Posted in Utah August 24, 2020 by

This Brilliant Blue Canal In Utah Is Popular On Social Media, But Might Be Dangerous To Visit

If you’ve been on Instagram or YouTube lately, you may have seen photos and video of people swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking in a brilliant blue canal out near the Bonneville Salt Flats. The canal does look absolutely amazing, but officials say that the canal isn’t safe, and it might even be illegal to visit.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Way out in Utah's West Desert, there's a brilliant blue canal with water that looks like it was transported from the Caribbean. This spot is literally in the middle of a vast expanse of desert, so you might expect it to be as unoccupied as the rest of this landscape...
Matt Newey/YouTube
...but on closer inspection, you might find groups of people swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking here.
Matt Newey/YouTube
One clue that this canal has visitors might be the cars illegally parked along I-80. Local law enforcement warns that it's very dangerous to park right alongside the Interstate (especially considering that the speed limit is 80 mph, and people regularly travel through here at 90 mph or more).
We have to admit - this looks absolutely amazing! Unfortunately, it might not be safe. The canal is used by Intrepid Potash, and it's an industrial canal that wasn't designed for public use.
Matt Newey/YouTube
You might assume that the water in this canal is just very salty water from the Great Salt Lake, but it's actually a concentrated brine solution, and Intrepid Potash states that it's not safe.
The canal crosses public land that's managed by the Bureau of Land Management, but it also crosses through private land.
Matt Newey/YouTube
To reach the canal, you may have to walk through private land as well. If you see a "No Trespassing" sign, be aware that you're breaking the law.
Matt Newey/YouTube
Employees of Intrepid Potash may also be around, and they may ask you to leave. If your car is parked on I-80, it could be ticketed or even towed. Utah State Highway Patrol is keeping an eye on the area.
Matt Newey/YouTube
Want to check out this gorgeous canal without visiting in person? Take a look at this video posted on YouTube.com by Matt Newey.

Would you dare to swim or paddle in this canal?

You’ll find some similar bright potash ponds near Moab, and you can see them from high up above.

Address: Utah, USA