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Antelope Island State Park

Frary Peak | Austin Cronnely

Weather: Partly Sunny, 49F

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Things to Do

Hiking

At Antelope Island, you'll find an extensive network of backcountry trails, giving hikers of all abilities the chance to explore the island's raw beauty and the Great Salt Lake landscape. As you hike, keep your eyes peeled, as these trails meander directly through the range of the island's famous free-roaming bison and pronghorn.
Cycling

For road cyclists, the island offers a network of well-maintained roads that wind along the shores and through the rolling terrain. It's the perfect route to get some exercise while enjoying a western wildlife tour.
Dark Sky

The closest certified dark sky park to Salt Lake City is Antelope Island. At Buffalo Point and Frary Peak, you'll find fantastic sunset views that, once darkness falls, give way to spectacular dark skies perfect for stargazing. Plan a quick escape from the city for a weekend camping trip that combines bison sightings, sunset hikes and dark skies for astrophotography.
Utah Film Trail

The dangerous buffalo hunt from the epic western, "The Covered Wagon," was filmed here at Camera Flats. It was one of the most successful films of the silent era and the first Hollywood film ever produced in Utah. The movie follows a group of pioneers traveling from Kansas to Oregon, but nearly every stage of the 2000-mile trek along the Oregon Trail was filmed in northern Utah.
Annual Bison Roundup

The island truly comes alive for spectacular annual events like the Annual Bison Round Up. Get up close to the Utah bison population in a relatively natural habitat and watch as real cowboys and cowgirls herd them. It's a thrilling, cinematic experience—like being transported straight onto the set of an Old West movie.
Fielding Garr Ranch

Located on the quiet, southeastern side of Antelope Island, the Fielding Garr Ranch offers an incredible journey back to Utah's frontier history. Visitors can tour several buildings from the 1850s, including the original blacksmith shop, corrals, and farm equipment. While the tour is mostly self-guided, on Thursdays the volunteers are never far off to intrigue you with details or answer questions.
Great Salt Lake

Home to both the Great Salt Lake State Park and Antelope Island State Park, the Great Salt Lake is a popular destination for boating, swimming, hiking, camping and wildlife viewing. Rent a Kayak and paddleboard at the Great Salt Lake marina or stop by the Spiral Jetty earth sculpture.

More Antelope Island Inspiration

Highlights

36 miles of hiking and mountain bike trails
Kayak and paddleboards rentals at the Great Salt Lake marina
Sunsets from Frary Peak
Utah Film Trail location for the western film, "The Covered Wagon"
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.
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)

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Great Salt Lake Needs Your Visit

Written By Larisa Bowen

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

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.