By: Noble HorvathPosted on


This is a great place to view wildlife. The island was without its namesake antelope for many years, but they were reintroduced in 1993 and can now be seen in many areas of the park. Deer, bobcats, coyotes, many varieties of birds and waterfowl also call the island home. But most famous is Antelope Island’s American Bison, introduced to the island in 1893 and now numbering some 600 animals. Wild animals are often seen by people driving the park roads and hiking or biking the park’s trails. The annual bison roundup each fall is a particularly good time to view the bison.

Facilities include a marina, beach picnic area and camping areas. RVs are welcome but there are no hookups. The campgrounds have vault toilets. Water is available at the Bridger Bay Beach area on the sides of the beach buildings. Showers are also available at the beach area. A restaurant is available on the island and concessionaires to provide other limited goods and services.

Recreational opportunities abound. White sand beaches beckon to sunbathers and picnickers. Hiking, biking and horseback trails lead to scenic points on the island. A marina serves sailboats, powerboats, and kayakers. Campers come to watch beautiful sunrises and sunsets in seclusion found only minutes from their urban homes.

Many people enjoy swimming in Great Salt Lake’s salty water, which is several times saltier than the ocean. Because it is so salty, the water is extra buoyant and people float on its surface.

Main Attractions

Beautiful scenery close to Salt Lake City and other Wasatch Front towns
Swimming in the salty lake water
Camping, hiking, biking, horseback riding
Wildlife watching
Historic ranch house and exhibits

Location

In the Great Salt Lake, west of the town of Layton, about 41 miles north of Salt Lake City.
Directions: Take Exit 332 off Interstate 15, then drive west on Antelope Drive for 7 miles to the park entrance, then another 7 miles across a narrow causeway to the island.

Contact Information

Antelope Island State Park
4528 West 1700 South
Syracuse, UT 84075
(801) 773-2941 Entrance Gate
(801) 725-9263 Visitor Center

Seasons/Open Hours

Open year-round
March – October: 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
November – April: 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Visitor Center & Fielding Garr Ranch Hours
May 15 – September 14: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
September 15 – May 14: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Holiday Closures: Thanksgiving & Christmas

Entrance Fees

$15 Day-Use per vehicle
$10 Day-Use for Utah senior residents
$3 Cyclists and Pedestrians
$75 Annual Day-Use Pass (causeway pass is separate)
$35 Senior Adventure (annual) Pass

Activities

Camping
Hiking
Horseback riding
Bicycle trails
Wildlife watching
Boating (powerboats, sailboats, kayaks)
Swimming
Horseback tours are available. For information and reservations call 801-726-9514.

Camping

Bridger Bay Campground offers 25 units for tents and RVs (including pull-through sites for vehicles up to 90 feet, but no hookups)and up to 8 people per site. $20 camping fee per site. White Rock Bay Campground offers 20 units for groups of up to 16 individuals (tents & RVs allowed). $40 camping fee per site. Lakeside Group Campsite offers campsite for a capacity of 80 people. $180 camping fee per site. Ladyfinger Campground offers 5 small tent sites for up to 4 people per site. $20 camping fee per site.

Camping Reservations

800-322-3770 (toll-free from outside the Salt Lake City area)
801-322-3770 (from within the Salt Lake City area)

Facilities

Marina, boat ramp (paved)
Campground
Concessions
Drinking water
Group day use and campsites
Hot showers
Pets allowed
Picnic tables
Ranger station
Sewage disposal station
Trails (hiking, biking, horseback)
Visitor center
Historic Ranch

Top Things to Do

Mountain Biking – Davis County

There are plenty of bike trail options in the Salt Lake area, from gentle slopes in the nearby foothills to intense quad-busting ridges with spectacular vistas. Below we list some of the more popular trails.
Easy
Lake Shore Trail
Legacy Parkway Trail
Lakeside Trail
Mountain View Trail

Moderate
Bonneville Shoreline Trail
White Rock Loop
Rio Grande Western Trail
Mueller Park
North Canyon Trail

Hiking

Frary Peak Trail
Frary Peak is the highest point on Antelope Island. The trail provides outstanding views of the Great Salt Lake, Antelope Island, and Wasatch Mountains. Bison and many other kinds of animals and birds are often seen along the trail.
Hike all the way to the summit, or turn around at any point. Hiking is most pleasant during the early summer and fall months.
Dogs on leash are welcome.

Categories: ISLAND, BEACH AND LAKE