Bonneville Salt Flats - a body of water with mountains in the background
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Bonneville Salt Flats

4.8
·2k reviews·Wendover, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

After rain

For stunning mirror reflections

CrowdMedium
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Bonneville Salt Flats - a body of water with mountains in the background

Bonneville Salt Flats

Best Time

After rain

For stunning mirror reflections

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.8
(2k reviews)

"Feels other-worldly. Love traveling and seeing things and knowing that I can mark them off a list."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Great Mirror

The Great Mirror

After rainfall

Witness a surreal, vast mirror reflecting the sky. A photographer's dream!

Endless Flatness

Endless Flatness

Main driving areas

Experience the illusion of infinite flatness. Perfect for unique car photos.

Crystal Formations

Crystal Formations

Various spots on the flats

Discover intricate salt crystals, sometimes forming unique shapes.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for That Mirror Effect

For the iconic 'mirror effect' photos, aim for after rain when water pools on the salt. Check local conditions before you go, as wet salt flats can restrict driving. Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds.

Prepare for the Elements

The Bonneville Salt Flats are an exposed, vast expanse. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as the sun reflects intensely off the salt. Wear closed-toe shoes, as the salt can be abrasive and stick to footwear.

Best Times

When
After rain
Why
For stunning mirror reflections
Crowd
Medium
When
Early morning/late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Dry periods
Why
Allows driving on the flats
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

STAY TILL THE END! First time sharing these natural phenomenon videos horizontally! #bonnevillesaltats #saltflats #utah #travel drone pilot @Colin Ringas
@karlieplace
2.5M likes • 10.9M views

🚗 Drive Carefully on Flats

Only drive on dry salt. Wet salt can damage vehicles. Stick to designated areas. Reddit

☀️ Sun Protection is Key

The sun's reflection is intense. Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. Reddit

Find the crystal skull! #bonnevillesaltflats #saltflats #utah #westwendover #bonehunter #crystalskull #animalskull
@rollbones
1.1M likes • 5.1M views
FULL 4K HORIZONTAL VERSION NOW ON YOUTUBE! (in my bio)🫶🏼 I know I know, I’ve shared quite a few videos from this morning at the Salt Flats this past April but I realized I had never shared it horizontally — what a moment to behold in my life. 🎮 Incredible flying by @colinringas 📸 All my camera gear is in my bio 🎶 @m83music 📍Bonneville Salt Flats 📆 April, 5AM, 2023 #saltflats #utah #incredibl...
karlieplace
1.2M likes • 11.9M views

📸 Capture Unique Photos

The vast, flat landscape is perfect for creative photography, especially with cars. TikTokInstagram

💧 Check for Water Beforehand

Wet salt flats offer amazing reflections but may restrict driving. Instagram

Can you believe this place is in the US 🇺🇸 🏜️👇🏻 . 📍Bonneville Salt Flats, are located on the I-80 between Salt Lake City and Wendover,Nevada. The best area to start exploring is from the rest area that you will reach when you will out Bonneville Salt Flats on your gps. . 🧂The salt flats were formed when the ancient Lake Bonneville dried up. Eventually it shrank below its outlet and its water beca...
marco.miglionico
1.1K likes • 57.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Drive Carefully on Flats

Only drive on dry salt. Wet salt can damage vehicles. Stick to designated areas. Reddit

☀️ Sun Protection is Key

The sun's reflection is intense. Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. Reddit

📸 Capture Unique Photos

The vast, flat landscape is perfect for creative photography, especially with cars. TikTokInstagram

💧 Check for Water Beforehand

Wet salt flats offer amazing reflections but may restrict driving. Instagram

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Salt can stick to shoes and be abrasive. Closed-toe shoes are best. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(2k reviews)

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

Otherworldly landscape
Mirror effect reflections
Unique photo opportunities

What People Dislike

Can be barren
Intense sun glare

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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). Reddit

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. Instagram

There is no entrance fee to visit the Bonneville Salt Flats. It is a free public access area. Reddit

Camping is generally not permitted directly on the salt flats themselves. However, there are campgrounds and lodging options in nearby towns like Wendover, Nevada. Reddit

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. Instagram

📸 📸 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. Instagram

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. TikTokInstagram

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. Instagram

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. TikTok

Absolutely! The unique landscape makes for dramatic and memorable senior photos. Many photographers choose this location for its otherworldly feel. TikTok

🎫 🚗 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. TikTokReddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Bonneville Salt Flats can be a fascinating and educational experience for families. Kids are often amazed by the vast, flat expanse that seems to go on forever. It's a great place to talk about geology, evaporation, and the unique environment of salt flats. Encourage them to look for interesting salt crystal formations, which can look like tiny sculptures. TikTok

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. Instagram

🚗 Road Trippers & Car Enthusiasts

The Bonneville Salt Flats are a must-see for anyone on a road trip through the American West, especially those traveling along I-80. The sheer scale and flatness of the landscape are unlike anything else, offering a unique backdrop for vehicle photography. If you have a car you're proud of, this is the place to capture some truly epic shots. TikTok

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. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Science Behind the Salt

The Bonneville Salt Flats are a remnant of ancient Lake Bonneville, a prehistoric body of water that once covered much of western Utah. As the lake evaporated over thousands of years, it left behind a thick crust of salt and minerals, creating the remarkably flat and expansive landscape we see today. This unique geological formation is one of the largest of its kind in the world, stretching over 30,000 acres. The salt crust can be up to five feet thick in places, though it thins out towards the edges.

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. TikTok

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. Instagram

Photography Tips for the Flats

The Bonneville Salt Flats offer a photographer's paradise, but capturing its unique beauty requires a bit of planning. The most sought-after shots involve the mirror effect, which occurs when shallow water covers the salt crust after rain. This creates a perfect reflection of the sky, making it feel like you're walking on clouds. Timing is crucial; aim for early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds. Instagram

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. TikTok+1

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. TikTok

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