Sal del Rey – Edinburg, Texas - Atlas Obscura
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Sal del Rey

Edinburg, Texas

This lake sits on an estimated 4 million tons of salt.  

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You’d never know that deep in South Texas there’s a lake that allows visitors the chance to walk on water. Around 20 miles north of Edinburg on US 281, east four miles on TX 186 along a long stretch of road, is a small little entrance to a hidden mirror lake. This natural wonder is known as “La Sal del Rey,” or Salt of the King. 

La Sal del Rey is one of several natural salt lakes along the coastal plain of the Rio Grande with great ties to Spanish settlers and rich history of mining (even to this day). The lake was also a vital source of salt during the American Civil War. The lake has over four times more saline than average seawater. 

Know Before You Go

There are two entrances, and both require a little bit of a walk. With Texas heat, please bring water and insect repellant.


There is no security.


No admission fees.


There are restrooms on site.


Also, be careful while walking on the salt water, you can sink on the salt.

salt lakes natural wonders
Community Contributors
Clair Mtz
Added by
Clair Mtz
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Our Mobile Journey
Edited by
shitloadtrahan, Our Mobile Journey
Published
July 11, 2022
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