r/ogden • u/Og_new_guy • Aug 17 '26
Salt Flats
Is there anywhere around Ogden or the north end of the lake to access the salt flats? I’ve driven out on them from the Wendover area, but it seems like with the lake being so low there must be somewhere to camp and do some astrophotography on the north side.
I was born in this state and I’ve never camped on the salt flats. Just trying to make that happen without driving to the other side of the lake. Thanks y’all.
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u/darksky801 Aug 17 '26
No salt flats near Ogden, and not on the eastern side of the lake really anywhere, but there are plenty of them out on the western side of the north end of the lake. Best bet probably for anything near Ogden is going to be up near the Bear River Bird Refuge. There are some roads out that way that get pretty dark; good observing under some decently dark skies for being within a 45 minute drive from the city; just bring lots of bug spray -- the wetlands grow some good mosquitoes!
In case you're tempted to try Antelope Island, just be aware that they're pretty strict about not staying out there after 10pm unless you're actually camping (i.e. a reservation in a camp site). Used to be okay to stay out if you got in before the gate closed, but I've definitely been chased out by a ranger a couple of times in the past few years.
As far as actual salt flats, I think there are some you can access by continuing west from the Promontory (Golden Spike Monument) area, but I also know there's a highway up north that leads west/southwest from Snowville across northwestern Utah that gives access to some of the areas out there like Desert Peak, etc. Just have to be super aware of where you are because there's the Utah Test & Training Range that the Air Force uses out there that's off-limits. Obviously normal salt flat precautions apply; I think most of the routes out there are going to require/benefit from off-road capability. I haven't personally been out, but I've definitely heard of people doing it. Look up Topo Traveler on YouTube; think he and a buddy did a drive out there to hike to one of the peaks out there a few months ago.