Is it illegal to drive on the Bonneville Salt Flats?
When the salt flats are dry, it is generally safe to drive on them. Try not to go within 100 yards of the edge of the salt crust as you may get stuck in the underlying mud. Salt residue will usually get onto the underside of your car but is easily washed off with fresh water.
What is the fastest car at the Salt Flats?
Not even 30 years after Karl Benz built what is said to be the first automobile, Teddy Tetzlaff climbed into a Blitzen Benz racecar and blasted across the snow-white surface of the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, clocking in at 142.8 miles per hour and setting an unofficial land-speed record.
Why are the salt flats disappearing?
The short-term concern is simple and short-term: too much water. Residual water and mud from a wet spring and summer forced the Southern California Timing Association to cancel the annual Speed Week extravaganza there for the second straight year. Standing water from a summer storm had wiped out the 2014 event.
What is the Bonneville speed record?
The good news: veteran Bonneville racer George Poteet set a new record for fastest piston-powered, wheel-driven land speed racing in his single-engine BFS (blown fuel streamliner) Speed Demon with a two-way average speed up and down the salt of 470 mph.
Is there a speed limit on the Bonneville Salt Flats?
There is no speed limit on the flats, no enforcement and — most importantly — virtually no likelihood of a collision. The flats hold no trees, rocks, animals or abrupt hills or valleys. You can see other vehicles coming over a mile away.
Are the Bonneville Salt Flats worth visiting?
We definitely recommend planning a trip to Bonneville Salt Flats, particularly if you’re in SLC and are looking for the best Salt Lake City day trips, or randomly over in Ely, Nevada, or somewhere close by. We hope you plan to visit the Bonneville Salt Flats and that this guide has helped you plan your trip there!
Can you take salt from salt flats?
Can You Eat the Salt? Yes! The salt was once mined for use in food. Be prepared for your taste buds to go into overdrive.
Are the Bonneville Salt Flats dry right now?
With the exception of large rainstorms, the flats usually stay dry all summer. You can always find sections of dry salt flats for photos (even when the main flats are wet). We pulled off along the Bonneville Speedway Road for some dry salt flat shots. At other times of the year, the flats can be wet.
What should I wear to the Bonneville Salt Flats?
Pants are better than shorts while you’re on the Salt Flats. Not only will pants protect from the sun, but also from blowing sand or salt. In three days I never saw anyone wearing a skirt or a dress. Jeans are the most common lower attire.
Can you walk on salt flats?
CAN YOU WALK ON THE SALT FLATS? You can 100% walk on the salt flats, even if there is water, which is an awesome opportunity for reflection photos. When we visited in June, there wasn’t any water, but when I visited in March, there was. I would recommend wearing water shoes like, Chacos, Tevas, or even Crocs.
Is Bonneville Salt Flats open to public?
The formation of the Salt Flats began at the end of the last Ice Age, when the waters of ancient Lake Bonneville began to recede. For more information on the history and formation, click here. Entrance is free and open to the public most of the year.
What months are the salt flats dry?
You can visit the Salt Flats year-round but just as any location, the Salt Flats look different based on the time of the year. Sometimes the salt is covered in a layer of water, while in the summer it’s dry and rock hard. The best months are June-August if you want the completely dry look.
What to Know Before Going to Bonneville Salt Flats?
Visitors should only venture beyond the road when the flats are completely dry. The edges of the flats are significantly thinner than other sections, and driving near them can result in getting stuck in thick mud.
Can you have fires on the salt flats?
Ideally, you want an area that’s clear of debris that can catch on fire. Areas near the Salt Flats, are good spots for a bonfire.
What animals live in salt flats?
In addition to the salt flats, the refuge’s grasslands and woodlands produce an extremely productive environment for wildlife where white-tailed deer, eastern fox squirrels, American badger, muskrat, and porcupine thrive.
How do you get to the Bonneville Salt Flats?
To get there, take Exit 4 off Interstate 80. Head north and follow the signs to the Speedway. Take a right on Leppy Pass Road towards the flats. There is a parking area at the end of the road (40°45’45.3″N 113°53’46.3″W).