All along the park roadways, numerous birds can be spotted throughout the year, perched on the roadside vegetation. Once you pass the gate, youll immediately be mesmerized by the beauty of Great Salt Lake. Its basically like a super-bike and I am a big fan of their ability to make bike riding more accessible to a greater number of people. Now we have had a change of plan. In the summer there is a great beach to lounge about on with showers and a small restaurant, the Island Buffalo Grill. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Most of the springs are said to be on the east side of the park, but exact locations are not given out as to not disturb the wildlife or damage the springs in any way. Entrance is $10 per car for the day. The bison on the island can be and should be considered dangerous. The gate attendant told us the season for the biting bugs called no-see-ums was nearing its end and they werent very bad. This fee is included in the camping reservation fee if you are a camper like we were and there are discounts for senior citizens, commercial tours, and educational groups. Located in the middle of the Great Salt Lake, Antelope Island State Park is the largest island in the lake. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy. We hope you start planning your trip today and use our guide to determine the best things to do at Antelope Island. The second half of the walk was less breezy with progressively hotter sun and no lake views. Located in Davis County, if you're visiting Antelope Island from Salt Lake City, you'll take Interstate 15 north until exit 332, then drive through Syracuse toward the . It really is a pretty little island.,you can spend several days there. The problem with a quick visit in the middle of the day in the middle of the summer is that you probably won't really get a good understanding of the best parts. Exploring and adventuring with the love of my life is a dream come true! The birds are pretty scarce now--not all gone, just not too many. Not only is it beautiful in and by itself, but Antelope Island is also home to a variety of animals, including bison, pronghorn antelope, mule deer, bighorn sheep, spiders, snakes, badgers, coyotes, porcupines, butterflies, dragonflies, and approximately 260 varieties of birds which either migrate through or permanently live on or near the island. We are overnighting in SLC in order to visit a photographic shop (we are all avid photographers) to take advantage of the good exchange rate and stock up on equipment, then proceed to GTNP. My husband, Kevin, and I are exploring North America in our 37 motorhome, Pippi. Antelope Island - WorldAtlas But remember, bison are indeed wild animals and should be treated as such. Ladyfinger Campground Includes picnic tables and tent pads. I found them. In preparation for spending the day at Antelope Park, you can also learn more about the phenomenon of ice shove in Utah. While you can exit this park at any time, there is no admittance outside of these hours so these are important to keep in mind if you are camping in the park. In hindsight, I would have walked the trail counterclockwise instead of clockwise to ensure motivation didnt wane during the second half. We did not have the time but noted many opportunities to hike up trails onto the open landscape. While you will likely only have to walk 1/4 of a mile to deep water, salt in the lake and the surrounding air leave you dehydrated faster than you may expect. I was not winning any fashion awards for my outfit but thankfully Im comfortable enough in my skin to laugh at myself. Native to the island, pronghorn antelope is another commonly seen animal on much of the state park. Since it is a bit of a drive even off the freeway and a fairly large park, I would plan at least 3-4 hours to do it any justice. Antelope Island is a beautiful state park in Utah with tons of activities ranging from bird watching to hiking to camping. Next day short trip into Jackson for a few days there before moving on to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? ; Bear Lake Minerals suspended in the waters of Bear Lake create its spectacular aqua-blue color. It was amazing. With the flight in the evening, I decided to do some photo-shooting in the morning, with the Great Salt Lake itself being the objective. Like all the island wildlife, these large herbivores roam free and, at times, can be just a few yards away from your vehicle. The second option is to drive north and visit Antelope Island State Park. Interesting and well worth a visit - Review of Antelope Island State Your email address will not be published. The island can get pretty crowded with visitors during the summer months, but in the winter it's pretty peaceful and serene. It was also very hot! While this historic ranch was purchased by the hunting ranch hopeful John Dooly, it was originally constructed by widower Fielding Garr. Antelope Island State Park - Tripadvisor So you must be careful not to approach them or let them approach you.Attached are some photographs that I took,while on the island. Salt pans, reflective waters, wildlife, and beaches round it out as an amazing outdoor destination for adventurers. Once utilized by the natives 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. Any other expectation should be kept rather low, however. We're excited to share all of the best things to do at Antelope Island State Park, which is a super unique place to explore, as well as all of the info you need to know before you go, such as how to get there, where to stay, and other helpful tips. Antelope Island is the way to see Great Salt Lake. The lake is very shallow at this point and rather marshy between the island and the mainland. Antelope Island is definitely worth visiting. We spent three days exploring the park and have identified the top things you cant-miss at Antelope Island. And possibly the most surprising. Antelope Island State Park: Different and worth a visit - See 1,272 traveler reviews, 2,044 candid photos, and great deals for Syracuse, UT, at Tripadvisor. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-12551183', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Temple Square area. While not native to the area, these bison are graceful and wonderful to watch from a safe distance of 25 yards. More keen observers will also be able to spot badgers, porcupines, and one of the many birds that nest on the island such as blue herons, ibis, red-winged blackbirds, and California gulls. ress_js("//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"); Is it possible to use vehicles for the physically challenged? Just be sure to bring along some mosquito repellent, because those little buggers were active and hungry during our hike. Sunset at Antelope State Park is stunning. Antelope Island is super dog friendly! Has 47 campsites with picnic tables, fire pits, and vault toilets. Let me know if you have any other questions! ("I'd Rather Be Birdwatching" Shirts and Hoodies. It also sat next to Bridger Bay beach, giving every spot a clear view of the water which never failed to light up in brilliant shades of peach to reflect the nightly sunsets. We often found him looking out our bedroom window as he looked for bison. If you have any questions, or you know of another natural gem around the Great Salt Lake, comment down below so that we can help future travelers together! Currently for 2021, it costs $15 per vehicle for a day-use fee for Antelope Island and it is payable at the toll booth as you enter the causeway. I would not go back to this park. I couldnt wrap up this blog until I briefly mentioned the vast number of spiders that live on Antelope Island. Be safe and keep a good distance between you and these rather large animals. Located in the middle of the Great Salt Lake, Antelope Island State Park is the largest island in the lake. ; Antelope Island Hike, mountain bike or horseback ride the park's backcountry trails for spectacular views of lake and island scenery; sp. If you are one of those who want to touch the water, there are a couple pull over places along the drive that allow you to do that. The views of the lake were spectacular but the bugs were definitely out. Antelope Island - Is it worth it for a couple of hours? Not all the wildlife is easily viewed on the island, however, but they are there. The campground is spacious and offers great views of the lake. Then, discover how you can visit this hidden gem. Subscribe to our newsletter and get our free guide with 6 Tips for Better Vacation Photos!. Antelope Island was deemed an International Dark Sky Park, meaning it is held to nighttime thresholds for light pollution which makes stars, constellations, and even galaxies ultra visible. Frequently Asked Questions | Utah State Parks Have fun and enjoy it's spectacular. Antelope Island is now a Utah State Park that is open to the public for camping and day use. 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. There is also the 11.4-mile one-way Mountain View Trail, that wends its way along the shoreline with perfect mountain views. But the brine flys will drive you crazy when you get near the water. To plan your trip to Antelope Island State park, make sure to visit their website. Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island Day Tour. Bring some traction cleats and hiking poles to help you navigate the trails, which might be icy or covered in snow. When you get out of the water, you will be coated in a layer of salt which will harden every piece of clothing that you have on your body. Easily accessible by car and very close to Salt Lake City. Regardless of this, Antelope Island and the views of Great Salt Lake and definitely trip-worthy! Coming to the area in late July and would like some advice for my first day. If your a birder, outdoor photographer, or just like to get outdoors for a bit, Antelope Island is definitely worth a visit or two. Of course, Bison! Map | Utah State Parks This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. I have had that happen to me more times than I can remember, and trust me, its quite exhilarating to be so close to such a large animal. And they are well managed here. I put my feet in the waters edge but I had sanitary concerns about putting my body in the buggy water. For those who have more time to be on the island, camping here is a great option. During my trip, I had a short amount of time on my Utah itinerary to visit the island. Antelope Island, so named by John C. Fremont in 1845 for the meat they got from there has a varied history before becoming the state park it is known for today. I visit the island twice each week, and each and every time its as if it was my first time there. New products are constantly being added so check back often. I wonder if mosquitoes are going to be a big problem soon. Day-use fees to enter Antelope Island State Park are charged per vehicle, not per individual visitor. For my short visit, I decided to hike Buffalo Point Trail, which is a moderate 0.4-mile hike with an elevation gain of 248 feet. An easy drive from Salt Lake City and a great way to see bison, coyotes, deer, bighorn sheep and other animals. Bison are majestic creatures! Utah State Parks. Yes, much of the area is accessible particularly the many look-offs. 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 its not a difficult trail. I'm Yanitza, one 1/2 of Next Stop Adventures. Trust me, I know from first-hand experience. 9AM-5PM daily. You can either go to the Great Salt Lake State Park, about 16 miles from the airport. Drew and I was lucky enough to be here over a new moon. The Fielding Garr Ranch was amazing. Antelope Island is located 60 miles northwest of downtown Salt Lake City and is the largest island in the middle of the famous Great Salt Lake. The best time to visit Antelope Island is during March and April, before the bugs come out and the summer heat turns on. According to ebird statistics at the time of this writing, Antelope Island State Park, as a whole, is listed fourth in Utah birding hotspots by total numbers of species being seen and recorded by bird watchers. It also depends on the time of year. Antelope Island State Park emerges seemingly out of no where after a drive thru suburban sprawl and is stunning. Some spots were bone dry last August when we went so the island looked more like a peninsula than an island. Dont get me wrong though, I am not a fan of spiders by any stretch of the imagination. 1. 924 N Magnolia Avenue, Suite 202 Orlando FL, 32803. Spotting pronghorn antelope from our car window and watching the sunset reflect off the silky smooth waters of the Great Salt Lake was magical. As soon as you pass through the entrance gate, start watching the Great Salt Lake shoreline for birds. You can get more information on their park entrance fees or purchase annual state park pass right here. Thank you! Its a great option for those who prefer the backcountry. The frigid landscape and winter skies give you an entirely new perspective on the island. It is five miles from the nearest parking area and only provides pit toilets for guests. Read our, Ways to Experience Antelope Island State Park, Sacred & Religious Sites, Points of Interest & Landmarks, Gardens. 9 Great Salt Lake Beaches Worth Visiting - Scenic States It appears to move on its own! Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. No matter what hike you choose, you are sure to be satisfied with the experience. It's pretty aromatic along the approach on the causeway. 12 Reasons You Should Visit Utah's Antelope island InWinter While at the Bridger Bay campground, we had a full-strength LTE connection on our T-mobile, Verizon, and AT&T devices. The miles of flat open roads along Antelope Island make the park a fantastic place to bike. She documents these discoveries on her science driven travel blog, Discovery Detour. I was completely shocked by the number of wildlife on the island and didnt know what to expect to be honest. Antelope E-Bike Company provides guided tours of the island on custom electric bikes. Check out the site for more information on those: http://possiblepathways.org/ as well as horseback riding if that is something you would be interested in and depending on the limits of you or your loved ones abilities. Contact the state park for any and all information about safety concerns on the island. The trouble begins with this: Antelope Island isn't. An island, that is. We even spotted a bride and groom taking sunset photos when we visited Lady Finger Point. Without the crowds, you'll enjoy a tranquil setting while you explore the island and its natural wonders. The following list highlights 12 reasons why you should head to this stunning spot during winter in Utah. This trail offers some of the most spectacular views of the island and the Great Salt Lake. There is a fee to visit Antelope Island, although I believe that it is reasonably modest. And possibly the most surprising. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-12289103', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Yellowstone. Id recommend staying at least one night if possible There are many things to do at Antelope Island but the top are: Any trip should start at the Visitors Center to learn more about the area and to help determine the gameplan for your visit. I spent the first afternoon inside (away from any possible bugs) with my binoculars watching people on the beach to determine if I wanted to swim in the Great Salt Lake. It is a great area for bird watching. Madalyn is an author, trained ecologist, and advocate for science communication. There are not many places left where the night sky is preserved as well as Antelope Island so we dont think any visit to the park is complete without a little bit of stargazing. Drew made his descent down Frary Peak as I admired the view of the Great Salt Lake beaches ahead of me. An interesting fact about the island is, even though there are bison, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, and mule deer, there are no large carnivores such as mountain lions on Antelope Island. Geology. It also happens to house the cleanest and nicest restrooms on the island and gives first-time visitors a fantastic introductory viewing of the Great Salt Lake. If youre also looking into primitive camping in Utah, check out how to camp for free in BLM land. Antelope Island is the largest island on Great Salt Lake at just over 28,000 acres, stretching 15 miles long and about 5 miles wide. But I made two left turns, where I was told I might see some bison on the way to a ranch. The historic Fielding Garr Ranch is the only developed part of the island, other than state park buildings. Its unlike the rest of the parks in the beautiful state of Utah, where mountains and red rocks rule the landscape. The ranch was continually operated for over 100 years and was one of the largest sheep ranches in the country in its prime. 9 Great Salt Lake Beaches Worth Visiting Written By: Amanda Published On: October 26, 2022 If you're looking for Great Salt Lake beaches, you are bound to find some along its sprawling 335 miles of shoreline. Every year the parks staff do a bison round up to check the health of the bison on the island and maintain healthy population numbers by exporting several a year. Open fires are not permitted. Let us help plan your next trip with less research and without breaking the bank. Different and worth a visit - Review of Antelope Island State Park 12 Fun Things to Do at Antelope Island State Park Address: 4528 W 1700 South, Syracuse, Utah, 84075. Nomadic Living Inspiration. You can literally drive right up to them. It has been called Americas Dead Sea. This phenomenon is called an "ice shove.". If you dont have your own bike, though, Antelope Island comes through for you by renting electric bikes through Antelope Ebikes. You can choose to walk, bike, or drive a vehicle onto the island from there. For anybody that loves the outdoors as much as I do, Antelope Island State Park is a treasure trove of natural wonders, especially when it comes to my favorite part of nature, the wildlife. Rich in scenic beauty and natural features, Antelope Island is the perfect place to view the Great Salt Lake and get a taste of the vast open country found in the Great Basin. How much does it cost to get into Antelope Island? Ogden. You can take the short 0.4-mile hike one-way to Beacon Knob Spur or the grueling 3.5-mile one-way 2,100 feet elevation gain Frary Peak Trail. For a unique experience, plan to make an Antelope Island winter trip to the island! You'll receive your first newsletter soon! While this park generally costs more than the Great Salt Lake State Park, there are more options for the average traveler. At this point, Drew and I should be accustomed to constant shock and awe, but when we rolled up onto Utahs Antelope Island, we drove over the Farmington Bay Causeway with our mouths hung wide open as if we were trying to catch flies. I suited up in long sleeves and long pants for our sunset hike on the 1.5-mile Buffalo Point Trail. A photographers paradise just take a lunch because you will find lots of things to see and you will stay longer than you think. Suggested duration More than 3 hours Features animals Learn more about animal welfare in tourism Antelope Islands namesake is the pronghorn antelope, but this island is home to much more than just them. First, you are hit by the heat, always in the. At a minimum, I would allow a half-day to drive around the island including a visit to the Visitor Center, Bridge Bay Beach, and the Historic Fielding Garr Ranch. It may be a scenic place for a bike ride or a valuable spot for a birder, but I cannot recommend it. Depending on the water level, you can expect a long walk on sand, eventually turning into mud, before you reach water that is deep enough to submerge yourself in. I have taken some incredible images of the bison out on the island, but I use a 600 mm lens and have taken almost all of the images from the inside of my vehicle. Of course, this is the main reason why winter is the best time to visit Antelope Island during the colder months. 1. The Antelope Island Visitor Center was open during our visit and modified for social distancing. I wasnt sure why this magical place had availability but I assume others were scared away by the online reviews about the bugs. The attendant who took our park fee advised that the gnats would be declining over the next several weeks. Antelope Island State Park is 41 miles north of Salt Lake City. We hope your trip to the Great Salt Lake is just as memorable as ours was! This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. For me, personally, bird watching is the best attraction the island has to offer. We love adventuring into small towns and lesser-known places. Of course! During my visit, it was both concerning and impressive to see the extreme dryness of the Great Salt Lake. Good family activity with short and long hikes.Stunning views of the lake and the mountains.We saw bison, antelopes, and coyotes all the same day. This post may contain affiliate links where I earn a small commission when you make a purchase using the links at no additional cost to you. The sunsets are incredible over the lake. The following list highlights 12 reasons why you should head to this stunning spot during winter in Utah. Would you visit this Utah state park? At other times, they will be up on the mountainside grazing hundreds or more yards away. Surrounding Antelope Island is Great Salt Lakecommonly known as Americas Dead Sea. I didn't hike up to them, because I've seen bison closer on Antelope Island in the past. Drove a great smooth road and took a ton of pix, got something to eat, and went down on the beach. Though Hells Canyon has fared better and there are still Bighorn sheep seen there today. Antelope Island is beautiful, and I visit regularly. https://nextstopadventures.com/author/nextstop, Reasons to Visit Antelope Island State Park, Get your Free Guide: 6 Tips for Better Vacation Photos, 5. 1 Antelope Island Visitor Center, +1 801-725-9263. In gratitude for the meat it supplied, Fremont named the island "Antelope Island". Worth going to. Ogden, UT. Bison, pronghorn, mule deer, and a large variety of birds are just some of the interesting animals found on this large state park. Walk Through One Million Lights, Then Stay In A Christmas Hotel For A Holly Jolly Utah Adventure, 8 Picturesque Trails In Utah That Are Perfect For Winter Hiking, Youll Find A Luxury Glampground At Wildland Gardens In Utah, Its Ideal For Winter Snuggles And Relaxation, A Winter Hike To The Top Of Utahs Mount Olympus Is A Frosty Adventure, 13 Things No One Tells You About Surviving A Utah Winter, Kanab Might Just Be The Best Winter Destination In Utah, Theres A Dickens Christmas Festival Coming To Utah And Its Downright Magical, Take A Dreamy Ride Through The Largest Drive-Thru Light Show In Utah, Christmas In Color, Kryssia Campos/Moment Collection via Getty Images, best time to visit Antelope Island in Utah. 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. Prior to our intended arrival, we had a mechanics appointment which could have easily run longer than planned and cause us to miss any reservations. Overabundant bison are rehomed to nearby parks, such as Yellowstone, or purchased by local farmers. White Rock Bay and Ladyfinger campgrounds are both primitive alternatives that provide tent campers with pavilions, picnic tables, pit toilets, and another set of fabulous views near the water. If youre looking for things to do in Antelope Island, there are more than a dozen hiking trails that are definitely worth exploring. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-12424071', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Great Salt Lake then you won't be disappointed. While almost successful, a few surviving bison quickly repopulated the island and became the ancestors to the dominating herd who call the island home today. We visited Antelope Island when we were in the Salt Lake area several years ago and I'd say skip it. Be ready to rinse off nearby, and pack clean clothes, plenty of water to rehydrate, and a good amount of lotion to rejuvenate your skin. The great thing about this state park in Utah is that you can enjoy a lot of it without even hiking. I camped there last summer with my son's boy scout troop and it is very peaceful. However, Id recommend spending one night at the Bridger Bay Campground so you can also bike or hike around more of this magical island. The causeway itself is listed 9th on the list but not surprisingly, though. I read generally positive reviews of Antelope Island, but I have to offer a contrary opinion. Hundreds of bison covered large swaths of grassland on a distant hillside while a lone antelope crossed the road just up ahead. Mountain bikers frequent the easy flats and moderate hills on Antelope Island. This place exceeded our expectation. Visiting the Great Salt Lake: Things to do at Antelope Island State Park Antelope Island is the only GSL region worth exploring and you need a car for that. The island is 15 miles long and 4.5 miles wide. Take the Family to Antelope Island State Park The most populous animal living in the waters are brine shrimp (aka sea monkeys) which attract many species of birds. I was at Antelope Island today. Similar to that seen in Hells Canyon. What better way to feel like youre a real rancher from the 1800s than by traveling over the Antelope Island vista via horseback?

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