The Bentonite Hills in Capitol Reef National Park offer a striking landscape that feels anything but Earthly. Their rolling mounds of pastel clay, streaked in pinks, whites, and muted reds, rise like miniature alien dunes against the backdrop of the Utah desert. This place doesn’t just invite photography—it demands it, presenting an otherworldly canvas that mimics Mars itself.

Getting here means commitment. The hike to the Bentonite Hills rim spans approximately 3 miles round trip with an elevation gain of around 500 feet. The trail is a blend of dusty, uneven clay slopes and hard-packed gravel that occasionally tests your footing. Expect your boots to sink slightly into soft bends, the clay daring you to keep up its elusive footing.

The route begins along an open desert scrub plain, where the wind carries whispers of ancient sediment layers exposed by time. Soon, you ascend gentle slopes dotted with sparse juniper and pinyon pine, their needles shading patches of warm earth like natural spotlights on the hills awaiting exploration. As you near the crest, the vastness of the scene opens wide; the hills behave like geological sculptures, fiercely themselves, worn raw by erosion yet curving with fluid grace.

Timing matters here. Early morning or late afternoon offers a palette of light that enhances the color gradients and casts long shadows, deepening the hills’ textures. Midday sun flattens hues and washes away depth, leaving photographs longing for dimension. Bring plenty of water for the dry air and wear supportive footwear that resists slipping on the unstable clay, as this terrain can be deceptively tricky.

Don’t rush. Each bend and dip tells a story of mineral-rich deposits pushing upward over eons. The quiet here is thick—broken only by the occasional breeze playing with loose soil. While there’s no official marked trail, the faint path etched by past hikers helps guide the route, but attentiveness is essential.

For photographers, the Bentonite Hills present unique challenges. The reflective clay can confuse metering, and capturing the subtle shifts in pastel requires deliberate exposure adjustments. Handheld stability or a small tripod will help frame low-light shots during golden hours. Drone photography is permitted in Capitol Reef but check local regulations for restrictions.

Prepare for an adventure that balances rugged simplicity with raw, natural artistry. This is not an easy walk in the park; it is a purposeful trek into an environment wildly unlike anything else—and your lens will reveal a landscape that’s as much a challenge to capture as it is a privilege to witness.