Thank you for using our links to support us for free, we appreciate it! You allow us to keep finding the best travel deals for free and to keep offering interesting content for free. What do you think of following those types of rules? Tell us in the comments below.Įxplore awesome destinations: travel inspirationįeatured image: blue canal video screen capture (photo credit: Scott Taylor)Īdvertiser Disclosure: In the interest of transparency, Flytrippers may receive a commission on links featured in this post, at no cost to you. The majestic blue canals in Utah’s West Desert sure look beautiful, but swimming or paddling there isn’t recommended by local authorities. Canal from above (photo credit: Scott Taylor) The Utah Highway Patrol has been monitoring the area and giving out citations because of the surge in visitors in the last few days.Įven though going into the blue canal could very well not hurt anybody, getting a substantial fine and losing money (that could be used to fund another trip) is definitely bad for those who love to travel. Especially since many are apparently crossing the highway on foot to reach the canals. And dangerous for those on that stretch of road, unfortunately.

Not to mention that there are no access roads and those making their way to the canals have to park on the site of a major Interstate Highway, which also is illegal. While the blue canals are partly on public lands, they also cross into private property, and many “no trespassing” signs are posted. There could also be unstable/sinking ground near the canals and the surrounding steep berm areas.Īnd that’s not all. The water isn’t toxic, but it just isn’t made for swimming. The BLM’s manager says the canals “are not appropriate for recreation due to the canals’ industrial design and other unknown hazards.” The federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) agency warns potential adventurers that the waters may “be unsafe for boating and swimming”. Canal corner (photo credit: Scott Taylor) The problem is that the canals are not natural at all: they are designed for industrial purposes, as local company Intrepid Potash uses the canals (and nearby ponds) to extract minerals from the brines. But it’s also important to be respectful of locals. We’re all for exploring hidden, unusual, and off-the-beaten-path destinations (in fact, avoiding touristy destinations is vital to traveling more authentically).

Why exploring the blue canal isn’t recommended

Kayak bonneville salt flats