Antelope Island State Park : Utah

Antelope Island State Park, Utah

Antelope Island State Park, is just a short 50-mile drive from Salt Lake City and is the largest State Park in Northern Utah spanning over twenty eight thousand acres. It became a state park in 1981, but got its name in 1845 when the first known Anglo exploration of the island took place. The park is part of a basin and range mountain located between the Wasatch and Sierra Nevada ranges. Frary Peak is the highest point of the island at 6,596 feet above shore level.

The island is home to free-roaming pronghorn antelope, big horn sheep, bison herds and many other forms of wildlife. Animals can be seen throughout the park and make for wonderful photo opportunities against a truly beautiful backdrop.

Throughout the park you are surrounded by Great Salt Lake, the largest natural lake west of the Mississippi River. Four distinct shorelines can be seen from the island. With over 250 bird species the lake is a bird watchers paradise as nearly 80% of Utah’s wetlands surround Great Salt Lake making it a very important ecosystem for migratory and nesting birds.

Open year round, the park is perfect for numerous recreational activities including camping, horseback riding and hiking. There is even a small marina with the opportunity to rent kayaks and boats. Primitive campsites are available in both Bridger Bay and White Rock Bay and come equipped with a picnic table, fire pit and charcoal grill. During your stay set out on one of the numerous hiking trails providing unforgettable backcountry views of the island.

A visit to Antelope Island State Park will provide you with stunning views of Great Salt Lake, the Wasatch Mountains, numerous wildlife and salt flats ranging as far as the eye can see.