Bentonite Hills

About

The Bentonite Hills appear as softly-contoured, banded hills in varying hues of brown, red, purple, gray, and green. The hills are composed of the Brushy Basin shale member of the Morrison Formation. This layer was formed during Jurassic times when mud, silt, fine sand, and volcanic ash were deposited in swamps and lakes. Bentonite clay (altered volcanic ash) absorbs water and becomes very slick and gummy when wet, making vehicle or foot travel difficult or impossible. Repeated cycles of absorbing water and then drying results in a popcorn-like appearance on the clay's surface. There are no trails through the Bentonite Hills. The surface is easily damaged; scars from footprints and tire tracks take many years to heal. Please only drive on the road and limit foot travel to firm, previously disturbed areas and wash bottoms. Remember to leave no trace of your visit.

Launch Points (5)

Flattop Launch

Foot Launch

Alt: 1,676 m / 5,498 ftHdg: 208° SSWSurface: SHORT GRASS

A generic hang glider launch

Sandstone Cliffs Launch

Foot Launch

Alt: 1,761 m / 5,777 ftHdg: 258° WSWSurface: SHORT GRASS

A generic hang glider launch

The Butte Cliffs Launch

Foot Launch

Alt: 1,760 m / 5,773 ftHdg: 247° WSWSurface: SHORT GRASS

A generic hang glider launch

The Ridge Launch

Foot Launch

Alt: 1,676 m / 5,500 ftHdg: 290° WNWSurface: SHORT GRASS

A generic hang glider launch

The Ridge Overlook Launch

Foot Launch

Alt: 1,860 m / 6,103 ftHdg: 309° NWSurface: SHORT GRASS

A generic hang glider launch

Landing Zones (5)

Flying Conditions

Has 5 different launch points. The best wind direction is 289.6 @ 10 knts but many sites can be flown from multiple directions, so check before you fly. You can expect to find: thermal conditions ridge soaring conditions , all dependent on current weather conditions.