Hanksville Purple Mountain Photography Tour — Blue Bentonite Hills & Mars Research Station
Photograph a slice of otherworldly Utah: from the futuristic lines of the Mars Research Station to the ethereal Blue Bentonite Hills. This guided, 2–4 hour tour outside Hanksville pairs technical insight with practical access to rare desert colors and compositions.
The Experience
Before You Go
Expect limited cell service
Phones often lose reception around Cathedral Valley and the Mars Research Station—download maps and share pickup details ahead of time.
Protect fragile clay slopes
Stay on designated spots and avoid stepping on bentonite gullies; the clay is easily damaged and slow to recover.
Bring a compact tripod
Low light and long compositions benefit from a stable tripod—pack one that’s portable for short walks on uneven ground.
Hydrate and shade up
High desert sun can be relentless; carry at least 1 liter of water and a sun hat even on short tours.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Cathedral Valley roadside overlooks for wide-angle compositions
- •Mars Desert Research Station exterior vantage points that highlight scale and isolation
Wildlife
- •Pronghorn
- •Golden eagle
Conservation Note
Bentonite slopes are ecologically fragile—avoid trampling and adhere to Leave No Trace; tours emphasize using only established photo spots to prevent erosion.
The bentonite beds are altered volcanic ash overlaid on 200-million-year-old folded sediments; Hanksville later became a hub for Mars analog research with the arrival of simulation projects.
Photographer's Notes
- • Ridge above the Blue Bentonite Hills for layered compositions
- • Exterior parking area of the Mars Research Station for architectural contrast
- • Capitol Reef roadside overlooks on return for scale shots
What to Bring
Mirrorless or DSLR cameraEssential
Needed to capture high-resolution landscape and low-light shots at sunrise or sunset.
Lightweight tripodEssential
Stabilizes long exposures and low-light compositions across irregular ground.
1–2L water bottleEssential
Desert heat demands easy access to water during the tour.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)Essential
Shade and SPF reduce sun exposure while composing shots in open terrain.
Common Questions
How long is the tour?
The experience runs approximately 2–4 hours depending on light and stops; exact duration is listed at booking.
Will we enter the Mars Research Station?
No—visitors photograph the facility from outside. The tour provides interpretation and photo opportunities without entering the site.
Is the tour suitable for kids or people with mobility concerns?
Yes—activity is rated easy with short walks; however, uneven ground may challenge those with limited mobility.
Do I need permits to photograph the Bentonite Hills?
No special permit for casual photography is required, but the land is fragile—follow guide instructions and stay on recommended viewpoints.
What about cell reception and navigation?
Cell service is unreliable around Cathedral Valley and the tour recommends downloading directions and confirming pickup details ahead of time.
What is the cancellation policy?
All sales are final per the operator’s policy, and tours may be canceled for bad weather—confirm before booking and plan accordingly.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
2–4 hours
Location
Hanksville, Utah
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for light fitness—short, easy walks over uneven desert terrain and marked stopping points
Ready to Explore Hanksville?
Book your guided walking tour and discover the hidden stories of this historic mountain city.
Check Availability & Book Now