Why is the Great Salt Lake pink near Stansbury Island?

The pink hue is caused by salt-loving microorganisms called halophiles (such as Dunaliella salina algae and Haloarchaea bacteria) that thrive in the hyper-saline waters of the lake's North Arm, isolated by a railroad causeway.

Where is the Pink Lake located at Stansbury Island?

The pink water is situated along the northwestern shore of Stansbury Island, on the Great Salt Lake in Tooele County, Utah.

When is the best time of year to see the pink water?

The pink color is most vivid during late summer and autumn when water levels drop, salinity increases, and warmer temperatures promote higher concentrations of halophilic microorganisms.

Is it safe to swim or wade in the Pink Lake?

Wading is generally safe, but the high salt concentration can irritate open cuts or sensitive skin. It is recommended to bring plenty of fresh water to rinse off afterward, as salt crusts quickly on skin and clothes.

How do you get to Stansbury Island's pink lake area?

Drive west from Salt Lake City along Interstate 80 to Exit 84 (Stansbury Island). Follow the dirt road northward along the island. High-clearance or 4WD vehicles are recommended as road conditions can be rough or muddy.

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Pink Lake at Stansbury Island

Pink Lake at Stansbury Island

Great Salt Lake's pink lake | Naveen Chandra

There's a bay on the south end of the Great Salt Lake that turns a deep, saturated pink, mimicking Utah’s cotton candy sunsets. This “pink lake,” as locals call it, reflects a bronze-blush hue due to a biological effect visible from the shores of Stansbury Island.

The waters on the island's western shore are some of the saltiest in the lake and host halophilic microorganisms that give the bays their signature rosy glow. Find Stansbury Island’s pink lake, 45 minutes west of Salt Lake City, connected to the mainland by a short causeway.

Great Salt Lake Spiral Jetty

Find Stansbury Island’s pink lake, 45 minutes west of Salt Lake City, connected to the mainland by a short causeway.

Photo: Jeffrey Furse

Why Is the Pink Lake Pink?

The short answer? Biology. The western bay of Stansbury Island is cut off from the freshwater rivers (the Bear, Weber and Jordan) that feed the main body of the Great Salt Lake. Without that dilution, salt concentrations on this side of the lake can reach nearly 10 times that of the ocean.

That extreme salinity is inhospitable to most life, but salt-loving microorganisms like halophilic bacteria and algae thrive here. They produce a red-pink pigment that colors the water as their populations bloom; the saltier the water, the more vivid the pink.

Looking for the best time to view? Color intensity varies by season, recent rainfall and time of day. Late spring through early fall tends to offer the most saturated hue. Early morning and late afternoon light provide maximum contrast between the pink water and the surrounding salt flats, making for the best photo ops.

Outer Photo: Naveen Chandra

Inner Photo: The pink lake at Stansbury Island is one of at least two pink-water areas on the Great Salt Lake.

Photo: Naveen Chandra

Where Is the Pink Lake?

Stansbury Island is situated on the southwestern shore of the Great Salt Lake, roughly 45 miles west of Salt Lake City via I-80. The island is accessible year-round by car via Stansbury Island Road, which connects to the island by causeway off Exit 84.

The pink lake at Stansbury Island is one of at least two pink-water areas on the Great Salt Lake. The other “pink lake” viewpoint is the bay near the Spiral Jetty on the north shore. The Stansbury Island bay is separated from the main body of the lake and receives no freshwater inflow from local rivers, which increases salinity and deepens the color.

Prepare for No Services, Tons of Wildlife, Plenty of Photo Opps

Stansbury Island is remote by design. There are no services on the island, including gas, food or cell service, past the causeway entrance, which is part of what keeps it quiet. On a weekday, you may have the shoreline entirely to yourself.

The hike from the parking area to the water is short and relatively flat. Once you're there, you'll find a wide-open salt flat meeting that unmistakably pink water, with the Stansbury Mountains rising behind you. The cracked salt patterns along the shore are a detail worth noticing up close.The island is also a wildlife area, home to pronghorn antelope, mule deer and migratory birds. Keep an eye out as you drive in, or take a hike on the trails to spot wildlife.

Photo: Naveen Chandra

Pink Lake FAQs

Can You Swim in Utah’s Pink Lake?

Yes, the pink water at Stansbury Island is safe to swim in. It’s even part of the appeal! The high salinity makes you noticeably more buoyant than in fresh water. Safety-wise, the halophilic bacteria and algae are not harmful to humans. That said, avoid getting the water in your eyes or mouth, and rinse off afterward. The salt concentration is extremely high and may irritate skin.

Is There an Entry Fee?

No fee is required to visit Stansbury Island. Drone use at Great Salt Lake State Park requires a $1 permit, available through Utah State Parks.

Are There Camping Options Near Stansbury Island?

Stansbury Island has no designated campgrounds. Dispersed camping may be possible, but the island has no water, toilets or services beyond the observation point. Most visitors treat this as a day trip from Salt Lake City, Tooele or Grantsville.

Is the Utah Pink Lake Pink Year-Round?

Generally, yes. Stansbury Island’s Pink Lake bay maintains its pink color through all four seasons. Color intensity lessens temporarily after heavy rainfall or snowmelt, which dilutes the salt concentration and the resulting algal bloom. Summer and early fall tend to offer the most vivid hues.

What's the Best Time of Day to Visit Utah’s Pink Lake?

Early morning or late afternoon. Midday sun washes out the contrast between the pink water and the surrounding flats. Golden hour (morning or evening) makes the color pop while the low-angle light catches the cracked salt patterns.