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UROC's years of experience with high power launches on the Bonneville Salt Flats has allowed the launch to mature into a premier event. Equipment is excellent, support is good, and the site cannot be compared to anywhere else on Earth... Although, technically this would probably be considered a regional launch, it has national appeal and is well-attended.

HellFire has become well known for its high-power contests. Every year people come from around the US to compete in these events. This year will not be any different, we’ll have a series of contests that will challenge even the most advanced rocketeers as well as contests for the kids just starting out.

The Bonneville Salt Flats are used with the permission of the US. Bureau of Land Management (BLM). We have a waiver in place at the HellFire Launch from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that allows our members to fly high-powered rockets to altitudes as high as 25,000ft. HellFire is insured by the National Association of Rocketry and/or the Tripoli Rocketry Association.

Whatever you've heard about the Bonneville Salt Flats, it is probably true. The vastness will humble you. The Bonneville Salt Flats are one of the most unique natural features in the United States, the flats stretch over 30,000 acres at an altitude of approximately 4320 feet above sea level. Bonneville's heat will cook you alive (hence the name HellFire). We've all experienced bright sunlight, but at Bonneville its intensity is reinforced by being prismatically reflected off the ocean of salt that surrounds you.

You're going to need to block the sun from your face and arms. Bring some good lip balm and sun block, and use them both throughout the day. Protect your eyes and head. It's easy to spot the people who are there for the first time - they' re the ones without sunglasses and hats. If they've been on the salt flats for more than two days, avoid standing downwind from them, since the wind often blows chunks of crispy, toasted skin off their faces and lips, which eventually settles into a fine crust on the flats.

One of the great things about holding a launch on the Bonneville Salt Flats is the launch site’s proximity to the town of Wendover (about 15 minutes away from the launch site!) The town is perched on the border of Utah and Nevada. Because of this, it has become an oasis for Utahns wanting to experience some “night-life”.

The Nevada side of Wendover is teeming with casino/resort complexes that include all of the amenities such as pools, spas, exercise equipment, great food and the ever important air-conditioning. It’s a real bonus being able to come in from the heat after a good day of flying. Hotel and accommodation information is available through the Wendover Tourism and Convention Bureau, 1-775-664-3138 or Toll Free 1-866-299-2489.

If you intend to set up a 'semi-permanent' spectator area, you must secure a tarp as a floor covering on the salt. Don’t forget your camera and bring lots of film, because you will want to remember everything you see. Binoculars are also a great idea since the rockets can be as far as a 1/4 mile away as they lift off.

Please pick up ALL of your trash and take it with you everyday. There will not be dumpsters provided. HellFire is a "Pack it in, Pack it out event."

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Help Protect the Flats

Due to its unique geology, history, and scenic beauty, the Bonneville Salt Flats were designated an Area of Critical Environmental Concern in 1985. By respecting the land, we help to preserve our privilege of using this unique location for our rocketry activities.

Stay on Existing Roads or Trails Stay on existing roads or areas designated for vehicles. Despite the appearance of a hard surface, much of the area is a thin salt crust over soft mud. It easily breaks under the weight of a vehicle.

Stay off the Wet Salt - Stay off the salt surface when it is covered by water. When wet, the salt surface is soft and easily damaged by vehicles. Furthermore, the salt water is highly corrosive and can short-out the electrical system in your vehicle.

Remember it is a Desert!- Be prepared for desert conditions. Temperatures can exceed 100 degrees in the summer and drop well below 0 in the winter. There are no facilities or services on the salt flats. Temporary facilities are available during racing events and HellFire.

No Camping on the Flats - Overnight stays are prohibited on the salt flats. Camping is encouraged on surrounding public lands. Private campgrounds and hookups are available in nearby Wendover City ten miles west of the Bonneville Salt Flats. Other accommodations and services are also available in Wendover.

Call 1-800-426-6862 for more information about the Bonneville Salt Flats

The waivers, land use permits, and section insurance are only in effect during our regularly scheduled events. Please note that UROC does not promote the use of our launch locations at any other times. The club's waiver, Special Recreational Permits, and Landowner insurance are not in force at any time other than during actual club events.

Typically, if a scheduled launch is cancelled due to poor weather conditions we will try to reschedule for the following weekend.

In order to fly mid or high power rockets at any UROC event, you must be able to provide proof of current membership in either the National Association of Rocketry and/or the Tripoli Rocketry Association. Addtionally, you must be certifed or performing a documented certification attempt for the appropriate level. For further information about certifications please contact either our NAR Advisor or our Tripoli Prefect.

Our Sport Launches are held under NAR or Tripoli rules and are for certified motors only.  Research Launches will be administered as a Tripoli Research launch with flyer-made propellants and motors as well as potentially some larger rockets. Flyers must be Tripoli members in order to fly at a Research launch.

This Really IS Rocket Science!

UROC makes every effort, as defined by the Tripoli Safety Code, the NAR Safety Code, NFPA 1122, NFPA 1127, and FAA FAR 101, to ensure the safety of all participants and nearby aviation traffic.  But rocketry is not a zero risk endeavor.  By participating in any Utah Rocket Club launch activity as either a flyer OR as a spectator, you are accepting the risks inherent to the hobby and you acknowledge that you assume full financial risk for participating or attending the event.

Avoid bringing pets to a launch. If you must bring them, they MUST be on a leash at all times. Fireworks, firearms, explosives, or illegal drugs are strictly forbidden. Alcohol use is restricted to the hours after flight operations have ceased for the day. We ask parents and caregivers to carefully consider whether it is appropriate to bring small children (or the old, infirm or disabled) to this event as some of the rockets are large and powerful enough that they could cause serious injury or death in the event of an accident. Attendees should be fully mobile and aware of their surroundings in the event it becomes necessary to move rapidly away from a falling or malfunctioning rocket.