last?
The total experience takes about 3 hours, including driving, exploring, and photo opportunities.
Is this tour suitable for everyone?
It’s best suited for those comfortable climbing 50 to 100 feet and who don’t have mobility impairments. The terrain may be challenging for some.
Can I rent a drone for drone footage?
Yes, drone rentals like a DJI Mini 4 are available to purchase as an add-on, and guides are experienced with drone safety.
Where does the tour start?
Pickup is available from Hanksville, Torrey, Teasdale, and along Highway 24. Look for a black or white SUV with Meridian logos.
What should I bring?
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are essential. Also, consider bringing layers for changing weather and your photography gear.
What happens if weather conditions are bad?
The guides reserve the right to modify, reschedule, or cancel the tour due to weather, which they decide independently for safety reasons.
To sum it up, the Bentonite Hills Drone/Photography Tour is a fantastic choice for those wanting to combine adventure, photography, and geology into one memorable 3-hour outing. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate expert guides, stunning landscapes, and the thrill of capturing Utah’s surreal scenery from the air.
You can check if your dates are available here: