Bonneville Salt Flats
A vast, surreal expanse of salt, famous for its flatness and stunning mirror reflections after rain.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
For stunning mirror reflections
Bonneville Salt Flats
Best Time
For stunning mirror reflections

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast, surreal expanse of salt, famous for its flatness and stunning mirror reflections after rain.
"Feels other-worldly. Love traveling and seeing things and knowing that I can mark them off a list."
🚗 Drive Carefully on Flats
Only drive on dry salt. Wet salt can damage vehicles. Stick to designated areas.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
The sun's reflection is intense. Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Great Mirror
After rainfall
Witness a surreal, vast mirror reflecting the sky. A photographer's dream!

Endless Flatness
Main driving areas
Experience the illusion of infinite flatness. Perfect for unique car photos.

Crystal Formations
Various spots on the flats
Discover intricate salt crystals, sometimes forming unique shapes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for That Mirror Effect
Prepare for the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive Carefully on Flats
Only drive on dry salt. Wet salt can damage vehicles. Stick to designated areas.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
The sun's reflection is intense. Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.
📸 Capture Unique Photos
The vast, flat landscape is perfect for creative photography, especially with cars.
💧 Check for Water Beforehand
Wet salt flats offer amazing reflections but may restrict driving.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive Carefully on Flats
Only drive on dry salt. Wet salt can damage vehicles. Stick to designated areas.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
The sun's reflection is intense. Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.
📸 Capture Unique Photos
The vast, flat landscape is perfect for creative photography, especially with cars.
💧 Check for Water Beforehand
Wet salt flats offer amazing reflections but may restrict driving.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Salt can stick to shoes and be abrasive. Closed-toe shoes are best.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently describe the Bonneville Salt Flats as a unique, otherworldly, and surreal experience. The vast, flat landscape and potential for mirror-like reflections after rain are major highlights. While some find it a bit barren, most agree it's a memorable stop that makes you appreciate the diversity of Earth's landscapes.
"It’s definitely a unique experience. We drove out on the flats about 3 miles and the salt goes from being like concrete to small balls of salt. If it is wet you are not permitted to drive out on it. We went on a Friday around noon and there were only a few other people out on the flats. The salt sticks to your shoes (I have a pic on here to show it). If you plan on being there more than 30 minutes make sure you have sunscreen on. It’s easy to drive out on but they do recommend a four wheel drive vehicle. It is free admittance."
Darcy Partington
"The strangest place I've seen yet.
Feels other-worldly.
Love traveling and seeing things and knowing that I can mark them off a list I didn't know I was running.
Places like this make us stop and reflect on how amazing the world we live in really is, with so much diversity of landscape.
Def a once in a lifetime look-see for everyone."
Lea Rose Bell
"Do not go through life without seeing the awesome flatness, hardness, and unparalleled fun that the Bonneville Salt Flats offer. Take your car, take your bike, take your truck, doesn't matter that all feel fast here!"
Jennifer C
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Bonneville Salt Flats are located west of Salt Lake City, Utah, directly off Interstate 80. Look for the rest area or designated access points. Many visitors use GPS coordinates for the Bonneville Salt Flats location.
While there isn't a traditional visitor center with staff, there are rest areas along I-80 that provide access and information boards. The closest towns with services are Wendover, Nevada, and Grantsville, Utah.
Yes, you can drive on the Bonneville Salt Flats, but only when the salt is dry. Wet salt can be slippery and damaging to vehicles. Always check conditions before attempting to drive out onto the flats.
For a quick stop, aim for the main access points off I-80. You can drive a short distance onto the flats (if dry) for photos and to experience the unique landscape. An hour is usually sufficient for a brief visit.
Lodging options are limited directly at the flats. The closest town with hotels is Wendover, Nevada, which is about a 30-minute drive west. You can also find hotels in Salt Lake City, about a 90-minute drive east.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the Bonneville Salt Flats is completely free. It's a public land area managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
The Bonneville Salt Flats are open 24 hours a day, year-round. However, accessibility can be affected by weather conditions, especially snow in winter or water after rain.
There is no entrance fee to visit the Bonneville Salt Flats. It is a free public access area.
Camping is generally not permitted directly on the salt flats themselves. However, there are campgrounds and lodging options in nearby towns like Wendover, Nevada.
Check weather and road conditions before you go. The flats can be wet and inaccessible after rain, or covered in snow during winter. Always prioritize safety and respect the fragile salt crust.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'mirror effect' after rain creates incredible reflections. Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful golden hour light. Midday sun can be harsh but is good for stark, high-contrast shots.
Experiment with perspective! Use the flatness to create optical illusions, shoot reflections in wet salt, or incorporate your vehicle for scale. Drone footage can capture the vastness.
The entire expanse is a photo opportunity. Many visitors drive out onto the flats to find their perfect spot. The area near the I-80 access points is a good starting point.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscape. If you have a drone, it can provide stunning aerial views. Don't forget a polarizing filter to manage glare.
Absolutely! The unique landscape makes for dramatic and memorable senior photos. Many photographers choose this location for its otherworldly feel.
🎫 🚗 Onsite Experience
The main activity is experiencing the vast, flat landscape. You can drive on the dry flats, take photos, and enjoy the surreal, otherworldly scenery. Some visitors look for unique salt crystal formations.
For a quick stop to stretch your legs and take a few photos, 30 minutes to an hour is usually sufficient. If you plan on extensive photography or driving further out, allow 2-3 hours.
Driving is safe on dry, compacted salt. Avoid driving on wet or muddy salt, as it can be treacherous and damage your vehicle. Stick to established driving paths.
Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes as the salt can be abrasive. Bring layers of clothing as temperatures can change. Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen) is essential due to intense glare.
Collecting salt is generally discouraged to preserve the natural environment. While small amounts might be permissible for personal use, large-scale collection is not allowed.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a fun activity, bring a toy car or truck to 'race' across the flats (if dry) or have them imagine they're on another planet. Remember to pack plenty of sunscreen, hats, and water, as there's no shade. Closed-toe shoes are a must to protect little feet from the salt. If you visit after rain, the mirror effect can be magical for kids, making them feel like they're walking on the sky.
🚗 Road Trippers & Car Enthusiasts
When the salt is dry, you can drive directly onto the flats, creating the illusion of endless roads. This is also the legendary home of land speed racing, where records are broken at astonishing speeds. Even if you're not a racer, experiencing the 'fastest place on Earth' from a personal vehicle is a thrill. Just be sure to check conditions; driving on wet salt can be hazardous and damaging to your car.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Science Behind the Salt
This extreme flatness has made the Bonneville Salt Flats famous for land speed racing. The sheer lack of elevation change allows vehicles to reach incredible speeds, earning it the nickname 'The Fastest Place on Earth.' Racers from around the globe come here to test the limits of their machines, pushing speeds well over 400 miles per hour.
While the flats are most famous for their dry, hard surface, they can also transform dramatically after rainfall. When water pools on the salt crust, it creates a stunning mirror effect, reflecting the sky and clouds with breathtaking clarity. This phenomenon is a major draw for photographers and visitors seeking a truly surreal experience.
Photography Tips for the Flats
Beyond reflections, the sheer flatness of the landscape is a key photographic element. Use this to your advantage by playing with perspective. Low angles can make subjects appear to float, while wide-angle lenses emphasize the vastness. Incorporating elements like vehicles, people, or even a simple prop can add scale and interest to your shots. Don't be afraid to experiment with long exposures to capture the movement of clouds or light trails from passing cars.
Remember to protect your gear from the abrasive salt and intense sun. A polarizing filter can help manage glare and enhance the sky's colors. If you're driving onto the flats, ensure your vehicle is suitable for the conditions and be mindful of the fragile salt crust. For truly epic shots, consider a drone to capture the immense scale of this otherworldly landscape.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit