UTV Bentonite Hills, Temples, Moonscape, Factory Butte tour

Explore Utah’s Unique Lunar Landscapes with a UTV Adventure

The UTV Bentonite Hills, Temples, Moonscape, Factory Butte tour offers an exciting way to experience Utah’s extraordinary geological features. Priced at $320 per person and lasting approximately 5 hours, this tour is perfect for adventure-seekers eager to explore some of the most striking landscapes in the region. The tour begins in Torrey, where guests meet at Capitol Reef Outfitters, then drives 30 minutes to the trailhead before transferring to UTV machines for the main adventure.

What makes this experience stand out is its focus on Utah’s moon-like terrain and geological diversity. With group discounts available and a mobile ticket option, it offers a flexible, accessible way to see some of the most iconic sights. The tour’s inclusion of lunch, snacks, and bottled water enhances the experience, though guests should bring personal items like jackets and sunscreen. This tour suits those interested in geology, photography, and off-road adventures in a scenic, manageable timeframe.

Key Points

• Duration: Approximately 5 hours of exploration and riding
• Price: $320 per person, including lunch, snacks, and drinks
• Starting Point: Capitol Reef Outfitters in Torrey, Utah
• Main Activities: Driving UTVs through Factory Butte, Bentonite Hills, Moonscape Overlook, and more
• Notable Features: Geological formations like Mancos Shale and Morrison formations, drone-friendly photography stops
• Group Size: Limited to 15 travelers for a personalized experience

Starting Point and Meeting Details in Torrey

The tour kicks off at 1012 UT-24, Torrey, UT, where guests meet the guides at Capitol Reef Outfitters. From there, a 30-minute drive takes everyone to the trailhead, setting the stage for an off-road adventure. The start time at 8:00am ensures a full day of exploring before returning to the meeting point. The meeting logistics are straightforward, and most travelers can participate, provided weather conditions are favorable.

Transition from the Meeting Point to the Trailhead

Guests drive their own vehicles to the initial meeting location, then transfer to 4×4 UTVs for the bulk of the tour. The guides handle all the driving once on the trail, allowing participants to relax and soak in the scenery. The group size is capped at 15, creating a more intimate atmosphere that encourages interaction and personalized attention from the professional guides.

Discovering Factory Butte and Its Surroundings

Factory Butte is the first major stop, offering dramatic views of this recognizable geological feature. This location provides abundant opportunities for photography, especially with drones, as noted in the tour details. The area’s rugged landscape exemplifies Utah’s moonscape label, with striking rock formations and vivid colors. Visitors can admire the vast, open vistas and learn about how the terrain was shaped over millions of years.

Exploring Bentonite Hills and Blue Hills

Next, the tour visits Bentonite Hills and Blue Hills, two remarkable geological sites. These areas showcase the diverse formations such as Bentonite and Mancos Shale, highlighting the natural processes that created this otherworldly scenery. The Bentonite Hills are especially popular for photography, with their unique textures and hues. These stops are also drone-friendly, perfect for capturing sweeping aerial shots of the landscape.

Visiting the Mars Station and the Moonscape Overlook

A highlight of the tour is the visit to the Mars Station, an imaginative name for an area that resembles the surface of Mars. This spot emphasizes the region’s lunar landscape, which makes it a popular site for photography and drone flights. The Moonscape Overlook offers panoramic views of the terrain, giving a sense of walking on the surface of another planet. These stops are designed to reveal Utah’s geological secrets and leave visitors with plenty of photo opportunities.

The Temples of the Sun and Moon

Outside the park boundary, the Temple of the Sun & Moon provides a visual centerpiece for the tour. These formations resemble ancient temples and are part of the region’s geological features. The guide explains how these formations were created, adding context to their striking appearance. The stops here also include time for photography and appreciating the vast desert landscape.

The Unique Landscape of Bentonite Hills

The Bentonite Hills are a standout feature, known for their vivid colors and striking textures. As the tour explores these hills, visitors get a closer look at the geological diversity that makes this region so distinctive. The area’s drone-friendly environment means travelers can take advantage of aerial shots, capturing the sweeping views and unusual formations. The springtime wildflowers add extra color to the scene during the right season, enhancing every photo.

Practical Details and What’s Included

The tour package includes lunch, snacks, bottled water, and a professional guide. A damage deposit of $2,500 is required prior to departure, and each participant signs an Assumption of Risk form for safety. The 4×4 vehicle and guide handle all driving, while guests enjoy the scenery from the UTVs. Personal items like clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen are not included, so packing these essentials is recommended.

Logistics, Group Size, and Weather Considerations

The tour operates with a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a comfortable and engaging experience. It starts at 8:00am, giving plenty of daylight for exploration and photography. Since the activity is weather-dependent, poor conditions may lead to rescheduling or a full refund. The tour is suitable for most people, but participants should be prepared for off-road terrain and consider their comfort with driving or riding in UTVs.

Why Choose This Utah UTV Tour?

This 5-hour guided adventure offers an immersive look into Utah’s moon-like landscapes and geological formations. The combination of off-road driving, multiple scenic stops, and photo opportunities makes it ideal for outdoor lovers and photography enthusiasts. The professional guides are knowledgeable, explaining the geology behind each feature, which enhances the experience. The group size limit promotes intimacy and personalized attention, while the lunch and refreshments make the day comfortable.

Final Thoughts on the Bentonite Hills and Factory Butte Tour

This tour provides a cost-effective, well-organized way to see some of Utah’s most striking geological features. Its focus on scenic photography, drone-friendly stops, and geological education appeals to a wide range of visitors. The 5-hour duration allows enough time to explore without feeling rushed, though the weather dependence means it’s best booked during clear days.

While the tour offers plenty of highlights, travelers should be aware of the need for personal items like sunscreen and clothing, and the damage deposit requirement. The small group size ensures a more engaging experience, and the scenic stops are truly one-of-a-kind. For those eager to explore Utah’s lunar landscape in an adventure-packed yet manageable way, this UTV tour is a fitting choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour price covers lunch, snacks, bottled water, a 4×4 vehicle, and a professional guide. Additional personal items are not included.

How long does the tour last?
The approximate duration is 5 hours, starting at 8:00am from Torrey.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
Most travelers can participate, but the activity involves off-road UTV riding over rugged terrain, so it may not be ideal for those with mobility concerns.

What should I bring with me?
Guests are advised to bring jacket or clothing layers, sunglasses, sunscreen, and personal items, as these are not included.

How many people are in each tour group?
The maximum group size is 15 travelers, allowing for a more personalized experience.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor conditions, guests are offered a different date or a full refund.