You Can Practically Walk On Water At This Texas Lake That Sits On 4 Million Tons Of Salt
The Lone Star State is home to one of the only salt lakes in America, and hardly anyone knows it exists. La Sal del Rey, located just off TX-186 in Edinburg, is one of the most unique natural wonders in Texas, sitting on a whopping four million tons of salt. You can practically walk on water!
Located within the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge, La Sal del Rey (which means "The King's Salt" in Spanish) is a natural wonder unlike anything you've ever seen before. One of several salt lakes in the area, this hypersaline lake sits on a whopping four million tons of salt - that's over four times saltier than normal seawater.
This unique place is situated along the Rio Grande Valley Civil War Trail, appealing to history buffs and nature lovers alike. Both Spanish explorers and local residents mined the lake for salt during the war - for many, it was the only source of sodium in their diet.
After you've soaked up all the saltwater your heart desires, head to one of the observation boardwalks to enjoy panoramic views of the area. You can also read informational signs highlighting the wildlife that resides in the refuge, including a number of rare bird species.
The lake also features a sandy beach almost as pristine as the salt crystals themselves. Combine that with the secluded nature of this hidden gem natural wonder, and you just may never want to leave.
Accessing the lake requires an approximately 3-mile walk, and the parking area can be found on Brushline Road. Admission to the wildlife refuge is always free. Visit the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website for more information about the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge.
Have you ever visited La Sal del Rey? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article for a nearby state park where you can see more bird species than almost anywhere else on earth.
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Address: La Sal Del Rey, TX-186, Edinburg, TX 78542, USA
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing.
Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee, watching a crime TV show or scary movie.
