If you love outdoor activities and unique wildlife experiences, read on to discover more about Antelope Island! We’ll explore sightseeing opportunities, lodging options, and the endless outdoor activities that are offered at this exceptional Utah State Park.
Antelope Island State Park is located on the largest island in the Great Salt Lake (Antelope Island). This beautiful island is surrounded by grass plains and beaches with rugged mountains towing on the interior of the island. Including Frary Peak, which sits at just under 6600ft above sea level.
Literally where the buffalo roam, and the deer and the antelope play! You’ll find American bison, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, and if you’re lucky, bighorn sheep (we sadly didn’t see any, but maybe next time). Plus, tons of migrating birds visit the island, making it a fantastic place for wildlife viewing and birdwatching!
Exploring Antelope Island: Trails
There are miles of hiking and biking trails of varied length and difficulty. From the family-friendly Buffalo Point Trail to the hikers only trail (no bikes or horses) that takes you to the top of Frary Peak. All but 2 of the island’s hiking trails (Frary Peak and Dooly Knob Spur) are open to mountain bikers as well.
You can also road bike on the parks paved roads, just be aware that you are sharing the road with vehicles. Read more about Utah’s epic bike trails here.
Other Activities
Take a scenic drive on one of the many paved roads around the island, there are plenty of turnouts and viewpoints along the way. You will also find plenty of day use areas along the lakeside, a Visitor Center with exhibits and a gift shop, and even a full-service grill (Island Buffalo Grill) on the island. There are guided horseback rides, e-bike rentals and tours of the island. For water lovers, there is swimming, kayaking, and paddling on the Great Salt Lake.
Visit the Fielding Garr Ranch and take a self-guided tour of the first permanent residence on the island, established in 1848. Explore the historic exhibits including a beautiful barn, ranch outbuildings, sheep wagon, horse corral, and antique farm equipment.
If you are visiting in the fall, the Bison Roundup is an exciting event for participants and spectators alike! Bison are herded, sorted, counted, and vaccinated during this annual event.
Lodging at Antelope Island
There are many options for lodging on Antelope Island- it is mostly camping, but there are cottages also available for rent. Bridger Bay Campground is the largest campground and offers partial (water/electric) sites, no hookup sites, as well as 3 quaint cottages. There are numerous ‘big-rig friendly’ sites. White Rock Campground is dry camping (no hookups).
Each site has a covered picnic area as well as a fire ring. There is a well-equipped dump station in the Bridger Bay campground as well as near the Visitor Center. All campers have access to the bathhouse with showers in Bridger Bay.
The sites are well spaced apart and offer incredible views of the lake, peaceful grasslands that surround the campgrounds, and stunning mountains in the distance. Bison and antelope are known to meander near and through the campgrounds. We saw bison each morning grazing in the open plains and walking or lying on the beaches in the late afternoon. We even watched an antelope wander through the campground one evening.
There are tent-only sites located in the Ladyfinger Campground, near the Visitor Center, as well as permits available for primitive backcountry camping in Split Rock Bay.
Nearby Amenities
Just across the causeway in Syracuse, UT you will find plenty of shopping, groceries, gas, and dining options. Just be sure to arrive back on to the island before the gates close at 10pm.
Weather and Bugs:
Antelope Island State Park is open year-round. Facilities are closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Concessions and rentals hours of operation vary depending on the season.
During the spring and early summer, biting gnats are very present on the island. Bug repellent is ineffective (ask me how I know), and the park actually recommends wearing fine mesh head nets while recreating.
Sunsets at Antelope Island
The sunsets are some of the best that we witnessed while visiting Utah. They are the perfect end to an unforgettable adventure at Antelope Island State Park.
If you are traveling through or visiting the Salt Lake City area, definitely check out this unique location for a day trip or an overnight stay!
Just a couple of hours away lies Sevier County, another fantastic outdoor recreation getaway in Utah, learn more about Utah’s Trail Country here.
Happy Travels!
