The Amazing Salt Flats of Bonneville, Utah

Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah are truly like from another world! If you are driving by it is definitely worth a stop especially on a sunny day.

On our recent road trip we decided to stop at Bonneville Salt Flats to snap some photos. On a clear, sunny weather they look amazing, and it’s a fun and quick stop not far from the main street.

This was not our first time to Bonneville as we have done the drive from California to Utah and back many times. But when we were there last time it was a cloudy day. Our pictures didn’t look so good and the whole place just looked very different. So this time we crossed our fingers hoping, that once we reach Bonneville the sun would be shining.

Bonneville Salt Flats are right on the border of Utah and Nevada on Interstate 80. You can see the salt on the freeway and there is a parking lot to view them along the road in both sides.

What is Bonneville Salt Flats

Bonneville Salt Flats, or so called salt pan was born when a lake evaporated and left behind a layer of salt. Over thousands of years ago more than half of Utah was covered by a lake. When it dried up, Lake Bonneville and Great Salt Lake were formed. These salt flats are what once was the bottom of the Lake Bonneville.

At its thickest, the salt layer at Bonneville is 1,8 metres (70.86 inches) thick. But the looks can be deceiving and the salt layer is often fragile as there is mostly just mud under the salt. So be careful especially if you decide to take your car on the salt.

People like to drive there as the Bonneville Speedway is famous for record breaking land speeds during Speed Week and it gets televised to many countries. However, in the last few years they had to cancel due to the salt layer getting too thin.

Visiting Bonneville Salt Flats

The beginning of our trip didn’t look very promising regarding the sun because right after we left, it started snowing. Everywhere we looked the sky looked grey. It wasn’t before we had passed Salt Lake City, and we were driving along the Great Salt Lake, that we would see some glimpses of the sun.

The first sign of the salt flats ahead was the Morton Salt Factory which we saw by the road. Morton is a popular salt brand in the U.S..

When we finally reached the salt desert, the sky was crystal clear. But it was crazy windy and the wind had blown some sand on top of the salt. So now when the sky was not grey anymore, the salt flat was. What a disappointment.

Finally we managed to find a spot where the salt was shining pure white under the sun. And it happened to be right at the rest area, so we parked and headed out.

Instead of parking, many people drove further on top of the salt. That is what we did last time too, but this time we wanted to spare our car from the salt. We walked a little bit to take some photos and then turned back.

We probably would have spent more time there if the wind wasn’t so bad. By looking at the photos one probably can’t imagine how freezing cold it actually was at the salt flats.

And here is the most important tip to everyone: If you see a spot to stop while driving there, use it! There is no way to turn back on the freeway unless you drive miles and miles ahead or make an illegal turn.

The salt flats always look amazing, but there really isn’t anything else there. So I don’t think I would drive all the way there just to see the salt. If you want to feel like a tourist, the gas station close by sells some souvenirs and postcards. But we were happy that we had something to see on our drive back home to California!

🧂🧂🧂

The closest town to the Bonneville Salt Flats is West Wendover where we stopped for lunch. And if you are looking for some coffee like we were, the only Starbucks in town is inside of a casino. And that’s how you know you have just arrived to Nevada!

We then continued our drive toward Winnemucca where we had a hotel reservation like we always do on these trips. It is located about a half way from Utah to California.

We have done this drive from California to Utah and back multiple times, and can promise you that despite of the Bonneville Salt Flats, the journey Interstate 80 is quite boring. So if you feel adventurous at all, then consider returning via Highway 50 a.k.a. the Loneliest Road in America.

But if you decide to drive through the Highway 50 make sure you have plenty of time. You definitely want to stop at the Great Basin National Park at least, and there are many other fun places along it too.

Or you could go around the Great Salt Lake on your return trip. On one our trips we visited Golden Spike National Historic Park and it was very interesting.

Have a safe drive everyone!