Hanksville: Purple Mountain Photography Tour

Hanksville: Purple Mountain Photography Tour — An Exciting Chance to Capture Utah’s Unique Landscapes

The Hanksville: Purple Mountain Photography Tour offers an engaging experience priced at $220 per person. This private tour lasts approximately 2 to 4 hours and features pickup service and a mobile ticket for convenience. It’s designed for photography enthusiasts eager to document Utah’s striking natural scenery alongside futuristic architecture.

The tour is most often booked 28 days in advance, making it accessible for planning during busy travel seasons. The tour begins with a pick-up from your hotel or AirBnB, leading you through some of Utah’s most remarkable sights in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. While the tour is relatively short, it promises memorable moments at key locations, with opportunities to photograph both natural wonders and cutting-edge research facilities.

This experience suits travelers with a keen eye for landscape photography and those curious about Utah’s geology and innovation. It’s especially appealing for visitors who appreciate well-organized, private tours that combine scenic beauty with intriguing architecture.

Key Points

• Private, guided experience in Utah’s Hanksville area
• Price of $220 per person, approximately 2 to 4 hours long
• Includes pickup service from hotels or AirBnBs
• Features stops at Capitol Reef National Park, Mars Research Station, and Blue Bentonite Hills
• Offers ample chances to capture landscapes and futuristic architecture
• The tour is bookable 28 days in advance and operates during early mornings and evenings

Starting the Tour at Capitol Reef National Park

The journey begins with a pickup from your accommodation, where a guide takes you into Capitol Reef National Park. Here, around one hour is spent exploring the geological layers that reveal 200 million years of Earth’s history. The park’s colorful rock formations and layered cliffs make for compelling landscape photography, especially during the golden hours of early morning or late evening.

This initial stop provides a solid introduction to Utah’s geological diversity. Since the admission is free, the focus remains on capturing the park’s natural beauty and understanding its significance in the region’s landscape.

Visiting the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS)

Next, the tour makes a 30-minute stop at the Mars Research Station—a highlight for those interested in innovation and architecture. While visitors do not enter the facility, the outside view offers a chance to photograph the futuristic design of this Mars simulation site.

From outside, travelers can observe the station’s structures and learn about ongoing research and exploration efforts. This stop is a rare opportunity to combine space-age architecture with the surrounding desert scenery, making for some striking photos. The admission is free, and it provides a unique contrast to the natural landscapes seen earlier.

Exploring the Blue Bentonite Hills at Sunset

Following the research station, the tour continues toward the Blue Bentonite Hills, where photography opportunities are at their peak during sunset. The azure slopes of the hills create surreal, vivid landscapes that draw the eye and make for stunning images.

The Blue Bentonite Hills are the main highlight of this tour, offering an otherworldly glow that is perfect for landscape photography. As the sun sets, the changing light enhances the blue and purple hues, creating a perfect backdrop for memorable photos. The tour wraps up after this sunset experience, returning to the starting point with plenty of treasured images and stories from the adventure.

Transportation and Comfort

Throughout the tour, travelers are transported in an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring comfort during the approximately 2 to 4 hours of exploration. Since the tour is private, it offers a relaxed pace and flexibility for photo stops and discussion. The small group setting allows for personalized attention and a more intimate experience.

When and How to Book the Tour

The Hanksville Purple Mountain Photography Tour is available from September 17, 2024, to June 8, 2026. The scheduled hours are Monday through Thursday, with options in the early morning (5:00AM to 7:00AM) and evening (6:00PM to 9:00PM), making it ideal for capturing golden and sunset lighting.

Booking requires confirmation within 48 hours and depends on availability. Given the non-refundable policy, travelers should plan ahead to ensure their preferred date and time.

What’s Not Included and Additional Notes

The tour does not include drone video or drone photography, so those hoping to capture aerial shots should consider other arrangements. Since it’s a private experience, only your group participates, providing a more personalized and flexible schedule.

This tour is suitable for most travelers, with no specific physical requirements mentioned. Most participants can enjoy the scenic stops comfortably, making it accessible for a broad range of visitors.

Comparing This Tour to Similar Experiences

The Purple Mountain Photography Tour stands out for its combination of natural landscapes and a glimpse of cutting-edge technology with the Mars Research Station. While some tours focus solely on natural scenery, this experience offers a distinctive contrast that appeals to both landscape photographers and those interested in innovation.

Similar experiences include other Capitol Reef National Park tours and off-road adventures, but this tour’s emphasis on photography at sunset and the futuristic facility makes it unique. The private setting also enhances the quality and intimacy of the experience, making it ideal for those seeking personalized attention.

Final Thoughts on the Hanksville: Purple Mountain Photography Tour

This tour offers an affordable, well-organized way to explore some of Utah’s most photogenic locations in a short time frame. The combination of natural beauty and futuristic architecture provides diverse photo opportunities suitable for all skill levels.

While the duration is limited to 2-4 hours, the carefully curated stops ensure you leave with stunning images and a deeper appreciation of Utah’s landscapes and innovations. The early mornings and evenings are best for capturing the landscapes’ vibrant colors, so plan your schedule accordingly.

The Hanksville Purple Mountain Photography Tour is a great choice for photographers and adventure seekers looking for a private, scenic, and photo-rich experience in southern Utah.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for beginners in photography?
Yes, since the tour focuses on capturing landscapes, beginners can benefit from the guided stops and the stunning scenery. No advanced photography skills are required.

What is the best time of day for this tour?
The early morning and sunset hours are ideal for photography, as the lighting enhances the vibrant colors of the Blue Bentonite Hills and landscape features.

Are drones allowed on this tour?
No, drone video and drone photography are not included, so plan to use standard cameras for capturing images.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 2 to 4 hours, depending on the pace and the number of photo stops.

What should I bring for this tour?
Bring your camera or smartphone, extra batteries, and possibly a tripod. Dress appropriately for outdoor weather, especially if visiting during early morning or evening.

Can I book this tour last-minute?
Booking is generally 28 days in advance, and availability depends on the schedule and season. Be sure to plan ahead for popular times.

This tour provides a unique blend of natural Utah scenery and futuristic architecture, ideal for anyone looking to add diverse and striking images to their portfolio while enjoying a private, guided experience.