Salt Lake City: Bonneville Salt Flats Tour

Are you looking for a day trip that combines natural wonder with a touch of history and plenty of photo ops? The Bonneville Salt Flats Tour from Salt Lake City offers just that. Organized by Sunnyside Expeditions, this day-long excursion takes you to one of the most surreal landscapes in North America—the vast, shimmering salt flats of Utah. While the drive is about 1.5 hours each way, the journey is part of the experience, with stops that add context and interest along the way.

What makes this tour stand out for us? First, the knowledgeable guides who bring the landscape to life with stories and insights, and second, the stunning, expansive scenery that’s hard to find anywhere else. A potential consideration? The drive is quite long, so it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy scenic journeys and don’t mind a bit of time on the road. If you’re craving authentic, off-the-beaten-path sights with limited group size, this tour could be a perfect fit.

This tour is ideal for curious travelers who love natural landscapes, photography, or geology. It’s also a good choice for those looking for a relaxed, small-group experience that offers flexibility and personalized attention.

Key Points

• Beautiful scenery: The salt flats are unlike anything else in the world, offering endless photo opportunities.
• Small group size: Limited to 9-11 people, ensuring a more personal and flexible experience.
• Expert guide: Learn about the history, geology, and culture of the Salt Flats from a knowledgeable guide.
• Comfortable transportation: The journey is in an air-conditioned van, making the long drive more pleasant.
• Flexible walk: An easy, flat mile walk onto the flats, ideal for most fitness levels.
• Great value: Includes snacks, water, binoculars, and stops at interesting points along the way.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Basics: What to Expect

This tour is a carefully curated day trip that takes you from Salt Lake City to one of the world’s most extraordinary landscapes—the Bonneville Salt Flats. The journey lasts roughly 3 hours total, including stops, so be prepared for a scenic drive through Utah’s wilderness. The van holds up to 11 travelers, which helps keep the experience more intimate and allows for personalized interaction with your guide.

The main highlight is the Salt Flats themselves, which are especially captivating when wet, creating mirror-like reflections of the surrounding mountains. During summer, the flats tend to be dry and brilliant white, but in winter, they often hold water, turning the landscape into a vast, glistening mirror. The tour includes a mile-long walk onto the flats, which is mostly flat and easy—perfect for most fitness levels.

Learning from Your Guide

What sets this tour apart is the guide’s storytelling. You’ll learn about the geology that formed the flats, their historical importance—like their connection to land speed records—and the local culture surrounding this unique landscape. Many visitors appreciate guides’ ability to bring the landscape alive with fascinating facts and anecdotes.

One reviewer noted, “We loved the way the guide explained the history and geology—really made the landscape more meaningful.” This educational component is especially appealing if you’re a curious traveler who enjoys understanding the stories behind the sights.

The Scenic Drive and Stops

The route is as much about the journey as the destination. The van departs from Salt Lake City and skirts the southern edge of the Great Salt Lake, providing a scenic backdrop. Along the way, the tour makes stops at the Visitors Center—a good place to get some background info—and at the Tree of Life Sculpture, a quirky roadside attraction that’s worth a quick photo.

The real star, of course, is the Salt Flats. The tour makes two stops here, giving ample opportunity for photos and to walk out onto the flats. When conditions permit, the flats’ reflective surface offers stunning opportunities to capture the mountains and sky mirrored in the salt. When wet, the flats become a natural mirror, a sight that many travelers find breathtaking.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $145 per person, you get a lot of value. Included are:

• An air-conditioned vehicle
• A guide with local expertise
• Snacks and bottled water
• Binoculars for better viewing and photography

Not included is lunch, so plan to bring snacks or eat before or after the tour. The tour’s length and the scenic stops make it suitable for most travelers, but do keep in mind the long drive. If you’re someone who gets motion sickness or prefers shorter excursions, this is something to consider.

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The Experience of Walking on the Flats

The mile-long walk is straightforward—flat, easy terrain—making it accessible to most. Walking out onto the salt, you’ll notice its unique texture—crystalline, somewhat rough, but surprisingly firm underfoot. During wet seasons, you might find yourself walking into water, so gum boots are provided if conditions are wet. That said, some reviews mention that they appreciated the ability to just stay in the van if they preferred not to walk.

Authenticity and Practicality

Many travelers have praised the tour for its genuine and unpretentious approach. It’s not overly commercialized, and the small group size helps create a relaxed atmosphere. With a flexible pickup window, you won’t be rushed, and the guide’s local knowledge adds depth to what could otherwise be a simple sightseeing stop.

If you’re looking for a unique landscape away from crowded tourist spots, this tour delivers. It’s perfect for photographers, geology buffs, or anyone interested in Utah’s natural wonders. The long drive may be a downside for some, but it’s also an opportunity to see more of rural Utah and enjoy the scenic countryside.

Travelers who appreciate small-group, personalized experiences will find this tour especially rewarding. The inclusion of snacks and binoculars makes it feel well-equipped without feeling overly commercial.

However, if you’re short on time or prefer a shorter, less involved trip, you might want to consider other options. Also, since the tour is not wheelchair accessible, it’s not suitable for those with mobility challenges.

This Bonneville Salt Flats Tour is a standout for travelers who crave an intimate, educational, and visually stunning experience. The guides’ expertise and the breathtaking scenery make it more than just a drive; it’s a chance to connect with one of the most surreal landscapes in the world. The small group size and included amenities add to the value, making it a worthwhile day trip from Salt Lake City.

If you enjoy landscapes that challenge your perceptions of geography and are a fan of photography or geology, you’ll find this trip compelling. It’s particularly recommended for travelers who don’t mind a bit of long-distance driving in exchange for a memorable, authentic Utah adventure.

This tour offers fantastic value for those seeking a relaxed, authentic experience with plenty of photo opportunities and expert insights into one of Utah’s natural marvels.

How long is the drive to the Salt Flats?
The journey from Salt Lake City is approximately 1.5 hours one-way, making for a total of about 3 hours of travel plus stops.

What is included in the tour price?
You’ll get an air-conditioned vehicle, an experienced guide, snacks, bottled water, and binoculars for viewing. Lunch is not included.

Is the walk onto the flats difficult?
No, it’s an easy, flat mile out and back, suitable for most fitness levels.

Can I walk into the wet flats?
Yes, if conditions are wet, the guide brings gum boots, and you can walk out into the water to enjoy the reflections.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, and perhaps a camera or phone for photos. Snacks and water are provided.

Is this tour suitable for children or large groups?
The tour is small, limited to 11 participants, and is suitable for most ages, but not for wheelchair users.

Are there any restrictions on photography?
No, photography is encouraged, especially with the stunning reflections when the flats are wet.

What if the weather is bad?
The flats are best when wet, which typically occurs in winter. If conditions aren’t ideal, the guide will explain the current state, but the drive itself remains scenic.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund or keep your plans flexible by reserving now and paying later.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users due to terrain and walking conditions.

This tour offers a genuine look at one of the most striking landscapes in the U.S., backed by knowledgeable guides and a small, friendly group. Whether you’re a photo enthusiast or simply curious about Utah’s natural scenery, it’s a trip that’s likely to leave a lasting impression.

You can check availability for your dates here: