RoadAtlas
Bonneville Salt Flats — United States — Desert
North America

Bonneville Salt Flats

United States

In short: Bonneville Salt Flats is a 250 km desert road trip in United States, typically driven over 1–2 days, best in Jul–Oct. Highlights: Salt Lake City, Saltair, Bonneville Salt Flats.

Distance
250 km
Duration
1–2 days
Best Season
Jul–Oct
NotableEasyDesert

The remnant of ancient Lake Bonneville, 200km² of blinding white salt crust where land speed records are broken and the curvature of the Earth is visible to the naked eye. I-80 is one of the straightest, most surreal roads in America.

Practical notes
I-80 is straightforward in dry weather, but the salt flats can flood after rain and roadside pull-offs may close when the surface is wet. Summer heat is intense and there is almost no shade or services on the flats, so carry water and fuel up in Salt Lake City or Wendover.
Explore on the interactive map →

Plan this trip

Self-guided audio toursExplore local stories near city stops Hotels for this tripCompare stays before you go Flights for this tripCompare flight options before you go Car rental for this tripCompare rental options before you drive

Third-party planning links may be affiliate links. RoadAtlas stays independent, and you should verify details with the provider.

Stops along the route

Salt Lake City — Departure — Bonneville Salt Flats — United States
Departure
Salt Lake City
The Mormon capital at the foot of the Wasatch Range. The Great Salt Lake and white desert beyond are visible from the Capitol building steps.
Hotels
Wendover — Arrival — Bonneville Salt Flats — United States
Arrival
Wendover
A border town split precisely between Utah and Nevada. Casinos begin at the state line; the salt flats stretch to the horizon behind you.
Hotels

Things to Do

Saltair — Landmark — Bonneville Salt Flats — United States
Landmark
Saltair
The ornate Moorish revival bathhouse on the Great Salt Lake shore. Its brine-soaked beaches mark where the ancient lake once stretched for hundreds of miles.
Bonneville Salt Flats — Nature — Bonneville Salt Flats — United States
Nature
Bonneville Salt Flats
Two hundred square kilometres of blinding white salt crust, remnant of ancient Lake Bonneville. After autumn rains, a perfect mirror of sky and mountains.
Bonneville Speedway — Landmark — Bonneville Salt Flats — United States
Landmark
Bonneville Speedway
Over 600 land-speed records broken here since 1914. The course is so long and flat that at racing speed, the curvature of the Earth is visible ahead.
Utah Museum of Fine Arts — Museum — Bonneville Salt Flats — United States
Museum
Utah Museum of Fine Arts
Explore a diverse collection of art spanning various cultures and time periods in this comprehensive museum.
Antelope Island State Park — Nature — Bonneville Salt Flats — United States
Nature
Antelope Island State Park
Discover scenic hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and stunning views of the Great Salt Lake on this picturesque island.
Bonneville Salt Flats International Speedway — Landmark — Bonneville Salt Flats — United States
Landmark
Bonneville Salt Flats International Speedway
Visit the iconic site where land speed records are set, offering a unique landscape of vast, white salt flats.

Where to Eat

Red Iguana — Mexican — Bonneville Salt Flats — United States
Mexican
Red Iguana
Famous for its authentic mole dishes, this vibrant eatery offers a taste of Mexico in the heart of Salt Lake City.
The Copper Onion — New American — Bonneville Salt Flats — United States
New American
The Copper Onion
A chic spot serving locally sourced dishes with a modern twist, including house-made pastas and gourmet burgers.
The Blue Plate Diner — American Diner — Bonneville Salt Flats — United States
American Diner
The Blue Plate Diner
A retro-style diner known for hearty breakfasts and classic comfort foods, all served in a nostalgic setting.

Explore related routes

United States road trips Notable Desert RoadsHistoric Road TripsWeekend Drives North America routes

Nearby and similar drives

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Bonneville Salt Flats drive?

The Bonneville Salt Flats covers 250 km from start to finish.

How long does the Bonneville Salt Flats take to drive?

Most travellers spend 1–2 days on the Bonneville Salt Flats, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Bonneville Salt Flats?

The recommended season for the Bonneville Salt Flats is Jul–Oct.

Where does the Bonneville Salt Flats start and end?

The Bonneville Salt Flats runs from Salt Lake City to Wendover.

What are the main stops on the Bonneville Salt Flats?

The Bonneville Salt Flats passes through Salt Lake City, Saltair, Bonneville Salt Flats.

Can I drive the Bonneville Salt Flats in a regular car?

Yes — the Bonneville Salt Flats is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

Is the Bonneville Salt Flats safe to drive?

I-80 is straightforward in dry weather, but the salt flats can flood after rain and roadside pull-offs may close when the surface is wet. Summer heat is intense and there is almost no shade or services on the flats, so carry water and fuel up in Salt Lake City or Wendover.

What scenic tier is the Bonneville Salt Flats?

The Bonneville Salt Flats is a notable drive — Notable scenic drives — strong character routes that locals know well and that reward travellers willing to step beyond the most-photographed roads.