About 100 miles west of Salt Lake City, you’ll find one of the country’s most unique natural attractions: the Bonneville Salt Flats. This area features 30,000 acres of dazzling yet desolate white earth surrounded by mountains. The flats are a result of the ancient Lake Bonneville, which dried up long ago and left an otherworldly landscape behind.

Visitors can drive their cars directly onto the flats, or park in the lot and walk the flats on foot. In fact, there is even a section of the flats, the Bonneville Speedway, which is designated for car racing; the flat landscape and the salt’s moisture balance makes for prime racing conditions. Some of the fastest driving speeds – more than 500 mph – have been recorded on these flats and there are racing events held here each year, including Bonneville Speed Week and the Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials each August.

The journey to the salt flats is essentially a straight shot on Interstate 80 from Salt Lake City; travelers recommend bringing snacks and water with you since you won’t pass many towns or stores on the trip. If you’re venturing to the flats in the winter months, be sure to check weather updates as it’s not safe to drive on the flats in wet conditions. The Bonneville Salt Flats are free to enter.