Visiting the Bentonite Hills Utah: The Desert That Looks Like Mars in Utah

While there are several places that look like this in Southern Utah, the best places to see this Mars landscape is the Bentonite Hills Utah.

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Located just east of Capitol Reef National Park, the Bentonite Hills are not part of the national park system. This area is BLM and state-run land, but it is a must-see if you are visiting Capitol Reef on a Utah road trip.

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HOW TO GET TO THE BENTONITE HILLS IN UTAH

The Bentonite Hills are located just east of Capitol Reef National Park and just west of Hanksville, Utah, along UT-24E. Learn more

There are plenty of spots to pull off the main road onto dirt roads to get into the Bentonite Hills, and you can take your pick for the best path to take.

BEST TIME TO SEE THE COLORFUL HILLS IN UTAH

TIPS FOR VISITING BENTONITE HILLS, UTAH

If you decide to visit the Bentonite Hills in Utah, make sure to practice Leave No Trace. There are no facilities in the area, and you need to bring any food or water with you. Learn more

Remember to also practice Leave No Trace if you decide to climb up the Bentonite Hills. There are no official trails in the Bentonite Hills, but the popcorn looking crust is fragile.

THINGS TO DO NEAR BENTONITE HILLS, UTAH

Take time to hike out to Hickman Bridge in Capitol Reef to see a natural bridge and one of the most popular hikes in Capitol Reef. It is outside of the fee area, so you can visit without paying to enter the park.