Pros & cons
PROS
- Surreal, electric-blue ponds that pop against red-rock canyons
- Easy to see from east-rim overlooks without off-road driving
CONS
- Distant view only; no access to the ponds themselves
- Industrial look can feel out of place to some visitors
Overview
This point marks a public viewing location on the rim path beside the Visitor Center, where visitors can look toward the industrial potash evaporation ponds in the basin below. The ponds themselves are private industrial facilities, not a public visitor destination.
Getting There
Park at the Visitor Center and follow the short paved nature path to its adjacent overlook. Utah State Parks identifies solar-evaporation-pond interpretation along the Visitor Center Nature Trail. The map location marks this public viewing access, not a route to the ponds.
Visiting
Stay on the park paths and view the distant ponds from the rim. Use the visitor-center facilities before continuing onto longer trails. Visibility and the appearance of the ponds vary with light and industrial operations. Do not approach or enter the private pond site.
Where it is
38.4878, -109.7354Tips for Potash Ponds View — Visitor Center
- 01Head to the east rim near the Visitor Center Nature Trail or Desert View Overlook for the best angle.
- 02Visit in full sun (midday–afternoon) for the brightest blue color.
- 03Bring binoculars or a zoom lens—the ponds are far below the rim.
- 04Do not trespass; the ponds are an active industrial site on private property.
- 05In summer the colors are strongest; expect more muted tones in cooler seasons or low light.
Amenities
Near Potash Ponds View — Visitor Center
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayEast Rim TrailEasy mesa-top out-and-back with canyon views from the Visitor Center to Dead Horse Point.Easy · 3.5 mi · 2.5 hr
0 mi awayWest Rim TrailA moderate, exposed 2.8-mile route from the visitor center to Dead Horse Point Overlook.Moderate · 5.5 mi · 3 hr
0 mi awayRim Overlook TrailShort, quieter spur to broad Shafer Canyon views from the West Rim TrailEasy · 2 mi · 1 hr
0 mi awayBig Horn Overlook Trail3.1-mile out-and-back from the Visitor Center to a quiet Bighorn rim overlook above Shafer CanyonEasy · 3.1 mi · 1.3 hr
0.3 mi awayKayenta CampgroundSmall, quiet rim-top base with hookups and stellar dark skiesTrailhead · Restroom
0.5 mi awayWingate CampgroundMesa-top campsites with hookups, big views and dark-sky nightsCampground · Restroom
0.6 mi awayBasin OverlookQuiet rim perch with big views over Shafer BasinScenic Viewpoint
0.8 mi awayRim OverlookQuiet West Rim spur viewpoint above Shafer CanyonScenic Viewpoint
