ELLAVILLE GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Desert Time Machine: A Half‑Day Off‑Road to Moonscape Ridge, the Long Dong Silver Spire and the Blue Eye
A private, five‑hour off‑road tour that visits Moonscape Overlook (Skyline Ridge), an easy 2‑mile hike to Long Dong Silver, and the vivid Blue Eye in the Bentonite Hills.
Desert Time Machine: A Half‑Day Off‑Road to Moonscape Ridge, the Long Dong Silver Spire and the Blue Eye.
Western Whiptail Adventures runs The Best of Hanksville, a private half‑day tour that threads through Utah’s desert landscapes to three of the region’s most photographed features: the Moonscape Overlook (also known as Skyline Ridge), the cretaceous spire called Long Dong Silver reached by an easy 2‑mile round‑trip hike, and the Blue Eye in the Hanksville Bentonite Hills beside the Mars Research Center.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Moonscape Overlook / Skyline Ridge
The trip begins at Moonscape Overlook—also called Skyline Ridge—an arid ridgeline that operators note is exceptional for photography and wide desert views.
Long Dong Silver — the Cretaceous Spire
A short, easy hike of roughly 2 miles round trip leads to Long Dong Silver, the iconic cretaceous spire that forms the central objective of the outing.
The Blue Eye in the Bentonite Hills
The route finishes with a drive into the Hanksville Bentonite Hills beside the Mars Research Center to view the Blue Eye, a vivid geological feature noted for striking colors.
What the day feels like
How the day unfolds
Over roughly five hours, this private off‑road outing moves from photographic overlooks to a short field hike and then a drive into bentonite‑rich badlands; the pace is set to showcase three signature sites in a compact window while allowing time to reach key viewpoints.
THE LANDSCAPE
Moonscape Overlook / Skyline Ridge
The trip begins at Moonscape Overlook—also called Skyline Ridge—an arid ridgeline that operators note is exceptional for photography and wide desert views.
THE ROUTE
Long Dong Silver — the Cretaceous Spire
A short, easy hike of roughly 2 miles round trip leads to Long Dong Silver, the iconic cretaceous spire that forms the central objective of the outing.
THE COLORS
The Blue Eye in the Bentonite Hills
The route finishes with a drive into the Hanksville Bentonite Hills beside the Mars Research Center to view the Blue Eye, a vivid geological feature noted for striking colors.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits — and where to be cautious.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The outing is a half‑day private trip with a listed duration of approximately 5 hours.
No specific operator gear list is provided in the verified facts; the itinerary highlights photography‑friendly viewpoints and a short hike.
Pickup is provided by the operator for this private trip.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The trip is approximately 5 hours in duration.
What sites does the tour visit?
The itinerary visits Moonscape Overlook (Skyline Ridge), Long Dong Silver (via an easy 2‑mile round‑trip hike), and the Blue Eye in the Hanksville Bentonite Hills next to the Mars Research Center.
Is there a hike on this trip?
Yes — reaching Long Dong Silver involves an easy hike of roughly 2 miles round trip.
Is transportation provided?
Pickup is provided by the operator.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. The Best of Hanksville is offered as a private trip by Western Whiptail Adventures.