The 50-foot tall neon cowboy that greets you when you enter the desert town of Wendover only tells part of the story of this casino community. You’ll also find hiking, mountain biking, fishing and golf nearby. You can even scuba-dive in the geothermal-fed Blue Lake. Several campgrounds offer sites for RV and tent camping so you can rejuvenate for the next day’s activities.
Location
The cities of Wendover, Utah, and West Wendover, Nevada, are essentially one community separated by the state line. In Wendover, gambling is legal while in West Wendover, it’s against the law. The community is located 10 miles from the Bonneville Salt Flats, an expansive white plain bordered by distant mountains. The area is situated about 120 miles west of Salt Lake City along Interstate 80.
Bonneville Salt Flats
One of the biggest attractions to the Wendover area includes a visit to the expansive Bonneville Salt Flats. While no camping or hiking is allowed on the Flats, the area hosts cars from around the world that conduct speed trials throughout the summer. The area used to be a lake bed, but is now a dry, flat white plain. To see the Flats from a birds-eye perspective, head to the Pilot Peak Trailhead. The hike takes all day and offers stunning views from the top of the mountain.
Campgrounds
The Wendover KOA offers mountain views and campsites for both RVers and tent campers. Full hookups including cable television are available. The campground offers some nice grassy spots for tents. Amenities include shower houses with restrooms. For recreation, head to the swimming pool or play a game of miniature golf on the premises. The Wendover RV Nugget RV Park offers RV campsite with full hookups with cable television. Amenities include high-speed Internet access as well as a swimming pool and a shower house with restrooms.
Activities
You’ll find plenty of recreation opportunities near the campgrounds. Nearby Blue Lake offers fishing for bass and bluegill. You’ll also find mountain biking and hiking trails. Scuba diving is popular at the lake. Or, head to the Critenden Reservoir for swimming, fishing, or hiking and biking around the large lake. Golf enthusiasts will want to head to the championship Toana Vista Golf Course for a round. A trip to nearby Danger Cave Archaeological Site offers a glimpse into the lives of the hunters and gatherers who lived in the area as much as 12,000 years ago. Once you reach the dry caves via short trail, you’ll see a variety of artifacts uncovered in the 1950s including arrowheads, baskets and gaming sticks.
Preparation
Summer temperatures reach into the 90s F, making sunscreen and hats important. Make sure to carry extra water on hikes. Evenings cool off considerably, with a lightweight jacket making the temperature more comfortable. If you plan to fish in the area, you’ll need either a Nevada or Utah state fishing license. You can get the Utah License in Wendover or the Nevada license in West Wendover sporting goods shops.
Member Comments