Explore the Iconic Bonneville Salt Flats and Raceway on a Day Trip from Salt Lake City
This day trip offers a fascinating glimpse into one of Utah’s most captivating landscapes—the Bonneville Salt Flats—and the legendary Bonneville International Raceway. For $134 per person, you’ll spend about 12 hours immersed in the raw beauty and high-speed history of this vast, otherworldly terrain, guided by knowledgeable locals who share their passion and expertise.
What we particularly love about this experience is how easy it is to combine breathtaking scenery with engaging storytelling. First, the effortless pickup from Salt Lake City makes it accessible, especially for travelers with early or late flight schedules. Second, the insightful guides enrich the visit with fascinating tidbits about the land’s past and the raceway’s record-breaking history. That said, a minor consideration is that the tour is a full day—so it’s best suited for those with a flexible schedule and a sense of adventure.
If you’re a lover of cars, landscapes, or history, this trip fits perfectly. It’s also ideal if you want to see something truly unique that you can’t find anywhere else—where nature and human ambition collide on a stunning, salt-crusted canvas.
Key Points
- Unique landscape: The Bonneville Salt Flats offer a surreal, mirror-like expanse that’s perfect for photos and reflection.
- Rich history: Learn about the land speed records and the origins of the raceway from passionate guides.
- Convenient logistics: Pickup and drop-off at central Salt Lake City locations make this accessible.
- Value for money: The $134 price includes all transportation, guide service, and taxes, making it a straightforward, hassle-free outing.
- Limited free access: Visitors are asked not to enter the salt flats for fun, preserving the environment.
- Ideal for: Car enthusiasts, landscape lovers, history buffs, and travelers seeking an authentic Utah experience.
The Full Experience: What to Expect on This Day Trip
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Starting Point and Transportation
Your adventure begins early in the morning around 9:50 am, with pickup from several centrally located Salt Lake City hotels such as the SpringHill Suites, La Quinta Inn, Radisson, or Tru Hilton. The transportation is professional, likely a comfortable van or small bus suited to the group size. The drive to the flats takes roughly an hour, giving you a chance to start soaking in the Utah scenery and get excited about what’s ahead.
Bonneville Salt Flats: The Landscape
Once you arrive at the Bonneville Salt Flats, you get about 30 minutes to appreciate this vast, surreal landscape. Stretching over 260 square kilometers, the flats are the remnant of an ancient salt lake, now famous worldwide for their mirror-like surface that reflects the sky. The area is often called the “Mirror of the Sky”—and it’s easy to see why when the surface is perfectly calm and dry.
As you walk around, you’ll notice the crusty, white salt beneath your feet, which is incredibly smooth and expansive. Remember, the tour organizers emphasize that you shouldn’t enter or walk off designated paths to help protect this fragile environment.
Bonneville Salt Flats International Raceway & Landmark Signs
Next up is about 40 minutes at the Raceway and salt flats landmark signs. This is the heart of the day, where you’ll learn the story behind this legendary track. The raceway has been the site of numerous land speed records since the early 20th century, with notable racers like Malcolm Campbell and Ab Jenkins pushing the limits here.
Your guide will tell you about the history of the land speed record-setting, and why the flats are uniquely suited for high-velocity pursuits. You’ll also get chances to snap photos with the salt flats landmark road signs, a fun way to remember the trip and share your adventure with friends.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Land Speed Record and Racing History
The reason this spot is so famous isn’t just its size but its ideal conditions for high-speed pursuits. The flat, level surface of salt provides an incredibly smooth track that allows racers to reach astonishing speeds. While the annual Bonneville Salt Flats International Race is canceled sometimes, the site remains a mecca for motorsport enthusiasts.
Guides are often enthusiastic and knowledgeable, explaining how the flats have been used since 1912 for racing, and how the salt’s varying thickness and environmental changes have affected racing events over the years. We loved the way our guide explained the delicate balance of preserving the environment while honoring the racing tradition.
Remains of Lake Bonneville and Salt Marshes
On the way back, the tour might include a quick visit to the remains of Lake Bonneville, the massive prehistoric lake that once covered much of Utah. You’ll see the largest salt marshes west of the Great Salt Lake, providing a contrast between the dry salt flats and the wetter, marshy areas.
This offers a bit of context about how the landscape evolved and why the salt flats exist today. It’s a reminder of how dynamic the environment is, and how human activity (like racing) is just a small chapter in its long story.
Return and Drop-Off at Salt Lake City Airport
After about 12 hours, the tour wraps up with a comfortable transfer back to Salt Lake City, arriving at the airport or your hotel around 6 pm. If you’re catching a flight, it’s best to schedule departure flights after 5 pm for domestic travel, or after 6 pm for international.
Why This Tour Offers Great Value
This experience is priced at $134, which includes all transportation, a professional guide, taxes, and fees. For that, you get a full day of exploring one of Utah’s most iconic landscapes—something you won’t find in many other places—and the chance to learn about racing history from passionate storytellers.
Compared to other guided tours, this one offers a good balance of scenic beauty, educational content, and cultural significance. The included transportation saves you the hassle of planning your own logistics, and the small-group vibe means you’ll likely ask plenty of questions and get personalized insights.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
If you love automobile history, unique landscapes, or Utah’s natural wonders, this trip is a solid choice. It’s also perfect for those interested in photography, as the salt flats provide spectacular backdrops. However, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users, and the long day might not appeal if you prefer more relaxed, shorter excursions.
Travelers with a curiosity for the environmental aspect of the salt flats—they are protected, and visitors are asked not to walk off designated areas—will appreciate the respect shown to this natural wonder. Plus, if you’re flying out of Salt Lake City, the convenient pickup and drop-off make this a logical pre- or post-flight activity.
Final Thoughts
This tour offers a rare chance to stand on a legendary racing track and marvel at a landscape that looks like something from another planet. The knowledgeable guides and well-organized logistics make it an easy, enjoyable way to spend a day. It’s a memorable experience that combines nature, history, and a touch of adrenaline—all within a manageable, affordable package.
Best suited for adventurous travelers eager to see Utah’s wild side, car enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates the beauty of stark, untouched environments. If you’re set to explore the Salt Lake area and want a taste of racing history with stunning scenery, this day trip deserves your consideration.
FAQs
Is transportation included?
Yes, professional transportation is included, with pickup from select Salt Lake City hotels and drop-off at the airport or your hotel.
How long is the tour?
It lasts about 12 hours, starting around 9:50 am and returning in the early evening.
What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, water, and some cash for extras. No pets, smoking, or alcohol allowed.
Can I enter the salt flats?
No, visitors are asked not to go onto the salt flats for fun to help protect this environment.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Children under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
What is the price included?
The fee covers transportation, a guide, taxes, and fees. Food, beverages, and personal expenses are extra.
Are there bathroom breaks?
Yes, brief stops are made, but you should plan accordingly.
What if I cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it a flexible option.
How do I book?
You can reserve now and pay later, ensuring your spot is secured without upfront cost, with full details available on the booking site.
If you’re looking to add a memorable chapter to your Utah adventure, this Bonneville Salt Flats trip combines natural beauty with racing lore—an experience you’ll talk about long after your trip ends.
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