Set a New Land Speed Record at the Bonneville Speedway
Roughly 30,000 years ago, much of western Utah was covered by a massive lake known as Lake Bonneville. Over the centuries, Lake Bonneville receded substantially. Today, part of Lake Bonneville’s former lakebed, known as the Bonneville Salt Flats, is covered with a thick layer of salt that has enabled countless racers to set new land speed records. The Bonneville Salt Flats are also a hotspot for film crews and photographers searching for an unforgettable shot of a vibrant pink and gold sunrise reflected off a glittering expanse of salt.
Photo by depositphotos.com
Located in Wendover, Utah, the Bonneville Salt Flats are operated by the Bureau of Land Management and open to the public. The Bonneville Salt Flats are adjacent to the Great Salt Lake, which is a salty landlocked lake that is framed by the Oquirrh Mountains. The Great Salt Lake has a salinity content of 12%, so most swimmers float effortlessly as soon as they enter the water.
The Bonneville Salt Flats are most famous for the Bonneville Speedway, which is a racing track that is set up every summer on the salt flats where cars, trucks, and motorcycles race in an attempt to break land speed records. Several races take place every season, including Speed Week, the World of Speed, and the World Finals.
Photo by depositphotos.com
Visitors are welcome to drive their own motor vehicles on the Bonneville Speedway in an attempt to beat the existing land speed record, provided there isn’t a race, film project, or other event scheduled on the salt flats. If you’re a thrill-seeker, there is no greater joy than driving your car or motorcycle as fast as it will go in a wide-open space. Please be advised that it is best to hose down your vehicle with water after you take a spin on the salt flats because salt is extremely corrosive and can cause paint to chip or rust to set in if it is not removed in a timely fashion.
Photo by depositphotos.com
The Bonneville Salt Flats are easily one of the most photogenic places on the planet. During the spring when the snow is melting, the salt flats are often covered with a thin pool of water that creates a beautiful mirror that reflects the sky. Watching the sun rise or set over the Bonneville Salt Flats is a transcendent experience that will make any nature lover’s heart skip a beat. If you love fast cars and placid sunrises, a trip to the Bonneville Salt Flats is an absolute must.
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Bonneville Speedway mapped raceway area, Bonneville Salt Flats, Tooele County, Utah, USA
- Coordinates
- 40.7975, -113.81194
- Access
- The BLM says the salt flats are generally open for public recreation. From I-80 Exit 4 near Wendover, follow signs north to the Speedway and turn onto Leppy Pass Road; a parking area is at the end. Driving on the salt is conditional: do not drive when it is wet, moist, or standing water is present; seasonal closures are posted. The BLM lists 2026 permitted-event periods through September 29, 2026; check its current notice before travel because access beyond designated areas is restricted during events.
- Admission
- BLM day-use entry is free. Special events can charge their own spectator fee and may impose restricted-access rules; the 2026 SCTA World Finals listed $25 day spectator passes or $60 event passes at the event. Future event prices may change; check the organizer.
- Time needed
- No standard duration is published for general recreation. For land-speed racing, plan around the event schedule; sessions and access may change with weather and course conditions.
- Best season
- For land-speed racing, the SCTA currently lists the next SpeedWeek for July 31–August 6, 2027; spectator fees are not yet posted. Other race dates are set by organizers. General visits depend on dry-surface and access conditions; BLM says spring moisture or standing water can trigger seasonal vehicle closures. Check the BLM notice and event host before travelling.
- Opening hours
- The BLM publishes no fixed daily opening hours for general day use. General public recreation is allowed subject to posted closures, wet-surface vehicle restrictions and event controls. Use event-specific spectator schedules for races.
- Location checked
- 2026-11-02
- Facts checked
- 2026-11-02
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