Moonscape Overlook and Bentonite Hills Half Day Private Tour

5.0 (6 reviews) 4–6 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

6 reviews

5.0

Sun rising across the Cretaceous Sea — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Factory Buttes Dune — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Explore the stunning Moonscape Overlook near Hanksville, Utah and Capitol Reef National Park, renowned for its breathtaking vistas and geological wonders. This private half-day tour takes you to the iconic Skyline Ridge, perfect for photography enthusiasts, especially during the magical blue hour at sunrise. Discover the unique Factory Butte area, featuring a towering moonscape above an ancient seabed. The adventure continues through the colorful Bentonite Hills, known for their vibrant hues of purple, green, red, grey, and blue, beautifully contoured from the Jurassic Period. Ideal for nature lovers and photographers alike, this tour offers an unforgettable experience in Utah's remarkable landscapes. This tour also includes a drive thru the front country of Capitol Reef National Park

Private tour provides personalized attention and flexibility
Capture stunning photographs at Moonscape Overlook and Bentonite Hills
Enjoy a scenic drive through vibrant, softly contoured hills

Day Trips Hiking Tours Half-day Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours 4WD Tours Walking Tours Nature Walks

At a glance

Duration: 4–6 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–4
Guide: English
Operated by: Western Whiptail Adventures

Ages: Adults (1–101 years)

What is included

Included

Included: We have an assortment of healthy snacks, soft drinks and water at no charge

Not included

Not included: If your driver did an exceptional job, please provide them a gratuity
Not included: Surcharges on fuel: Pickup in Hanksville hotels

Itinerary

Capitol Reef National Park

one hour

If originating from Torrey, Utah, we start with a drive thru the front country of Capitol Reef National Park. See the historic town of Freemont. Most likely we will see the current residents (a band of wild Mule deer). We will discuss the geology spanning the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.
Factory Butte

15 min Admission included

Rising from the grey landscape is the iconic Factory Butte. Get out your camera to snap a picture of this Giant. It truly is stunning.
Moonscape Overlook

one hour Admission included

Your guide will try and convince you to close your eyes as we near the end of the road. The surprise will blow your mind. Out of the cretaceous sea the skyline trail soars above, more than 500 feet from the desert floor. It's time to strike that pose, use your drone, gather your companions for a group shot and admire the 360degree view. Not a bad picture anyway you turn.
Stop 4

2 hours Admission included

If road conditions are good, ask your guide if you can take the rainbow road route to the bentonite hills. Its an amazing dirt road that travels north of the Factory Butte across the dunes and into winding canyon washes. From there it connects to what can only be described as a Jurrasic Landscape of incredible color. Why else would it be called the rainbow road. The route also goes cross country to the south where it emerges at the legendary and colorful, Bentonite Hills. This part of the tour is fantastic for drone flying, photography and hiking on the colorful clay mounds.