Bonneville Salt Flats Day Trip

Embark on a journey through one of Utah’s most extraordinary environments as you explore the Bonneville Salt Flats. This adventure also takes you to the Great Salt Lake State Park and the iconic Tree of Life sculpture, providing insights into the intriguing geology, ecology, and celebrated history of land-speed racing in the region.

Day Trip Overview

A designated vehicle will collect you from your hotel in downtown Salt Lake City at the scheduled time, setting off westward towards the Great Salt Lake and the Bonneville Basin.

Our first destination is Great Salt Lake State Park, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore the shores of the largest saltwater lake across the Western Hemisphere. This unique lake boasts salinity levels between two to seven times greater than those of the ocean. We will visit the visitor center to delve into the lake's fascinating geology and its history as a remnant of the vast Lake Bonneville, which once spanned a third of Utah's area. Keep an eye out for migratory birds that frequent this vital stopover along their routes.

Next, we’ll proceed to the impressive Tree of Life, a sculpture soaring to a height of 87 feet (27 meters). Crafted by Swedish artist Karl Momen in the 1980s, this piece pays homage to Utah's unique desert terrain. Constructed from 225 tons of cement, almost 2,000 ceramic tiles, and a variety of natural rocks and minerals from the state, it emerges from the white salt flats like a vibrant oasis. Be sure to capture this stunning sight with your camera!

The centerpiece of our excursion is the Bonneville Salt Flats. Spanning over 30,000 acres, this striking area of salt crust formed as ancient Lake Bonneville receded thousands of years ago. We will wander across this alien landscape, absorbing the expansive vistas while learning about the Bonneville Speedway and its storied history in land-speed racing. You’ll have ample opportunity to capture photographs and take brief walks through this captivating terrain.

As our journey concludes, we will return to Salt Lake City and drop you back at your hotel. The total duration of the tour is approximately 6 hours.

Pickup Information

Please be aware that this activity includes pickup from selected hotels within downtown Salt Lake City or from a nearby designated central meeting location.