The Bonneville Salt Flats of the western Great Salt Lake Desert were formed through the evaporation of the Pleistocene-era Lake Bonneville. The salt flats are actually the bed of that once massive lake which rivaled in size present Lake Michigan. The flats are composed mainly of potash salts ranging in thickness from less than one inch to six feet.

The terrain is ideal for racing: The moisture in the surface prevents tires from overheating at high speeds; plus, it’s barren and flat, allowing cars to drive straight without obstacles for miles on end and for a string of world records to be set.

The Salt flats are hard closer to the outskirts. I went all the way in as far as I could go and you can see the very top is a little bit softer in some areas.

The flats are right off of I-80 west at a pull off. You can also access them from the next exit which is where you access the speedway. There are no restaurants around but there is a gas station off the exit. At the pull off there are a bunch of port a potties and some places to sit.

If you happen to be in the area it is a cool place to stop and check off the list. Along I- 80 you will also see the cactus structure.

07/16/2022