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If you are taking a trip to the Salt Lake City area, or maybe even a neighboring town like Ogden for powder country, make sure to save a day for Antelope Island State Park.

Located in the middle of the Great Salt Lake, Antelope Island State Park is the largest island in the lake. And possibly the most surprising.

History of Antelope Island State Park

Antelope Island, so named by John C. Fremont in 1845 for the meat they got from there has a varied history before becoming the Utah state park it is known for today.

Once utilized by the indigenous tribes of the area, the island changed hands many times to be utilized as a ranch and for slate mining before officially becoming a state park in 1993.

There are still remnants of it’s storied past across the island including the historic Fielding Garr ranch, which has self-guided tours, restrooms, and a picnic area.

The lake itself is home to brine shrimp, harvested for use in aquaculture and aquariums worldwide. The water levels vary throughout the year, exposing clumps of brine shrimp along it’s shores. But the sandy beaches are a huge draw for visitors in the summer months.

Best time to visit

Early spring and summer are good times to visit because of the warm waters and it’s a great place to go camping. However, this is a popular destination in the summer months and you will need to book your campsite early. The park is, however, open year-round, so if you want to avoid crowds, I recommend visiting during fall and winter, when there are no bugs and the trails are virtually empty. You may, however, encounter some snow at the higher elevations, so make sure to come prepared.

Wildlife Viewing

In my opinion, seeing the variety of wildlife here is one of the best things about the island. Twelve bison were introduced to the island in 1893. Mountain sheep, pronghorn antelope and mule deer were also brought over at that time and the following year elk were also introduced to the island. By 1911, there are 100 free-ranging bison on the island, comprising one of the largest herds in the United States.

When the park opened in 1993, Pronghorn sheep were introduced and then in 1997 23 Bighorn sheep were introduced. All died, however, due to an illness likely transmitted by domestic sheep. Similar to that seen in Hells Canyon. Though Hells Canyon has fared better and there are still Bighorn sheep seen there today.

I was completely shocked by the number of wildlife on the island and didn’t know what to expect to be honest. I thought maybe we would see one or two bison but the moment we arrived from the causeway that connects the mainland to the park, there were bison, antelope, and numerous bird species.

While hiking, we were even followed by a coyote for a while. It was a bit unsettling how close the wildlife got to us here but thrilling overall to see so many species thriving in one area.

And they are well managed here. Every year the parks staff do a annual bison roundup to check the health of the bison on the island and maintain healthy population numbers by exporting several a year.

Without proper management, overpopulation leads to health issues and food shortages for the animals and on such a small expanse of land, this management is a necessity.

Hiking Trails

You can hike, mountain bike, or go horseback riding on the park’s backcountry trails. It’s a popular recreation spot particularly in the summer months. If you are uncertain of where to start you can check in with the park rangers at the visitor center to see which trail might be best for you.

There are so many great trails here, with something for everyone. The first hike you come to when you arrive on the island is an easy 1 mile hike to Lady Finger Point. You can take the short 0.4-mile hike one-way to Beacon Knob Spur, the 0.9 miles out and back, family-friendly Buffalo Point trail or the grueling 3.5-mile one-way 2,100 feet elevation gain Frary Peak Trail. Frary Peak is the highest point on Antelope Island at 6, 596 feet and is the best place to see spectacular views of the lake and the mountains of northeastern Utah.

There is also the 11.4-mile one-way Mountain View Trail, that wends its way along the shoreline with perfect mountain views. You can also bring you dog with you to explore the park, which is always an added bonus.

You can do and see a lot in one day but you should have a plan. It also depends on the time of year. The Frary Peak Trail will be snow-capped if you are there in the winter, so be prepared or maybe leave it for another time.

The White Rock Loop is a nice trail to check out, if you are only going to do one trail that day because you get great views of both sides of the island and it’s not a difficult trail.

If hiking is not really your thing, many trails allow horseback riding and there are plenty of lookoffs you can drive up too.

Island Logistics

Amenities

In the summer there is a great beach to lounge about on with showers and a small restaurant, the Island Buffalo Grill. But be warned it is closed during the winter, so plan accordingly (we did not).

There is a visitor center right as you arrive on the island that has restrooms and information on everything island related.

Entrance Fees

It costs $8/vehicle with up to 8 people per vehicle. If you are a senior, it’s $5 per vehicle.

Hours

March-October: 6am – 10pm

November-February: 6am – 6pm

Closed Thanksgiving and December 25th

Directions

Antelope Island State Park is 41 miles north of Salt Lake City. The only access point onto the island is via the Davis County Causeway (Antelope Island Road) only. We found it pretty easily with my phone GPS.

Where to stay

Camping

In the summer you can take the opportunity to camp at several campgrounds. Then you can completely immerse yourself in an Antelope island hike and wildlife experience.

Bridger Bay Campground and White Rock Bay Campground

Has 47 campsites with picnic tables, fire pits, and vault toilets.

Ladyfinger Campground

Has 5 campsites including picnic tables and tent pads. Open fires are not permitted. Vault toilets are available.

Concluding thoughts

It really is a pretty little island, you can spend several days there. Or if taking a day off from riding the powder at one of the many ski mountains in the area, this is the place to go. Antelope Island State Park is a surprising nature reprieve in the middle of a great lake, dense with salt and a must visit.

To plan your trip to Antelope Island State park, make sure to visit their website.