Great Salt Lake Desert, Utah Travel Guide
Explore the vast and mesmerizing Great Salt Lake Desert in Utah, a unique landscape of salt flats, stunning horizons, and thrilling land speed races.
The Great Salt Lake Desert is a mesmerizing, vast expanse of salt flats located in the northern part of Utah. This unique landscape, part of the larger Great Basin Desert, offers an almost surreal experience with its endless white horizon and crystal-clear skies. The desert is known for its stark beauty, and the salt flats create an otherworldly panorama that is a photographer's dream. One of the most famous attractions within the Great Salt Lake Desert is the Bonneville Salt Flats. This area is known for land speed racing, and every year, enthusiasts from around the world gather here to break speed records. The flat, smooth surface of the salt flats makes it an ideal location for this high-speed sport. Beyond the Bonneville Salt Flats, the Great Salt Lake Desert offers visitors a chance to explore a unique ecosystem. The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including pronghorn antelope, jackrabbits, and many bird species. The desert's flora is equally fascinating, with hardy plants that have adapted to the extreme conditions. Visiting the Great Salt Lake Desert is an unforgettable experience. Whether you're interested in photography, wildlife watching, or simply soaking in the vast, tranquil beauty of the salt flats, this destination offers something for everyone.
Know before you go
Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Great Salt Lake Desert.
- Visit during the cooler months to avoid extreme temperatures and ensure a more comfortable experience.
- Bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as the desert environment can be harsh and dehydrating.
- Check the weather before you go; rain can make the salt flats difficult to navigate.
- Consider renting a four-wheel-drive vehicle if you plan to explore beyond the main tourist areas.
- Respect the environment by staying on designated paths and not disturbing the natural landscape.
Explore Great Salt Lake Desert: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More
Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more
Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Great Salt Lake Desert
Best landmarks in Great Salt Lake Desert
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Best Landmarks
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This Is The Place Heritage Park
Immerse yourself in Utah's pioneering past at This Is The Place Heritage Park, a captivating historical landmark and family-friendly destination.
Brigham Young Historic Park
Discover the serene beauty and historical significance of Brigham Young Historic Park in Salt Lake City, a testament to early Mormon heritage.
Iosepa
Explore the haunting beauty of Iosepa, a historical landmark in Utah that reveals the rich cultural heritage of Hawaiian settlers amid stunning desert landscapes.
Anderson Tower Monument
Discover the historical essence of Salt Lake City at the Anderson Tower Monument, where stunning views meet rich cultural significance.
Best restaurants in Great Salt Lake Desert
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The Copper Onion
Experience exquisite New American cuisine at The Copper Onion in Downtown Salt Lake City – where local flavors meet culinary innovation.
Garage on Beck
Experience the best of American cuisine at Garage on Beck in Salt Lake City—where great food meets live music in a vibrant setting.
Log Haven
Experience exquisite American cuisine amidst breathtaking natural beauty at Log Haven - your ultimate dining retreat near Salt Lake City.
Bodega and The Rest
Discover Bodega and The Rest: A premier cocktail bar offering exquisite New American cuisine in downtown Salt Lake City.
Best bars in Great Salt Lake Desert
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Lucky 13
Experience the vibrant flavors of Lucky 13, an American grill and bar in Salt Lake City, where delicious food and friendly service create unforgettable moments.
The Bayou
Experience authentic Cajun cuisine and a vibrant atmosphere at The Bayou in Salt Lake City, featuring a wide selection of craft beers and delicious American dishes.
Gracie's
Discover Gracie's in Salt Lake City - an exciting gastropub blending delicious American cuisine, craft beers, and live music for an unforgettable night out.
The Green Pig Pub
Discover The Green Pig Pub in Downtown Salt Lake City: Where great food, drinks, and lively entertainment come together in a vibrant pub atmosphere.
Best nightclubs in Great Salt Lake Desert
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Area 51
Discover Salt Lake City's nightlife at Area 51, a lively night club featuring diverse music and an energetic atmosphere for memorable experiences.
Sky SLC
Discover the energetic nightlife of Sky SLC, a premier nightclub in Salt Lake City offering dance, live music, and vibrant ambiance.
Club Karamba
Discover Salt Lake City's vibrant nightlife at Club Karamba, the go-to destination for dancing, drinks, and unforgettable memories.
Echo Nightclub
Immerse yourself in Salt Lake City's nightlife at Echo Nightclub, where live music, vibrant atmosphere, and creative cocktails come together.
Best shops in Great Salt Lake Desert
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City Creek Center
Discover the vibrant shopping and dining experience at City Creek Center in the heart of Salt Lake City, where luxury meets charm.
The Gateway
Explore The Gateway in Salt Lake City, a vibrant shopping mall with unique stores, delicious dining, and cultural attractions in one exciting location.
Fashion Place
Discover a vibrant shopping experience at Fashion Place, where retail therapy meets culinary delights and entertainment in one dynamic hub.
The Shops at South Town
Explore The Shops at South Town: A vibrant shopping mall in Sandy, Utah, featuring diverse stores, dining, and entertainment for all.
Explore Great Salt Lake Desert on the Map
A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Great Salt Lake Desert, mapped for you.
Great Salt Lake Desert Essentials
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The Great Salt Lake Desert is located in northwestern Utah. The closest major city is Salt Lake City, which is approximately 100 miles to the east. The nearest airport is Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). From Salt Lake City, you can rent a car or take a bus to reach the desert. The drive along I-80 West will take roughly 1.5 to 2 hours.
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The most convenient way to explore the Great Salt Lake Desert is by renting a car. The terrain is vast and driving allows you to cover more ground. There are no public transportation options that directly serve the desert, so having a vehicle is essential. Make sure to have a full tank of gas and carry extra supplies, as services are sparse.
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The official currency in Utah, like the rest of the United States, is the US Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Salt Lake City and other urban areas. However, if you plan to visit remote parts of the desert or smaller towns, it's advisable to carry cash. ATMs are available in Salt Lake City but may be scarce in rural regions.
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The Great Salt Lake Desert is generally safe for tourists, but it's essential to take standard precautions. Always inform someone of your travel plans and expected return time. Carry plenty of water, food, and emergency supplies. Avoid wandering alone, especially at night, and be cautious of the environment, as temperatures can vary drastically between day and night. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but always remain vigilant.
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In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. It is crucial to have a well-charged phone and possibly a satellite phone due to limited cell coverage in remote areas. Make sure to have a first aid kit and familiarize yourself with the nearest medical facilities, which are typically in Salt Lake City. Travel insurance that includes medical evacuation is highly recommended.
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Fashion: Do wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear. Don’t forget sunscreen and a hat to protect against the sun. Religion: The area is not particularly religious, but always be respectful of any cultural or historical sites. Public Transport: Do plan your transportation in advance, as there is no public transport in the desert. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly nod or a wave. Eating & Drinking: Do carry sufficient water and snacks. Don’t litter; always pack out what you pack in.
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To experience the Great Salt Lake Desert like a local, consider visiting the Bonneville Salt Flats, a renowned location for land speed records. Check out local events like the Bonneville Speed Week if your visit coincides. Exploring the historic town of Wendover offers a glimpse into the region's past, including the Wendover Airfield Museum. Finally, always be prepared for sudden weather changes and enjoy the stunning sunsets the desert has to offer.
When is the best time to visit Great Salt Lake Desert?
Useful Local Phrases for Great Salt Lake Desert
You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.
— Eve
Here are the phrases I use most often in Great Salt Lake Desert. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️
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- HelloHowdy
[Hau-dee] - GoodbyeSee ya
[See yah] - YesYep
[Yep] - NoNah
[Nah] - Please/You're welcomePlease/No problem
[Pleez/No prob-lum] - Thank youThanks
[Thangs] - Excuse me/SorryPardon me/Sorry
[Par-don mee/Sor-ree] - How are you?How's it going?
[How's it goin'?] - Fine. And you?Good. And you?
[Good. An' you?] - Do you speak English?Do ya speak English?
[Doo ya speak Ing-lish?] - I don't understandI don't get it
[I don't get it]
- HelloHowdy
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- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu, please?
[Can I see the men-you, pleez?] - I don't eat meatI don't eat meat
[I don't eat meat] - Cheers!Cheers!
[Cheers!] - I would like to pay, pleaseCan I get the check, please?
[Can I get the chek, pleez?]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu, please?
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- Help!Help!
[Help!] - Go away!Leave me alone!
[Leave me a-lone!] - Call the Police!Call the cops!
[Call the cops!] - Call a doctor!Get a doctor!
[Get a doc-tor!] - I'm lostI can't find my way
[I can't find my way] - I'm illI'm not feeling well
[I'm not feelin' well]
- Help!Help!
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- I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...
[I wanna buy...] - I'm just lookingJust browsing
[Just browsin'] - How much is it?What’s the price?
[What's the price?] - That's too expensiveThat costs too much
[That costs too much] - Can you lower the price?Can ya give me a better deal?
[Can ya give me a bet-ter deal?]
- I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...
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- What time is it?What time ya got?
[What time ya got?] - It's one o'clockIt's one
[It's one] - Half past (10)Half past ten
[Half past ten] - MorningMorning
[Morning] - AfternoonAfternoon
[Afternoon] - EveningEvening
[Evening] - YesterdayYesterday
[Yesterday] - TodayToday
[Today] - TomorrowTomorrow
[Tomorrow] - 1One
[One] - 2Two
[Two] - 3Three
[Three] - 4Four
[Four] - 5Five
[Five] - 6Six
[Six] - 7Seven
[Seven] - 8Eight
[Eight] - 9Nine
[Nine] - 10Ten
[Ten]
- What time is it?What time ya got?
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- Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
[Where's the...?] - What's the address?What's the address?
[What's the ad-dress?] - Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya point it out on the map?
[Can ya point it out on the map?] - When's the next (bus)?When's the next bus?
[When's the next bus?] - A ticket (to ....)A ticket to ...
[A ticket to ...]
- Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
History of Great Salt Lake Desert
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The Great Salt Lake Desert is a remnant of the ancient Lake Bonneville, which existed during the Pleistocene epoch. This vast prehistoric lake covered much of present-day Utah, Nevada, and Idaho. As the climate changed and the lake began to dry up around 14,500 years ago, it left behind the Great Salt Lake, the Bonneville Salt Flats, and the Great Salt Lake Desert. The desiccation process created the unique salt-crusted landscape that characterizes the area today.
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Before European explorers set foot in the region, the Great Salt Lake Desert was inhabited by various Indigenous peoples, including the Goshute and Shoshone tribes. These tribes adapted to the harsh environment, utilizing the sparse resources for sustenance and crafting intricate cultural traditions. The Goshute, for instance, were known for their deep knowledge of the desert's flora and fauna, which they used for food, medicine, and shelter.
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In the mid-19th century, the Great Salt Lake Desert became infamous as part of the ill-fated journey of the Donner-Reed Party. In 1846, this group of pioneers attempted to cross the desert during their westward migration to California. Misled by an unreliable guidebook, they took a treacherous route through the desert, suffering extreme hardships. The arduous journey across the salt flats delayed their progress, contributing to their eventual entrapment in the Sierra Nevada mountains during a brutal winter, leading to one of the most tragic stories in American pioneer history.
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From 1860 to 1861, the Great Salt Lake Desert was traversed by the Pony Express, a mail service that connected the eastern United States with California. Riders braved the harsh conditions of the desert to deliver mail rapidly across the continent. The route included several stations in the desert, where riders could change horses and seek brief respite. Although the Pony Express was short-lived, it played a significant role in improving communication and fostering the idea of a connected nation.
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During World War II and the Cold War, the Great Salt Lake Desert was utilized as a testing ground for military weapons and technologies. The Dugway Proving Ground, established in 1942, became a key site for testing chemical and biological weapons. Its remote and inhospitable environment provided an ideal location for these sensitive experiments. The legacy of these activities remains a significant, albeit controversial, chapter in the desert's history.
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The Bonneville Salt Flats, located within the Great Salt Lake Desert, are renowned for their role in setting land speed records. Since the early 20th century, the unique, flat, and firm salt surface has attracted speed enthusiasts and automotive innovators from around the world. Legendary racers like Sir Malcolm Campbell and Craig Breedlove have set numerous world records on these salt flats, cementing the location's reputation as a premier venue for high-speed racing.
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The stark beauty of the Great Salt Lake Desert has inspired artists and filmmakers alike. The desert's otherworldly landscape has served as the backdrop for numerous films, commercials, and art installations. One notable example is Robert Smithson's 'Spiral Jetty,' an earthwork sculpture created in 1970 on the northeastern shore of the Great Salt Lake. The artwork, made of mud, salt crystals, and rocks, extends into the lake, creating a striking visual dialogue with the natural environment. The desert continues to be a source of inspiration and a canvas for creative expression.
Neighbouring Regions of Great Salt Lake Desert
The closest regions to Great Salt Lake Desert, if you have time for more than one.
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