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Bonneville Salt Flats- Utah

  • Writer: Cathy Curti
    Cathy Curti
  • Mar 3
  • 2 min read

Updated: Mar 4




Driving from Utah to Nevada, we had the opportunity to stop at the Bonneville Salt Flats. Normally, we make side trips without the rig due to parking and its size. There is a rest stop with big rig parking along the flats called the Salt Flats Rest Area. If going westbound, you have better access to the flats for walking out on; the eastbound side only has a viewing platform from what we could see.


The drive along the flats was pretty cool to see nothing but white salt fields for miles straddling either side of the highway. When we arrived at the rest stop, there is access to walk out onto the flats. We didn't wander far as we had a full drive day ahead till our next destination, so we snapped off a few pics and hit the road again.








Visiting and driving on the Salt Flats is free, unless there is a permitted event. No overnight camping on the salt flats. No driving vehicles on salt flats when wet or flooded. Go to: https://www.blm.gov/visit/bonneville-salt-flats for more information.


The best time of year to visit the Bonneville Salt Flats depends on what things you want to do. If you want to drive onto the salt flats, try to go during the dry season, which is June through August. We visited in March and the flats were hard-packed; it just depends on the weather, I guess.


We did not see drive-out access points from the rest stop, so we have looked up the access point online and provided directions for you:


To drive to the Bonneville Salt Flats, take Exit 4 from Interstate 80 near Wendover, Utah, then follow the signs to the Speedway. 


Directions 

  1. Take Exit 4 from I-80

  2. Head north and follow the signs to the Speedway

  3. Turn right on Leppy Pass Road toward the flats

  4. Drive to the parking area at the end of the road


Driving on the flats

  • Driving on the salt flats is permitted when the surface is dry 

  • Driving on the salt flats is at your own risk 

  • You should let someone know where you are and when you plan to return 

  • Avoid driving along the edge of the salt crust 

  • Vehicles can easily sink and become stuck in the soft. All vehicles should be equipped with a spare tire, tools, and supplies to deal with emergencies 


It was worth the stop to see it, that's another check mark on the bucket list!


The drive from Utah to Nevada was pretty sepctacular too!



~Life is short and the world is wide ~


Bill & Cat





 
 
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