The nearby town of Wendover, Nevada, has all the amenities one could wish for. Those seeking quiet and solitude on the Salt Flats should check ahead of time, and plan their adventure when these races are not happening. During these times, the Salt Flats become infested with the buzzing of engines and those looking to see the world's fastest vehicles. 'Speed Week', as it is called, is a series of landspeed-record-breaking races over the course of a week, several times per year. Several times a year, the Bonneville Salt Flats are home to the fastest cars and motorcycles in the world. Overnight stays are possible on the Salt Flats, but make sure you have a thick tarp to put under your sleeping area to avoid salt residue. Twilight and night time photography opportunities are one-of-a-kind. The Salt Flats are far enough away from Salt Lake City to be free of its light pollution. A thin layer of water will cover the salt, turning the whole landscape into a giant mirror. Photographic opportunities can become amazing after a rain storm. Storms can roll in unexpectedly as well, bringing high winds and torrential rain. Getting turned around in a featureless, white land is easier than one would think. Never venture out of sight of your car or other directional landmark, either. The Salt Flats are a harsh and desolate landscape, be sure to have ample water and sunscreen. The salt surface also corrodes the metal on vehicles very quickly. Some areas are stable and supportable to drive on, but others are a deceptively thin layer of salt over vehicle-stopping mud.

From there, park and adventure into this bizarre landscape to your heart's content.Ĭars are allowed on the Salt Flats, but beware. This turn leads to a road that ends in a cul-de-sac on the southern border of the Salt Flats. After driving west on I-80 from Salt Lake City for about 122 miles, you will see signs for a turn-off to the Bonneville Speedway. The Bonneville Salt Flats are located just north of I-80, and just on the Utah side of the Utah/Nevada border.

This alien world is one of the most incredible destinations Utah has to offer, and it is accessible right from the comfort of your car. Imagine a brilliantly white landscape so flat that you can see the curvature of the earth, coupled with distant mountain peaks rising in the distance. The Bonneville Salt Flats are unlike anywhere else in the world. Easily accessible (~122 miles from Salt Lake City).

Bonneville salt flats night