Bonneville salt flats where is it
Following this route, you can say you have had a full tour of Bonneville Salt Flats. However, if you want to enjoy visiting the expanse during its highest saline concentration you can visit it during the summer. I visited it during that time and the view was really impressive. In winter and spring, however, you can find the wet salt crust and a line of water along the surface reflects the surrounding mountains and it looks incredible see photo above. The downside of visiting Bonneville Salt Flats at this time is that, due to the wet soil, the possibility to drive on the salt flats is severely limited both for safety reasons and for the need to preserve the site.
Before visiting Bonneville Flats, here are some recommendations that may be useful to you:. As I already mentioned, Bonneville Salt Flats is located in a rather remote area and usually not included in traditional road trips. In my opinion, there are 2 ways to include it in an itinerary:. If you opt for a day trip from Salt Lake City , I advise you not only to look for accommodations in the city, but also in the immediate surroundings. You will find my detailed guide for where to seek accommodations in this article.
On the other hand, if you are coming from Salt Lake City and plan to cross Nevada and conclude the trip in California , you might consider the following stops:. If you are traveling in the opposite direction, remember that you cannot stop at the Salt Flats Rest Area Westbound, but can only stop at the Eastbound Rest Area. Given the choice, I would go for the first one, going westbound. If you have some time to explore the surrounding area, the nearby town of Wendover offers a few points of interest, including the Historic Wendover Airfield Museum , the historic military base used during World War II, and Wendover Will , the tall statue of a cowboy, which is a destination for anyone who loves to take selfies!
Those who love desert landscapes and land art can take a long detour to discover the Sun Tunnels , created by Nancy Holt, which is an installation of 4 large cylinders arranged on the desert in the shape of a cross and aligned at dawn and dusk on the summer and winter solstices.
Unfortunately, this work of art is out of the way about 1. You will find neither inhabitants nor dwellings here, but there are some symbolic installations that embody the spirit of this young nation. If this place inspires you, you can also apply for citizenship and a passport! I am fascinated by the wonders of the world I never tire of going in search of them.
Well, then you definitely need to…. It covered one-third of present day Utah and parts of neighboring states. You can see traces of the shorelines, representing different levels of the receding lake, etched into the mountains surrounding the salt flats. Wind and water combine to create the flat surface of salt. Each winter, a shallow layer of standing water floods the surface of the salt flats. During spring and summer, the water slowly evaporates while winds smooth the surface into a vast, nearly perfect flat plain.
Due to its unique geology, history, and scenic beauty, the Bonneville Salt Flats was designated an Area of Critical Environmental Concern in Stay on existing roads or areas designated for vehicles. Despite the appearance of a hard surface, much of the area is a thin salt crust over soft mud. It easily breaks under the weight of a vehicle. Stay off the salt surface when it is covered by water. When wet, the salt surface is soft and easily damaged by vehicles. Furthermore, the salt water is highly corrosive and can "short-out" the electrical system in your vehicle.
Be prepared for desert conditions. Temperatures can exceed degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and drop well below 0 in the winter. There are no facilities or services on the salt flats. Temporary facilities are available during racing events. Overnight stays are prohibited on the salt flats. Camping is encouraged on surrounding public lands. Private campgrounds and hookups are available in nearby Wendover, ten miles west of the Bonneville Salt Flats.
Other accommodations and services are also available in Wendover. Call for more information. Utah's Hogle Zoo. Adventure that is larger than life. Explore the Salt Flats. Bonneville Salt Flats Imagine a place so flat you seem to see the curvature of the planet, so barren not even the simplest life forms can exist. City culture by night. Antelope Island State Park Where the buffalo roam. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium. Little America Hotel Come make memories. Visiting in the winter or spring can be a bit of a surreal experience.
The salt flats are often under a layer of water and have a stunning reflective appearance. Floating island in the distance, a landmark for early wagon trains that crossed north of the island. Once off the freeway, go north. Go right here, and continue to the roads end about 3.
Rishel Peak to the west. The road ends at a turn out surrounded by the salt flats. This is a great spot to have a picnic and wander the salt flats. Register Login. Search Close. Bonneville Salt Flats Wendover.
Note: There is no camping allowed on the salt flats, but the Silver Island Mountains to the west offer excellent primitive camping. Aside from a few weeks a year when racing events occur, usually the flats is a quiet place to visit.
Warning: Do no drive on the salt flats unless you are sure they are dry and can support your vehicle! There are MANY people that venture onto the salt flats when they are wet.