Bonneville Salt Flats — Local services in Four Corners States

My journey to the Bonneville Salt Flats a few years back coincided with the exhilarating race week, a serendipitous timing that offered an experience filled with adrenaline and awe. The vast expanse of white salt under the Utah sun, coupled with the roar of engines speeding past, created an ambiance unlike any other I've encountered in my travels.

The variety of vehicles, from sleek cars designed for speed to bikes that seemed to barely touch the ground, provided a spectacle that was both diverse and thrilling. Watching these machines and their daring drivers chase down records on the salt flats' seemingly endless horizon was a thrill that's hard to put into words. The sense of speed and freedom is palpable, making it a unique attraction for speed enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

For those planning a visit, especially with a travel trailer or RV, take note that while camping directly on the flats is not permitted, there are ample opportunities for camping on a hill to the west end of the flats. The further up the hill you venture, the more solitude you'll find, with fewer people and more private spots. The paved road eventually gives way to dirt, but I found it quite easy to navigate to a spot where the unfolding races could be comfortably viewed right from my trailer, awning extended and chairs out.

A couple of tips for future visitors:

-If you're visiting during race week, prepare for the sun and bring plenty of water. The flats are beautiful but offer little in the way of shade. -Make sure your camera is ready and your phone's storage is empty because you'll want to capture every moment of this unique landscape and the thrilling races. -Check the event schedule ahead of time to plan your visit during the races, but also allow time to explore the salt flats on non-race days. The sheer beauty and vastness of the area are worth experiencing in tranquility as well. -Bring bikes or scooters, so much fun to ride around. We had a couple of e-scooters and it was wonderful to have to navigate the race course without moving our truck & trailer.

The Bonneville Salt Flats are a testament to nature's wonders and human ingenuity's pursuit of speed. Whether you're an avid motorsport fan or simply in search of a landscape that defies the ordinary, this place is a must-visit. My experience there, especially during race week, remains a highlight of my travels, offering both the thrill of the races and the peaceful beauty of the Utah desert. I would love to visit again one day when there is no activity to compare and contrast the...

Amazing place to visit. Was there 5/3/2021. Weather great, a perfect sunny days. Driving through the shallow waterway that divided the vast salt flats and the parking area off Highway 80 West. Only 1.5 ft depth an easy drive and some people walked through to other side. We saw 2 seperate gatherings assembling. As we got close I noticed photo equipment and a soon to be Bride having her photos taken. This is such a large piece of flat, pristine land that absorbs all that vsits. We realized after driving about 3 miles straight out from where we entered, we drove to a large mound of Salt that encircled the area for visitors. We climbed onto the wall to see what was on the other side. To our surprise it was the actual Speedway that is the legendary place where land speed test are performed and recorded. We drove back to the Highway and drove west another 2-3 miles before seeing a lonesome Speedway sign next exit. Taking the next exit only to see a gas station and small market. Driving a mile or so after exiting, driving on a smooth fresh 2 lane asphalt road until it dead ends to the iconic sign marking BONNEVILLE SPEEDWAY. A simple drop on and your on the famous salt flats that goes on for miles as far as your eyes can see. Noticing small black objects moving in the distance turns out to be various full size vehicles and large vehicles carrying tourists across the speedway. We drove 5 miles straight out onto this perfectly groomed salt flats, sun casting down making this area glisten like diamonds. We spent over 2 hours exploring this incredible place on earth. Worth a visit for all, as we drove back to the main road we passed yet another gathering assembling for another wedding. A perfect spot for many occasions. Although you would have to bring everything in and out with you. The environment is like stepping onto an ice rink except your skates are a vehicle, the weather is nice,and it's salt not ice. Absolutely incredible experience...

The Bonneville Salt Flats, an unexpected detour before a late flight with no solid plans. You know, one of those "why not?" moments. The drive from Salt Lake City is a smooth 1.5 hours, with the speedometer happily hitting 80 on Highway 80.

Arriving with no real expectations, we found ourselves at a rest area alongside other curious souls. It's vast, a bit like stepping onto another planet. We ventured out into the plains, but the biting wind and cold had the kids voting for a quick retreat after a few snapshots.

I noticed some daring adventurers driving straight onto the flats. A quick Google search later, and we discovered a safer entry point about 15 minutes away, near a gas station.

There we found the official gateway to the salt kingdom.Nervously, we nudged our rental Kia Soul onto the salt. Once confident, I let loose a bit, hitting 80 mph, doing donuts, and carving crazy eights. It was exhilarating, this surreal dance on nature's stark white canvas. But, wisdom prevailed, and we didn't stray too far, content with our brief salt flat rally.

On the way back, we stumbled upon a newly paved road leading to a ranch. While the ranch wasn't our destination, the climb to the top of the first mountain offered a stunning panoramic view of the flats. Definitely a worthy detour.

The final pit stop was the gas station for a fuel top-up and a few souvenirs. As we journeyed back, I reflected on the experience. Would I do it again? Probably not. But to witness the stark, otherworldly beauty of the Bonneville Salt Flats just once?...