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Antelope Island State Park

Frary Peak   |  Austin Cronnely
  • Weather: Mostly Sunny, 64F
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Antelope Island State Park is 25 miles north of Salt Lake City. Accessed by a causeway, the island sits in Great Salt Lake and features free-roaming bison and antelope herds. It's a Utah state park that was once considered for national park designation. To understand why, you'll have to see it for yourself.

Highlights

  • 36 miles of hiking and mountain bike trails
  • Kayak and paddleboards rentals at the Great Salt Lake marina
  • Sunsets from Frary Peak
  • Wildlife sightings include bison, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, coyote and some of the best birding in the world
  • Gentle cycling on rolling paved roads 
  • An internationally-certified dark sky park, ideal for stargazing outside of the city

Popular Activities

  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Cycling
  • Paddling
  • Sailing
  • Scenic drives
  • Historic sites
  • Birding and wildlife viewing
  • Camping

Things to Know

  • During warm months, insects are present on the island and emerge at different times. A particularly pesky biting gnat emerges in the spring (April-June) and fine mesh head nets are recommended. Call the visitor center for conditions. 
  • Bison are very fast and should never be approached.
  • The island hosts great annual events, including the Annual Bison Round Up. Learn more.
  • Day-use entry fee required, purchase in-person or online. The Annual Utah State Park Pass is accepted for park entry.
  • You can swim in Great Salt Lake, but it is five times saltier than the ocean, so rinse off and re-hydrate your skin.

Recommended Hikes

  • Frary Peak, the park's highest mountain (6 miles round-trip)
  • Buffalo Point, a short jaunt up a hill with beautiful views (1 mile round-trip)
  • Lakeside Trail, is an excellent trail with little elevation change and accessible throughout the year (6 miles round-trip)
Great-Salt-Lake-State-Park_Uibel-Charles

Great Salt Lake Needs Your Visit

Written By Larisa Bowen

8 minute read

While you visit this mysterious natural wonder, you can also help save it.

Read more

Camping

The are several campground options at Antelope Island, including camp sites for families, small groups, and large groups, ideal for family reunions. Individual hook-ups are available at certain camp sites at Bridger Bay Campground. Flush toilets and shower facilities can also be found at Bridger Bay Campground. There are also hike-in sites available, with no hook-ups. Advance camping reservations are recommended.

Weather

Northern Utah experiences dry, sunny summers typically peaking in the 90s in July or August. Spring and fall are incredibly pleasant times to travel, with ideal daytime temperatures and evenings that may require a layer or jacket. Overnight temperatures in winter drop below freezing, but the visitor center and ranch are open year-round. A snow-blanketed island is a picturesque backdrop for hiking and wildlife viewing.

What's Nearby

Well-prepared travel is responsible travel.

Do your part by planning ahead
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