The Great Basin is known for its extensive salt flats and dry lake beds, which are a direct result of its closed drainage system.

Due to the Great Basin's endorheic (closed) drainage system, water does not flow to the ocean, leading to the formation of salt flats and dry lake beds, particularly in low-lying areas. These features, such as the Bonneville Salt Flats and the remnants of ancient lakes, are iconic characteristics of the region's landscape. The lack of outflow leads to evaporation, leaving behind salt and minerals that accumulate over time, creating vast, arid expanses of flat terrain.