Bonneville Salt Flats: A West Desert Wonder Near Clover Creek
The Bonneville Salt Flats are one of the strangest, most photogenic landscapes in the United States — roughly 12 miles long and 5 miles wide of blinding-white salt crust, straddling I-80 near the Nevada border. It's famous as the home of land-speed racing, but you don't need a race car to appreciate it.
What to Do There
- Walk out onto the flats at the public access area (I-80 Exit 4, then a few miles north) and experience one of the flattest, emptiest places on Earth.
- Photograph sunset or sunrise — the reflective salt surface makes for dramatic, otherworldly light, especially with a thin layer of water on the crust.
- Watch for racing events — Speed Week and other events bring land-speed record attempts to the Bonneville Speedway section, typically in warmer months.
- Pair the trip with nearby Wendover for food, fuel, and a bit of history (see our Wendover guide).
Tips for Visiting
- Check conditions before you go. The flats flood seasonally and can be closed or unsafe to drive on — the surface looks solid but isn't always.
- Bring water and sun protection. There's no shade, and the white salt reflects sunlight intensely.
- Don't drive off marked areas during racing events, and always confirm the flats are open to public access first.
- Cell service is limited out here — download directions ahead of time.
How Far Is It From Clover Creek Guest House
About 110 miles from Rush Valley — roughly a two-hour drive west on I-80, through some of Utah's emptiest and most dramatic scenery.
Why Stay at Clover Creek
A trip to the Salt Flats is a full-day adventure either way — Clover Creek Guest House makes it a comfortable one, with a farmhouse cottage in Rush Valley that's closer to the West Desert than a Salt Lake City hotel, and a warm place to land after a long day on the salt.
See our Area Guide for more West Desert stops, or check availability for your trip.