Water reflecting the sky on the flooded Bonneville Salt Flats

Explore

Exploring the Surrounding Region

The West Desert offers several essential stops just a short drive from the salt crust.

Photo: tour listing on Viator

While the salt flats lack services, nearby towns and landscapes provide everything you need. You can find fuel, pioneer history, and elevated viewing areas within a short drive.

Sign for Bonneville Salt Flats International Raceway on the salt crust

Wendover (Utah/Nevada Border)

1-2 hours10 miles west

Wendover is a split border town located 10 miles west of the flats. The Nevada side offers gas stations, restaurants, hotels, and casinos. Since the salt flats have zero services, this is the closest place to stock up on food, water, and fuel.

Golden hour light on the Bonneville Salt Flats and distant mountains

Silver Island Mountains Backcountry Byway

2-3 hours54-mile dirt road

This rugged 54-mile dirt road loops around the Silver Island Mountains. It offers elevated views of the salt flats from above. A high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended. Do not attempt this drive when the road is wet.

Sunset over the textured salt crust of Bonneville Salt Flats

Donner-Reed Museum (Grantsville)

1 hourPioneer history

Located further east, this museum houses artifacts from the 1846 Donner-Reed Party. Their wagons famously became mired in the salt flats mud. It makes a great historical stop on your drive back to Salt Lake City.