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If you’re driving along I-80 in western Utah, that’s not snow you’re surrounded by, it’s salt! The Bonneville Salt Flats are 30,000 acres of flat land with a view that’s only broken by the mountains to the north and west.
Rest Areas
Rest areas about 10 miles from the Nevada border give travelers a chance to step out onto the flats. It’s also a good opportunity to brush up on your trick photography skills. A washing station at the rest area allows you to wash the salt off your feet.
A “welcome” sign at the westbound rest area commemorates the several land speed world records that were broken at the Bonneville Speedway, which sits about seven miles beyond the sign. The sign was erected in June 1972 by the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.
Can I Drive on the Bonneville Salt Flats?
For those of you who want to test your car’s speed, the flats are open to the public most of the year. It’s only safe to drive when the flats are completely dry. When finished, you must remember to wash your car thoroughly to get all the salt off. An access road four miles east of West Wendover, Nevada, off I-80 takes you to an area generally safe for driving.
