The Bonneville Salt Flats stretch for miles across Utah’s Great Salt Lake desert, creating one of the most unusual landscapes in the American West. Visit the salt flats for its otherworldly scenery and photographic effects, then see the Bonneville Speedway, where land-speed records have been set for decades.
Our guide covers everything you need to know to visit and photograph this natural wonder.
Table of Contents
What are Bonneville Salt Flats?
These Utah salt flats are a remnant of Lake Bonneville, an Ice Age lake which covered this region between 30,000 and 13,000 years ago. Yes, the salt flats are composed of salt, approximately 90% common table salt. The salt is up to 5 feet (1.5 metres) thick near the center of the flats, tapering to a layer as thin as an inch thick at its edges.
The salt flats cover an area roughly 12 miles long and 5 miles wide. It has been suggested that the curvature of the earth is visible here with the naked eye.
The Bonneville Salt Flats are by no means the only or the largest salt flats in the world. There are many but what sets Bonneville Salt Flats apart is that they are very accessible with US Interstate 80 runs through them and they are public lands, for the most part.
Why visit Bonneville Salt Flats?
There are a number of reasons to visit this unique place.
- Photographers visit for the unique optical effects of such a flat, white sunny location.
- Racing enthusiasts visit to watch racers attempt to set speed records. Many have been set at Bonneville Speedway over the years.
- Driving on the smooth, hard salt surface is a unique experience. Driving on the flats is prohibited when they are wet. Signs are posted when driving is not allowed.
- Many visit for the unique scenery, particularly at sunset.
Is there a fee to visit Bonneville Salt Flats?
The Bonneville Salt Flats are open to the public all year and free to visit and for personal photography.
Filming permits are required for commercial photography.
Bonneville Salt Flats Photography Locations
With a landscape of white salt that seems to go on forever, the Bonneville Salt Flats are tough to beat for great photography. The two best locations for salt flats photography are easily accessible by car.
Salt Flats Rest Area (Westbound I-80)
This was our first stop and the easiest spot to visit. We spent 30 minutes walking around and taking photos. The mountains in the background provide some epic shots. There are restrooms and an outdoor water spout to help wash the salt off. There are no manned concessions.
Bonneville Speedway Viewpoint
The second stop is just a short drive away. Continue west on I-80 and take the next exit (Exit 4). Drive north on Bonneville Speedway Road. Keep to the right at the fork. Bonneville Speedway Road ends at a cul-de-sac with a viewing area and plenty of parking. We spent another 30 minutes taking even more photos.
Navigational note: Google maps denotes this spot as Bonneville Salt Flats International Raceway
Bonneville Salt Flats Map
Parking Location #1. Salt Flats Rest Area
Parking Location #2. Bonneville Speedway Viewpoint
Best Time to Visit Bonneville Salt Flats
The best time of year to visit depends on your reason for visiting Bonneville Salt Flats.
For those looking to drive on the salt flats or watch races, the flats must be dry. Driving is not permitted when the flats are wet. Dry season is typically June through August but the flats could be dry at other times of the year depending on the weather.
For photographers, depending on the effect you are looking for, you may want the flats dry or wet.
Dry Flats Photography
Summer is the best time to visit the Bonneville Salt Flats. Generally the flats are dry and you can walk on them. The dry, white flats are great for individual or couple portrait photography. Some photographers bring along props to create intriguing horizon perspective shots. With the exception of large rainstorms, the flats usually stay dry all summer.
There are always sections of dry salt flats for photos (even when the main flats are wet). During our October visit, why most of the flats were wet, we pulled off along the Bonneville Speedway Road for some dry salt flat shots.
Wet Flats Photography – Mirror Effect
The flats create a ‘mirror effect’ when flooded with water. The best “west flats” photography is usually September through November though the flats can be wet at other times of the year.
Personally, I loved the wet conditions when we visited. We got great photos with the water reflecting the mountains.
Best time of day to visit Bonneville Salt Flats
The best lighting conditions for photography are found around sunrise or sunset no matter which season you visit in. If that time of day isn’t possible, visit in the afternoon to avoid mid-day’s bright and directly overhead sun.
You cannot beat the Bonneville Salt Flats for night sky photos. With very little light pollution, you’ll see the Milky Way and thousands of stars. Remember to face away from Wendover to have the darkest sky possible.
Current Conditions at Bonneville Salt Flats
Due to rainfall and flooding, there is no guarantee whether the flats have water on them or not. We recommend checking conditions checking the University of Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats Weather Station Camera images before you head out.
Weather at Bonneville Salt Flats
The summer months are hot. For a summer visit, we recommend a morning or late afternoon visit as midday temperatures average 92 °F (33 °C) in August. Wear plenty of sunscreen. Remember UV ray exposure comes both from the sun directly AND from the reflections off the salt flat.
Our visit in October was very pleasant. The average daytime temperature in October is 64 °F (17.5 °C).
In all seasons, remember that there is no shelter on the Bonneville Salt Flats. The flat, open terrain is prone to extreme wind gusts.
Weather on the flats can be unpredictable. Be prepared for any type of weather (extreme heat, wind, water and cold in the winter) by checking the current weather before you leave.
Can I visit Bonneville Salt Flats in Winter?
Yes, but January temperatures average only a few degrees above freezing. It will be cold so plan accordingly or a visit may not be very enjoyable.
Directions to Bonneville Salt Flats
Take I-80 from Salt Lake City to the Salt Flats. This drive is about 1.5 hours. Top up the gas tank and bring food/snacks as there are no services along the route.
Sadly, there’s not much to see along the way. We did snap a quick photo of the Tree of Life as we drove down the highway. This abstract sculpture was created and built by artist Karl Momen, who wanted to add some color to the stark salt landscape. Unfortunately there is no proper exit at this site so take care when stopping.
Once you have your amazing photos at the salt flats, there are a couple options before returning to Salt Lake City, east on I-80. Drive west to the town of Wendover for fast food and fuel and to visit the local casinos. We turned east immediately, stopping at the Salt Flats Rest Area Eastbound to use the facilities and get one last stretch before the drive back to Salt Lake City.
Bonneville Speedway
Many world land speed records have been set at the Bonneville Speedway, a US historical landmark. Several annual land speed events take place at the Bonneville Salt Flats. The most famous event is Bonneville “Speed Week” which takes place in mid-August.
What are the canals of blue water on Bonneville Salt Flats?
Part of the salt flats are leased for commercial potash mining. The blue canals, which stretch for miles next to the white salt flats, are used for wastewater from the mining of potash for fertilizer. They may be beautiful but are not for recreation and not open to the public whatsoever. For your health and safety, do not enter, swim, float, kayak, or canoe in these industrial canals
Can I Drive on Bonneville Salt Flats?
Yes, the Bureau of Land Management, the government agency that manages the salt flats, allows the driving of vehicles on the dry salt flats. Many people love to get photos of their vehicles on the salt flats. The flats are closed for vehicle access when the flats are wet, which is typically during the spring. Signs are posted during closure periods.
However, in general, driving on the Bonneville Salt Flats is not recommended. This is especially true when the flats are wet or at night. Salt is extremely corrosive to vehicles and there’s also the risk of getting stuck. The fragile salt crust is easily damaged when the flats are driven on when wet.
The local joke is that the second most lucrative business in the town of Wendover, after the casinos, is the tow truck business. They pull many stuck tourists out of the salt flats. My advice? Stay on the paved surface.
Can I Camp at Bonneville Salt Flats?
No. Overnight camping is not permitted. The Bonneville Salt Flats is a day use area only.
Primitive camping is permitted on adjacent lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, such as Silver Island Mountains on Leppy Pass Road. Serviced campsites are available at West Wendover KOA.
The Great Saltair – An Alternative ‘Salt’ Photography Location
For some visitors, the +3-hour, round-trip drive from Salt Lake City to the Bonneville Salt Flats is just too far away. An alternative place to take ‘salt’ photos is located near The Great Saltair. This music hall and amphitheater is located an easy 20 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City. Park in the parking lot. Walk behind the hall to a large area of salt/sand mix. This location lacks the unique salt crust texture of Bonneville, but it still provides some beautiful white landscape compositions, including amazing sunsets over Great Salt Lake.
Salt Lake City in One Day
Be sure to check out our guide to a day in Salt Lake City. We provide the details to explore downtown Salt Lake City’s outstanding architecture and its beautiful parks.
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