What to bring to Bonneville Speed Week? (2024)

What to bring to Bonneville Speed Week?

All of the races take place at the Bonneville Salt Flats

, about 120 miles west of Salt Lake City. Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen — the salt is as reflective as snow and there are no shade trees out there. Bring binoculars, too, as the course is about a quarter mile away.

What should I wear to the Bonneville Salt Flats?

Keep Your Body Temp Down. You need to keep you skin temperature at 92 or below. Wear long sleeves and long pants.

What to bring to salt flats Utah?

Bring plenty (more than you think) of water, no matter the season. If you're renting a car, check with your rental company before driving on the flats as the salt can corrode the car and always pay attention to seasonal closures on the flats which prohibit driving on them.

Are spectators allowed at Bonneville Salt Flats?

WHAT HAPPENS ON THE BONNEVILLE SALT FLATS ? Spectators are always welcome at U.S.F.R.A. events. This is your chance to see the fastest wheel driven cars in the world, the 427 m p h, land-speed record holding Turbinator, The Autopower Special which has been timed at 442 m p h and other record setting cars.

Can you get in the water at Bonneville Salt Flats?

Therefore, the public should not access, swim, float, kayak, canoe, or pursue any other recreation activities in these industrial canals. In addition, the Utah Highway Patrol has indicated that parking along I-80 to access to the canals is illegal and extremely dangerous due to the proximity to the interstate highway.

Can you walk barefoot on Bonneville Salt Flats?

Tips for shooting at the Bonneville Salt Flats: Crystallized salt is sharp. We went barefoot on the salt flats because we didn't want to ruin shoes. But those hard crystals under the water just kill the feet after awhile. So pack clear sandals or wear shoes you don't mind destroying.

What shoes to wear to salt flats Utah?

I would recommend wearing water shoes like, Chacos, Tevas, or even Crocs. The salt gets sharper in the water and can most definitely cut up your feet. I took some photos barefoot on the salt flats out of the water and it was fine for a country girl who ran around outside barefoot all the time, but still rough.

Are there bathrooms at the salt flats?

Also they do have restrooms next to the parking area. There is a rest area close to the Wendover (west end) of the flats. That's about 120 miles from Salt Lake. The surface is sometimes hard and dry and mushy just below the surface at others depending on rain.

What should I bring to salt Plains?

Bring water and a change of clothes—digging is messy! Bring a shovel—you'll need to dig a hole about two feet deep by two feet wide to get to the crystals. Drive carefully; shorebirds, which nest on the flats, may not be easily seen.

Do the Utah salt flats smell?

The heavy brine traps organic material (i.e., algae and plant and animal remains) and gases at the bottom of the lake. When the bottom of the lake gets stirred up, lots of bubbles rise to the surface. The bubbles release the gas that forms from the decaying organic matter, and this gas smells anything but pleasant.

What happens at Bonneville Speed Week?

Speed Week

Some drivers test their skills in souped-up production cars, motorcycles and trucks. Others go old school — backyard mechanics who build their own streamlined, experimental ride. It's not unusual to surpass 200, 300 and even 400 mph.

What time of day to visit Bonneville Salt Flats?

For a summer visit, we recommend a morning or late afternoon visit as midday temperatures average 92 °F (33 °C) in August. Wear plenty of sunscreen.

Are Bonneville Salt Flats worth it?

If you're around Salt Lake City or doing a larger road trip through Utah, the salt flats are a must. They're unlike anything you'll ever see in the area (or perhaps in your life) and are always a memorable day with friends or family. The landscape is otherworldly, and it's absolutely magical during sunrise and sunset.

How fast can you go on the Bonneville Salt Flats?

It is estimated to hold 147 million tons of salt, approximately 90% of which is common table salt (sodium chloride). There is no speed limit on the vast flats and no likelihood of a collision. It is because nothing obstructs your vision. This is why people like to drive on it.

Will the salt flats rust your car?

The bad news is you will likely never get all of it off. If you don't want rust/corrosion on a car, do not ever take it on the salt. The good news is I have enough experience with this to tell you not to bother with undercarriage sprayers at automatic car washes. They won't do it.

Where can I take pictures at salt flats?

There will be a small strip of salt to walk on in-between the rest area and the train tracks. If you want to take cool pictures then I DO NOT recommend going to the east bound rest stop. Instead you should go to the marker for the Bonneville Salt Flats International Speedway.

How much does it cost to go to Bonneville Salt Flats?

There are no fees for visiting the Bonneville Salt Flats! The road you turn on to get to this Salt Flats International Speedway is LONG! Seriously though – it's an incredible feeling driving out there surrounded by stark white amazing views. I should have known it but you WILL GET SALTY!

Can you Boondock on the salt flats?

No overnight camping on the salt flats, camp on durable surfaces only. Do not drive on the salt flats when wet as it will damage the delicate salt layer. Vehicles can also become stuck in the underlying mud. Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads.

Can you stand on salt flats?

To the east and south, it looks like flat land extends virtually forever. At the rest stop you can walk out onto the salty soil. When you return, a water spray station has been set up so you can wash the salt from your shoes.

Are salt flats slippery?

When the salt flats is hard & dry, it is ok to drive provided you have thoroughly inspected your path. Once you make it out, clean the vehicle under-body with fresh water to avoid corrosion damage. If the land has water or soft, then its very slippery and greater chance for your vehicle to get struck.

Are the Bonneville Salt Flats dry?

If you want to ride across the flats, you're welcome to come between late July through October. The water evaporates and the wind creates a perfectly smooth and hard surface again. In case of thunderstorms that also occur in the dry season, the area gets closed for vehicles.

How should I dress for Utah weather?

Personal Clothing (Year Round):

Mid-weight boots with ankle support are best. through water. Lightweight long pants/trousers – for sun protection and warmth during cooler parts of the day. 2 pairs of hiking socks – consider Smartwool®, Fox River® or similar.

What has been filmed on the salt flats in Utah?

In films, the Bonneville Salt Flats has served as the backdrop for many fictional settings such as Davy Jones' Locker, the afterlife, Area 51, and as itself in the true-story film The World's Fastest Indian (2005). Some films that highlight the Bonneville Salt Flats: Independence Day (1996, PG-13) – science fiction.

Can you lick the Utah salt flats?

You can, yes. Historically salt was mined from there and used for food. Natives and early settlers would have used the salt for food preservation. These days most of the salt mined on the Flats is mined for Magnesium , the salt by-product is used as road salt for winter driving.

Can you sleep on the salt flats in Utah?

Visiting and driving on the Salt Flats is free, unless there is a permitted event. No overnight camping on the salt flats.