The “Otherwordly” Bonneville Salt Flats

The “Otherwordly” Bonneville Salt Flats

Don’t let the vast amount of white, snow-looking land fool you: It was hot out.

The Bonneville Salt Flats are miles upon miles of chunky, crystallized salt. Seriously, that’s it. No trees, no bushes, no water beyond what was leftover from a passing rainstorm. Just mountains in the far distance, a trait of Utah I learned was common, and Morton’s best ally.

As we’re all cooped up at home lately, I thought I’d resurface a bit of an escape for us all! These photos were taken years back, when Josephine was just born, in Utah. It was one of our family’s favorite trips together. 

“Otherworldly” is how I’ve heard it described, and it’s obvious why. I’ve literally never seen anything else like it on earth.

While on our trip to Utah and staying in Salt Lake City, we decided to do a day trip to the flats.

Why? Despite there not being much to do in its surroundings, the land’s uniqueness was absolutely something we wanted to see for ourselves. (Check out these cool photos taken in Zion National Park, if you’re interested!)

The sun was at high-noon, and the heat was almost unbearable, so we grabbed some photos and jetted out of there. I didn’t mind though, because the best way to describe the flats is with the word “barren”. Besides the sounds of fellow tourists opening and closing car doors, there was only wind. We saw tornados forming along our drive, an odd sight because there was not a cloud in the sky. The mountains in the distance created optical illusions of closeness; as you walked toward them, they shifted to be further and further away.

Speed racing is apparently popular on the land, though I had a hard time imagining such a thing as we got our car stuck in the salt as soon as we tried to be adventurous and go off the road. (It should be noted that we were in a minivan, so take that for what it is.)

By the way, can you believe how little Grace looks in these photos?!

These were taken way back in 2017, when we were crazy enough to travel to Utah for my cousin’s wedding while I was on maternity leave after delivering Josephine. She was less than 2 months old, and while we were exhausted, it was truly one of the best trips we’ve ever had.

Given the timing, I thought it only appropriate to re-share this now! It’s a nice reminder that, while knee-deep in infant mode with #3, that even amongst the crazy, delirious newborn days there are adventures to be had. Even if we’re not in Utah. 😉 

Despite it being barren, the Bonneville Salt Flats were definitely a cool thing to see. I have been itching to go back!

Would I recommend the Bonneville Salt Flats? Sure! Just be sure you’re in the mood for a road trip, and don’t plan on much action beyond an interesting sight to see. Ah, yes, and don’t go off-roading in a van. Trust me on that one.

PS – The Top Things To Do In Austin, Texas + Things To Do In Savannah, GA.