Utah is full of vast, untouched places, and the Bonneville Salt Flats is no exception. These salt flats cover 30,000 acres…and are simply stunning. Sure, it’s a barren place, but you’ll want to visit anyway. Here’s why:
Visit the salt flats by parking at the rest stop 10 miles east of Wendover. You’ll find restrooms, plenty of parking and a water spray station to rinse the salt off yourself after you’re done playing.
loonyhiker/flickr
Lake Bonneville once covered almost one-third of Utah (and several parts of other states, too). All that’s left of the lake now is the Great Salt Lake, and the Bonneville Salt Flats.
Tom Kelly/flickr
Much of the Salt Flats are uninhabitable. Nothing can grow in this hard-packed salt.
Andrea Dunlap/flickr
In the winter, the Salt Flats are flooded by a shallow layer of water. The water evaporates in the spring and the wind blows across the flats, spreading them smooth again.
M01229/flickr
The wide-open skies contrast beautifully with the endless stretch of hard-packed salt flats.
Max Ellman/flickr
Play “fetch” with your pup - there’s plenty of space for him to run here, and no cars to worry about.
Eric Fredericks/flickr
Metaphor: The Tree of Utah, by Karl Momen is a cool, interesting land sculpture. Check it out, then argue with your travel buddies about what it means.
Tom Kelly/flickr
Leave a note for your sweetheart.
Joshua Shinavier/flickr
Dance and frolic in this wide-open space. Feel free to let loose…there’s probably no one around to see you!
Amanda Stegell/flickr
Practice your favorite yoga pose.
donireewalker/flickr
Watch the craziness of Speed Week at Bonneville Speedway, where vehicles break land speed records. The Speedway is near Wendover.
Eric Ward/flickr
Visit as the sun is rising or setting for some truly remarkable scenery.
Dimitry B./flickr
Enjoy the feeling of complete and total solitude.
Andrea Dunlap/flickr
If you plan to visit the Bonneville Salt Flats, be prepared for harsh conditions. Take plenty of water (or stock up at the rest stop). During summer months, slather on the sunscreen, wear a hat and expect temperatures in the low 100s. In the winter, temperatures here can dip to below zero. Don’t stray too far from your car!
loonyhiker/flickr
Tom Kelly/flickr
Andrea Dunlap/flickr
M01229/flickr
Max Ellman/flickr
Eric Fredericks/flickr
Joshua Shinavier/flickr
Amanda Stegell/flickr
donireewalker/flickr
Eric Ward/flickr
Dimitry B./flickr
Please don’t drive across the flats; though the crust is hard, the weight of a vehicle can break it. Definitely keep your car off the flats when they’re covered with water – not only could you get stuck, but the salt water will quickly corrode the electrical system in your car.
Would you like to see more of Utah’s vast terrain? Check out these 12 Scenic Overlooks!
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