HomeBonneville Salt Flats

Launch Site - Bonneville Salt Flats - (Retired)

Unfortunately, in 2021, UROC held it's last launch on the Bonneville Salt Flats. This is due to increased air traffic into SLC International Airport which uses the same air space that we do. There is just too much traffic for the FAA to be able to coordinate the flights around us (the area is surrounded by military airspace).

We were lucky to be able to use this awesome site for 25 years and also lucky that the last event held there was LDRS 39. It was truly a great way for us to go out...

We have left the information below up for informational purposes only.

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.

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.

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.

Read our Salt Flats Survival Guide

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”.

Getting there

If you are planning to fly into the event you will want to travel to Salt Lake City Airport (SLC). Wendover is approximately 117 miles straight east and takes about 1h 40mins to travel there. It’s all easy interstate the whole way there.

Map of Bonneville Launch Site

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. There is no camping on the Salt Flats, however camping is welcome on the surrounding public lands.

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.

Help Protect the Flats

Managed by the BLM as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern and Special Recreation Management Area, the Bonneville Salt Flats are a 30,000 acre expanse of hard, white salt crust on the western edge of the Great Salt Lake basin in Utah. "Bonneville" is also on the National Register of Historic Landmarks because of its contribution to land speed racing. The salt flats are about 12 miles long and 5 miles wide with total area coverage of just over 46 square miles. Near the center of the salt, the crust is almost 5 feet thick in places, with the depth tapering off to less than 1 inch as you get to the edges. Total salt crust volume has been estimated at 147 million tons or 99 million cubic yards of salt! The Bonneville Salt Flats are comprised of approximately 90% common table salt.

To aid in the management of the public lands, we ask that you follow proper land use etiquette such as Tread Lightly! and Leave No Trace. A few examples of these principles are the proper disposal of human waste, packing out litter, and ensuring any livestock feed used or transported across public lands is certified weed-free.

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