bonneville salt flats

I made the salt flats in August of 2011 satisfying a life long ambition. To witness the collection of cars/bikes/trucks that had made the pilgrimage to this most awe inspiring place to pit themseves against the clock was unforgettable. The racing has a level of responsibility placed on the racer /spectator alike you simply do not see in places like the UK. Until you have stood 20 feet from a truck firing up god knows how many horses, with not a single hi viz in sight, it's hard not to smile until your face aches. The racing is also saving the salt flats: the mineral extraction was killing this most delicate of environments until the various race groups banded together to stop its destruction.I love Bonneville more than any other race meet in the world. Yes, mother nature can kill it with her rain and winds as she sees fit but this merely adds to the privilege of actually seeing the vehicles run. I am back later this year and am counting the days already. My final advice - Go. You only live once.

Nothing to see but miles of salt. There are many car races that take place here. Our son-in-law would love it!

As expected Bonneville Salt Flats are an expansive table top of salt. Fascinating views in all directions of white, shimmering heat, and salt. We visited in mid-September arriving from Nevada (west). On US 80, the drive drops from the hills (Wendover) and you can see the expanse of the flats. Our GPS led us to the correct exit for the International Speedway and sign pointing the way. There is a gas station at the exit and then a short drive to the end of the pavement and a small parking area. There is no visitor center, no buildings, no directions, no real information - just a small sign. We parked and looked around and noted a pickup truck coming off the salt flats in the distance and another driving out. We followed the truck out between some red cones and soon saw a small " encampment" of R/V's, tents, and speed vehicles. Just parked nearby and walked around and explored. About 5 vehicles were there being tended by their crews. The tents kept the crews out of the direct sun and they were prepared for the day with food, drink and shelter as they worked on their vehicles. Saw the "Red Camaro" working on a documentary. Saw the "KillaJoule" Electric Motorbike and learned later that the motorbike set three landspeed records that week. We were able to walk up and look very closely at the vehicles. Seemed to be OK to photograph and look. Just do not touch. Respect the work being done. Could not really see a "speedway" and saw no vehicles running down the flats. Not sure you can see much anyway as a spectator on the salt - too far, too flat, and just shimmering heat in the distances. Anyway, we had a most fascinating time. Drove off in the general direction to where we remembered the small parking lot was and soon saw it in the distance. Found our way back to the highway to Salt Lake City. That is a long, flat, straight, boring, no gas, (did I say flat & straight) drive. Stay awake. Great and memorable time.

Go to Speedweek in August. The world's wildest cars running over 400mph. Do be careful with rental cars on the salt though. They have to be thoroughly cleaned before return and the salt gets everywhere! Accommodation needs booking WELL in advance. Do not miss...

Just visit it in February of 2015, there is no car races or attractions at this time of the year. The salt flats are very nice it is a nature's show; a great portion of the area it is cover with a thin layer of water that resembles a mirror; there are parts that are dry and you can walk on it. The flats are located in Utah, very close to Nevada border where you can stop by at Wendover. At this time of the year you are going to spend an hour or less in the flats. From Salt Lake City it is about 115 miles.

We went here on a 65-degree day in February and walked on the flats for an hour. The flats had about less than half an inch of water which resulted us in being soggy.If you are going to walk on the flats for a long length of time, make sure to bring 1. An extra pair of pants. Your pants will be wet and salted. 2. An extra pair of shoes and socks. 3. And wear sunblock.I would not want to visit here on a day that is warmer than 80 degrees. It is neat to see and walk on, but it is not something I would want to repeat again in the near future.

Always the 2nd week in August. the worlds fastest cars, motorcycles and god knows what race on 3 or 4 different length courses to determine their fastest top speed. the Bonneville salt flats are located 10 miles east of Wendover. there is a car show every night. total fun for any age. very inexpensive except lodging. remember to get lodging 6 months to a year in advance or bring a motor home. you can not stay over night on the salt. Wear a light long sleeve shirt and a large brim style hat like gardeners wear because of the sun and reflection off salt. SUN TAN LOTION is a must. i would put booties on dogs because of the salt. TAKE YOUR TIME and enjoy it. vehicle inspection starts on the friday before.

it's only a short drive (about an hour) outside of salt lake city but i think its still a must see natural wonder, the lake is a massive 40 square miles in size and its all salt, speed records for cars (or any vehicle for that matter) is done here and you are free to drive to certain areas and just floor it. you may even run in to other people racing cars as events are fairly common there for drag racing (the bonneville speedway has been around for about 100 years). just think, the first car to break 480 kph was done here.

OK, it's January. It's hard to conceive there is a salt flat. Only go in the summer. I saw three cars there a MB, Porsche and my junker.

Every gearhead should visit the flats at least once in his/her life! This is the Walhalla of speed and once the races are on the whole area breaths adrenaline and with the nearby town of Wendover trensfers into one big paddock of hot rods, race cars and their teams. Even though your not racing yourself, you feel closely connected to the racers. But this living monument for speed is also great to visit when there are no races going on. The place is simply amazing, saltflats as far as you can see, surrounded by mountains. Go there at sunrise and you'll be amazed! And if you drive out on the salt yourself you suddenly feel the sensation the racers must feel when they are doing their 200mph stretches. But make sure to properly clean the bottom of your rental car, as rent a car companies don't allow it (and might charge extensively you to have it cleaned!!!).

It is just 1 hour and half from Salt Lake, very pleasant dirve, awesome panoramas.There is really nothing particular there apart from this out of space panorama.The salt crust is very thick and so white, with the blue, sky pics were really amazing.I would definitely recoment a brief visit, just to quickly see something so unique and take awesome pictures!

I have attended Speed Week a few times! It's a beautiful setting and one of the most exciting events in the world! The Salt Flats Cafe is second to none when it comes to Mexican food!! If you like fast cars it is an experience of a lifetime!!

I felt a huge "bucket list" item being checked off my list visiting the Salt Flats! Very beautiful!!

Went there a week before Thanksgiving.. Was totally deserted.. That is what made it more awesome. The place looks like a scene from a sci-fi movie! Going there again very soon! :)

Have been there since 2012 to race at the salt flats.....its amazing, one of my favourites places on Earth. Racing at the salt flats is for those who REALLY like racing. Excellent people, excelent place to go fast and get some speed records. If you ever have the chance to visit the salt flats, go for it. You also can take a tour at Wendover airport and see somethings from WWII or go for a hike at the mountains for some sightseeing. And, if you like gambling, you can play at the cassinos.