So you’re traveling along I-70 Eastbound in central/western Utah. The desert is pretty cool, even if there are big yellow signs warning you to stay alert and to pull over if you get drowsy. You see a sign for a rest area. Should you stop? The answer is “yes” if it’s Sand Bench View Area, located at 38.82871746, -111.1148940 about 5.4 miles east of Exit 99. The rest area, itself (it’s marked “Salt Wash View Area” on a blue sign on the highway), isn’t all that exciting, though it does have a vault toilet. But the views are great, and it’s a good place to get out and stretch your legs.
I visited on a cold November day about noon. There was snow clinging to the plains below, even though the sun was shining brightly.
I wandered around to get the best vantage points. A set of rocks gave a great view down on Salt Wash (or is it Sand Bench?).
One of my favorites was down on I-70 – both eastbound and westbound views are great!
If you’re on I-70 Westbound, unfortunately there’s no access to the view area. However, westbound travelers can take in the views from the Salt Wash View Area on their side of the highway, directly across the road from the eastbound viewpoint! It’s 2.3 miles west of Exit 108.
That’s it! A great view, a quick stop, and you can even use the primitive restrooms – which are a rare luxury in this part of the country!
Easy, Gorgeous Hikes in Utah!
Enjoy walking to and through some of Utah’s best, easily accessible scenery with this guidebook. It covers 50 hikes throughout the state that are quick, easy, and beautiful. Buy your copy here!
