RoadAtlas
Bonneville Salt Flats — United States — Desert
North America

Bonneville Salt Flats

United States

Point-to-point
Salt Lake City Wendover

In short: Bonneville Salt Flats is a 200 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
200 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
Follow the direct Saltair–Bonneville–Wendover I-80 line. Check the BLM 2026 event schedule and live closures: enter the salt only when completely dry, avoid thin edge crust and mud, stay within permitted access during events, and assume self-rescue may be necessary. Wash corrosive salt from the vehicle immediately afterward and carry water and fuel.

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Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1Salt Lake City to Great Saltair, Bonneville Salt Flats, and Wendover

Great Saltair · Bonneville Salt Flats International Speedway · Red Iguana

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 (separate day only) — Nature — Bonneville Salt Flats — United States
Nature
Antelope Island (separate day only)
A substantial northbound detour that must not be inserted into the Salt Lake City-to-Wendover corridor day.
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.

Nearby and similar drives

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Bonneville Salt Flats drive?

The Bonneville Salt Flats covers 200 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.

How difficult is the Bonneville Salt Flats to drive?

The Bonneville Salt Flats is rated easy and is best handled with any vehicle.

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?

Follow the direct Saltair–Bonneville–Wendover I-80 line. Check the BLM 2026 event schedule and live closures: enter the salt only when completely dry, avoid thin edge crust and mud, stay within permitted access during events, and assume self-rescue may be necessary. Wash corrosive salt from the vehicle immediately afterward and carry water and fuel.

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.