V16E1: The Way Home from Bonneville

Primitive site on BLM land overlooking the Bonneville Salt Flats to the south, with a desert mountain range to the north and west. This particular site is nice and private but it's a little uneven for my liking so you may have to level your vehicle. There is a small unkempt fire ring and enough room for two or three vehicles. It is accessible by any vehicle, and there are a number of tracks and mountains nearby to explore. Great cell service and lovely views in western Utah. This is about five miles from I-80 and a Sinclair gas station, so it's a good spot if you're passing through on a road trip. There are several other decent boondocking sites a long this road so it's worth exploring. You might find an even better spot!

To get here, follow signs to Bonneville Speedway. While this might sound like a racetrack, it’s really just a sprawling white salt-flat with a mountainous backdrop in every direction. Contrary to my video footage, it’s a very busy tourist stop, so expect to encounter a lot of people where the paved road stops and the salt flat begins. It’s such a vast expanse that you can still find your own spot away from the crowds. It’s beautiful after a rain, with a reflective mirror surface, but so don’t think you’re supposed to drive on it in wet conditions. The surface is smooth, flat, and sturdy, and it’s no wonder it’s been used for going after speed records in motor sports, It’s definitely a photogenic experience and a must-see if you find yourself passing through the area.

Located in rural Chester County, Pennsylvania, about an hour from Philadelphia, French Creek State Park is a sprawling natural area, with a couple of lakes and surrounded by dense, deciduous forests. There are abundant hiking trails to enjoy, and also a nice, well-maintained campground with restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings. Not to mention, several picnic and day use areas. It’s not too far from my parents’ house, so when I return home to visit, it’s one of my favorite places to enjoy a natural backcountry setting. It’s also not far from the Hopewell Furnace 18th century historical site.