On the Silver Island Mountain National Back Country Byway, you’ll discover a place where mountains are islands protruding from Utah’s Great Salt Lake Desert, where history is manifested in the form of wheel ruts, and where world speed records are made and broken. Take the 54-mile loop around the Silver Island Mountains, and you’ll be surprised by all it has to offer.
Stock up on water and fuel in Wendover, NV, which lies just east of the byway along the Utah-Nevada border. When you are ready to roll, enter the byway, north off I-80, and follow the loop through mountain passes, across dusty gullies, and around rocky ridges that make up the Silver Island Mountains. The range was given its name by an early explorer, Howard Stansbury, who called the mountain peaks "islands." You'll understand why he gave them this name when you drive the byway in the summer and see how the desert heat creates a mirage of wide stretches of water from which the mountains rise.
The byway’s northern curve runs along a stretch of the California Historic Trail. You’ll recognize the trail by the deep wagon ruts etched into the desert floor—tangible remnants of the rush to California in the 1800s. Continue through Donner-Reed pass, a site named for the infamous Donner Party, remembered today as a historical tragedy.
As you follow the byway loop back toward the beginning, you won’t want to miss the Bonneville Salt Flats International Speedway. Marvel at the 30,000-acre salt flat expanse, and come during the summer to check out motorized vehicle racing events on the flats, such as Speed Week, International Speed Trials, and World of Speed.
As you venture along the road, you’ll want to step out of your vehicle to enjoy the byway’s recreational opportunities as well. Mountain bike segments of the byway, or take on the challenge of biking all 54 miles. Lace up your hiking boots or grab your climbing gear to get a closer look at the Silver Island Mountains.
When you behold the illusive mirages, memorable historical evidence, the world’s fastest vehicles, and invigorating outdoor recreation opportunities on the Silver Island Mountain Back Country Byway, you’ll find a subtle thrill that will keep you coming back time after time.
