I joined in an adventure to help crew a runner in the Salt Flats Endurance Race. They successfully completed the 100 mile race at the Bonneville Speedway on the Salt Flats.
https://saltflatsenduranceruns.com/course
We flew into SLC and drove to our stay in West Wendover on the Nevada side. We saw the Utah Tree of Life Sculpture by the side of the road on I-80. It looked like massive tennis balls. First stop was the gas station store at the Sinclairs with the Indian Restaurant. Figured out how long it takes to get to the speedway to our stay, around 15 minutes. Wendover Will greeted us into downtown, glimmering with casino lights.
The day before the race started, we explored the small town of Wendover. We wandered through the Peppermill Casino. Explored the Wendover air field historic museum to see a replica of little boy and see the hangar that held Enola Gay. Learned a lot about World War II history. Had lunch at the Salt Flats Cafe. Amazing Mexican food! Walls were lined with pictures of people at the Bonneville Speedway. Learned about Eric-
Stopped by the Rainbow casino before picking up supplies at the Smith's grocery store.
Next day was race day, setting our runner off at dawn. Took a nap before breakfast. Enjoyed food from Rolberto's. Lounged and waited before taking desert dirt roads in the Silver Mountains Byway behind to meet our runner at the furthest aid station. The night was filled with waiting at aid stations to support our runner and drop off our pacer before getting little rest to meet them the next dawn morning. Waiting some more, they crossed the finish line, completing 100+ miles under 30 hours. Ultra runners are a special type of crazy.
We spent the rest of the day lounging as they recovered.
Additional side quests I would have been drawn to or may return one day to complete with off road capabl vehicles:
- Wendover overlook
- Blue Lake
https://hike-utah.com/lucinghosttown/
- Sun Tunnels
- Spiral Jetty
https://www.google.com/search?ie=UTF-8&client=ms-android-samsung-rev2&source=android-browser&q=spiral+jetty+history
https://diaart.org/visit/visit-our-locations-sites/robert-smithson-spiral-jetty
We decided to spend the entire next day in Salt Lake City before flying out from SLC.
Lunch was at the Tokyo Tower Japanese.
Followed by a visit to Backcountry to pick up sunglasses before exploring the Temple Square, meeting Mormon sisters, walking around the tabernacle and surrounding sculptures. The temple is currently undergoing seismic renovations. We saw the state building in the distance.
In the afternoon, we tried dirty sodas from Fiiz. Other soda shops were closed as it was Sunday.
https://www.visitutah.com/articles/utah-home-of-dirty-soda
We went to a drive thru up north before driving over to Salt Lake State Park. There is a fee to visit - we paid $10. We learned about the brine shrimp, spiders, ecosystem, history, and the smell of the Salt Lake.
https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/great-salt-lake/thanks/
As we drove out, I think I would recommend people to just park by the Saltair building. Hop over and explore down there for free. Downside is that there wouldn't be nice restrooms or water spouts to wash off the dead carcasses of brine shrimp off your feet. The saltair has a whole history and was used in films.
https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/saltair
Will update with links. Still waiting for dinner plans before flying out in the morning. Looking forward to one more dirty soda in the airport.
We were dismayed when the Culvers we navigated to on our first day was closed. They have great burgers, shakes, and curds. Ended up with a first SLC meal at Copper Canyon Pub.
Spooky stories link because I don't want to go visit but I am intrigued by the history of places.
https://www.saltlakemagazine.com/six-haunted-locations-in-salt-lake-city/
