Bonneville Salt Flats International Raceway — Attraction in Wendover

I think this is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. The mountains seem to rise straight out of the salt and the sunlight has an almost mystical quality, especially at sunrise and sunset. I've taken several thousand photographs here and always look forward to going back for more.

One of the major events held here is the World Of Speed, sponsored by the Utah Salt Flats Racing Association (USFRA - check out their website). It's an annual event held on the weekend after Labor day in September. If you like anything with wheels and motors this is a must see, bucket list item. People come from all over the world, bringing all kinds of vehicles, to race against the clock attempting to set a new speed record in their class. I've posted a few pictures to give you an idea of the variety of competitors - everything from street rods, motorcycles and streamliners to bar stools. It is run by volunteers (who do an excellent job) so it feels like a well organized, neighborhood event. During the day this is definitely not a party crowd. Safety is their number one concern.

I've attended six World Of Speed events so I'll offer some tips here that may be helpful... Dress for the desert. Shorts and tee shirts are ok if you have plenty of sunscreen and don''t sunburn easily, but a wide brim hat and sunglasses are mandatory. The temperature is usually in the 80's. Mornings can be much cooler so bring a sweatshirt or light jacket to keep comfortable. Bring ear protection. There are lots of loud machines in operation. This is probably not a popular event for small children. They will be a lot happier playing in the casino's swimming pool. For the safety of the competitors, please leave pets at home.

Accomodations and food are available at the casinos in Wendover at reasonable prices; you will want to book early in the year because they sell out fast. There are also places to camp out or park RV's if you are the outdoor type.

You can participate in the competition and get your name in the record book if you have a car that you think will go 130mph in a mile from a standing start. I did it a week before my 80th brthday two years ago. Great Fun. Check out the rules for the 130 club on the...

We visited the Salt Flats on Saturday, June 30, 2018. It wasn't race week but there were still a few amateurs driving around. First we went in to Wendover for a bite at Arby's (and to use the bathroom). Then we drove out onto the salt by way of Exit 4 on I-80, Leepy Pass Road. Bear right onto Bonneville Speedway Road and follow until the end. From there you just keep driving off the end of the road and onto the salt.

We drove out for a while, circled around, and stopped. We opened up the camper, set up a little folding table and a couple lawn chairs and were set for the evening. It was about 9:00 when we got there and it took a little while for the sun to go down; plenty of time for pictures. We sat in our chairs and just watched the darkness settle in. As soon as the sun went down it cooled off and we covered up with blankets. Oh, and there was plenty of signal, so everyone was surfing and posting, while we sat and took it all in.

There were no clouds in the sky so the sunset was deep blue and purple. The salt in the distance also had a blue hue, making the sky and ground blend together into sort of an other-worldly moonscape.

Soon the sky was dark and we could see the stars and the Milky Way. Meteors and satellites were easy to spot in the wide dark sky, and we kept entertained just sitting and looking up. We could also see distant light in the east from SLC. Around 11 we spotted another glow on the horizon and then the waning gibbous moon rose, big and almost round, first red, then orange and finally ashy-white.

It had been a long day of driving for me, so I was off to bed by midnight, but if anyone wanted to stay up there was plenty of moonlight reflected up off of the salt to see by. The air was dry and cool; perfect sleeping weather.

I was the first up on Sunday AM, before sunrise. I walked off a little ways and got a shot of the camper under the moon, now to the west.

The sunrise was fierce with all that white. I set up my stove and made some coffee while the others slept. The morning sun made the mountains look just like the Patagonia emblem.

Soon it was warm again. The others got up, we all ate some cereal, then we packed everything up and drove off. It was a memorable night in an...

The Bonneville Salt Flats International Raceway is one of the most extraordinary and unique destinations you’ll ever visit. Located in northwestern Utah, this otherworldly expanse of flat, white salt stretching as far as the eye can see is truly a sight to behold. For anyone interested in motorsports, speed, or simply experiencing a place unlike any other on Earth, the Salt Flats is an absolute must-see.The raceway is famous for its perfectly flat, hard surface, which has made it the ideal location for setting land speed records. The sense of history here is palpable—this is the place where legends like Malcolm Campbell, Craig Breedlove, and more recently, teams from all over the world, have pushed the boundaries of what’s possible on four wheels. Standing on the salt, you can almost hear the echoes of engines roaring at full throttle as they race toward the horizon.But even if you’re not a speed enthusiast, the Bonneville Salt Flats offer a stunning experience. The vast, surreal landscape is perfect for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset when the sky reflects off the salt, creating an ethereal mirror effect. Walking out onto the salt feels like stepping onto another planet, and it’s a humbling reminder of the natural wonders that exist in our world.Visiting the Salt Flats is a truly unique experience. However, it’s important to be prepared. The area is remote, and there are no facilities, so bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and anything else you might need. The conditions can be extreme, with the sun’s reflection off the salt being particularly intense.In conclusion, the Bonneville Salt Flats International Raceway is more than just a race track—it’s a symbol of human ambition and the pursuit of speed. It’s a place where history is made, and the beauty of the natural world is on full display. Whether you’re a racing fan or a lover of unique landscapes, this is a destination that will leave a...