Have you ever dreamed of walking on Mars? Thanks to the Bentonite Hills, you don’t need a spaceship to experience what it’s like to be on another planet.
Nestled in Wayne County, Utah, the Bentonite Hills are also known as “Utah’s Mars” because of their striking resemblance to the Red Planet.
The Bentonite Hills’ terrain so closely resembles the planet Mars that the area is home to the Mars Desert Research Station, the second of four simulated habitats across the globe. Astronauts and research crews live here in a two-story, eight-meter cylindrical dwelling called the “Habitat” for two weeks at a time.
As the name suggests, this area’s hills are made from bentonite clay, a substance many believe dates back to the Jurassic Period, nearly 145 million years ago.
Bentonite clay is formed from volcanic ash, which enters swamps and lakes along with sand, silt, and mud. The clay absorbs water and takes on a different texture and color, creating the reddish-brown hue and popcorn-like appearance that visitors have come to recognize.
Located about an hour from Capitol Reef National Park, the Bentonite Hills attract numerous tourists, although they are not part of the national park system. Most agree that the best time to visit is during the fall and winter, as there are fewer crowds, and the temperatures are more manageable.
Most travelers also agree that the best time to visit is during the “blue hour” — the period just after sunset and right before sunrise. At this time, the hills are bathed in direct sunlight, accentuating their reddish-brown hue.
Potential visitors should note that there are no hiking trails through the Bentonite Hills. Because the surface is easily damaged, guests are only allowed to drive on designated roads. Foot travel is limited to firm and previously disturbed areas as well.