Joe Walker's writings warned emigrants not to attempt the untried route however, Hastings convinced several emigrant parties to follow him.ĭespite Walker's warnings, the Donner-Reed party, seeking a shortcut to California in 1846, attempted the 'Hastings Cutoff'. Early the next year, 23 year old Lansford Hastings retraced Fremont's trail across the salt plain. Fremont's survey party, with scouts Kit Carson and Joe Walker. The first recorded crossing of the desert was made in 1845 by Captain John C. While Native Americans adapted to the desert environment, more recent arrivals found the area less hospitable.īy 1824, Jim Bridger and other mountain men explored the Great Salt Lake desert region. Excavations at nearby Danger Cave have proven occupation of the area as early as 10,300 years ago. Humans have lived in the Great Basin for thousands of years. These sections are fenced and marked, and public access is prohibited. The federal government owns almost all of the land in this area and large portions are used by the military for storage depots, test areas and bombing ranges. If you camp or hike, do so in ways that are environmentally friendly. When you drive, stay on established roads. The environment is fragile and needs to be treated with respect. Ponds and marshy areas can be found in spots near the edges of the flats and they provide critical habitat for plants and animals. In other places you will find numerous kinds of plants and animals. In some spots the soil is so salty it prevents vegetation growth. The flats include a variety of micro environments. They often extend into very remote locations where conditions are harsh and there are no services. Several roads probe the Salt Flats from many directions. The Great Salt Lake is a remnant of Lake Bonneville. As water continued to evaporate, salt deposits were left in many areas. It eventually shrank below its outlet and so its water became salty. The lake was huge, filling much of the Great Basin. The Salt Flats were formed when ancient lake Lake Bonneville dried up. When you return, a water spray station has been set up so you can wash the salt from your shoes. To the east and south, it looks like flat land extends virtually forever.Īt the rest stop you can walk out onto the salty soil. To the north and west, low mountains break the view. The rest area is surrounded by perfectly flat land that looks like it is covered by snow.

A rest stop has been established there (offering restrooms and water). Perhaps the most impressive spot to view the Salt Flats is along along I-80, about 10 miles east of Wendover. If you believe your eyes, the dry desert looks like it is covered by water.

On hot days, heat waves rise from the salty soil and create mirages that look amazingly real. Sparse vegetation grows on hillsides and is pushing into the flat areas. In other places, low mountains and hills break up the flat landscape. It looks like a frozen lake bed covered with snow. It is perfectly flat and has a thick crust of salty soil. The famous Bonneville Speedway is located in the western portion of the flats, near Wendover. The flats can easily be seen as you drive I-80 between Salt Lake City and Wendover, NV. They cover a large area and have a very unique environment. The Bonneville Salt Flats are found west of the Great Salt Lake, in western Utah. It is located along I-80 near the Utah-Nevada border.

The Bonneville Salt Flats is one of the most unique natural features in Utah, stretching over 30,000 acres.

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