Bentonite Hills & Capitol Reef half-day tour with guide

NASA chose these same rock layers to build its Mars Research Facility.

A half-day guided tour of Bentonite Hills and Capitol Reef National Park that covers Jurassic-era geology, Native American and pioneer history, two river crossings, and an abandoned drilling rig. Your guide shares insight into the region's geologic origins, cultural sites and landmarks beyond the standard route. Pickup is included. Minimum age is 12.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Bentonite Hills and Capitol Reef

• Travel through Capitol Reef National Park
• Learn geology and cultural history
• Visit Jurassic era sediment sites
• See dinosaur fossils and trackways
• Explore Mars Research Facility area
• Visit abandoned drilling rig and well
• Cross Fremont River twice
• Tour Pioneer era settlements and orchards

The Experience

The route moves through Capitol Reef National Park's famous geology and cultural layers, starting with the Bentonite Hills themselves. Those world-famous Jurassic sediments that hold dinosaur fossils and trackways. Your guide explains the geology and geography as you travel, pointing out the Water Pocket Fold, groundwater drainage patterns that run all the way to the Colorado River and Lake Powell, and the sandstone cliffs surrounding the park's historic Pioneer-era settlements with their still-producing orchards.

Two fordings of the Fremont River break up the drive, and the tour also stops at an abandoned drilling rig and a functioning well in the desert. The guide draws on years of intimate experience with the region to highlight places and points of interest tailored to what interests you: sites not on the usual path of other tours. Bottled water is provided throughout.

The park itself holds Native American Fremont Culture sites and Ancient Puebloan ruins woven into the landscape. A live guide speaks English, Italian or Russian depending on your selection at checkout.

What’s included

• Bottled water.
• live guide in English, Italian or Russian.
• hotel pickup and return.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomeNot for heart conditions

Operated by Meridian

Is this one for you?Pickup from your hotel means you don't need a rental car or a ride to the trailhead. The guide handles the route and the driving, so you can focus on the geology and history without navigating unfamiliar roads.

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Top questions

What is the Bentonite Hills geology famous for?

The Bentonite Hills contain Jurassic-era sediments that harbor dinosaur fossils and trackways. These same rock deposits are what NASA selected to build its Mars Research Facility, making them a unique window into ancient planetary geology.

Does the tour include time in Capitol Reef National Park itself?

Yes. The route passes through Capitol Reef National Park, where you see the sandstone cliffs, the Water Pocket Fold formation, and the historic Pioneer-era settlements with active orchards still producing fruit.

How many times do you cross the Fremont River?

The tour includes two fordings (crossings) of the Fremont River as part of the route through the park and the surrounding geology.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

Pickup is included with this tour. A guide will meet you at your accommodation and return you there at the end of the half-day outing.

What should I know before booking if I don't have my own vehicle?

Pickup from your hotel is included, so you don't need a car. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, though it is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health. Minimum age is 12.