The best walks and hikes around Great Salt Lake

Spring and fall are the ideal seasons for hiking. The weather is pleasant, and biting insects like gnats and mosquitoes are less of a problem. Summer can be very hot with temperatures often exceeding 90°F (32°C), so if you hike then, go early in the morning. Winter offers a unique, quiet experience, but be prepared for cold and potentially icy conditions.

Yes, there are several options suitable for families. The Buffalo Point loop is a great choice. It's a short, 2.7-mile (4.3 km) trail that offers fantastic views and a good chance of seeing bison from a safe distance. The trails at the Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve are also flat and easy, with an observation tower for birdwatching.

Antelope Island is famous for its free-roaming bison, pronghorn, and mule deer. Always keep a safe distance, especially from bison. Rattlesnakes are also present, so stay on marked trails and be aware of your surroundings. From late spring to early summer, biting gnats and mosquitoes can be very intense, especially near the shoreline. It's highly recommended to wear a head net and use insect repellent during this period.

Yes, dogs are allowed in Antelope Island State Park, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. This is for their safety as well as the protection of the park's wildlife. Be sure to bring plenty of water for your dog, as the trails are exposed and can get very hot.

Most of the primary hiking trails are within Antelope Island State Park, which requires an entrance fee per vehicle. This fee helps maintain the park and its facilities. For the most current fee information, it's best to check the official Utah State Parks website. Some trails on the mainland, like portions of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, may be free to access.

The trails are typically exposed with little shade, crossing rolling hills and grasslands. You'll be hiking on the ancient shorelines of prehistoric Lake Bonneville, offering a unique geological landscape. Expect expansive views of the lake and surrounding mountains. There are over 10 trails in the area, ranging from easy walks to more strenuous climbs.

For a more strenuous challenge, the Split Rock (Mormon Rocks) loop is a difficult 12.5-mile (20 km) route with significant elevation gain. Another popular tough hike is the trail to Frary Peak, the highest point on Antelope Island, which offers incredible 360-degree views as a reward.

Packing correctly is key for a safe and enjoyable hike. Essentials include:

• Water: Bring more than you think you'll need, as there is no fresh water on the trails.
• Sun Protection: A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are crucial due to the lack of shade.
• Insect Protection: A head net and strong insect repellent are must-haves, especially in spring and early summer.
• Layers: Weather can change quickly, so bring a light jacket.
• Sturdy Footwear: The terrain can be rocky and uneven.

Many trails offer great views, but the Lakeside Trail Loop is an excellent choice for consistent, expansive views across the water. This moderate 5-mile (8.1 km) trail follows the shoreline with minimal elevation gain, making the stunning lake vistas the main focus of the hike.

The area is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Hikers frequently praise the unique, otherworldly landscapes and the incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing, especially spotting the iconic bison herds. The panoramic sunsets over the lake are also a commonly mentioned highlight.

Absolutely. You can go for a swim and experience the famous buoyancy of the saltwater at Bridger Bay Beach. The area is a world-class birdwatching destination, especially at the Shorelands Preserve. Antelope Island is also an International Dark Sky Park, making it a phenomenal spot for stargazing. You can also visit the historic Fielding Garr Ranch to learn about the island's pioneer history.

The experiences are very different. Hikes around the Great Salt Lake feature wide-open spaces, rolling grasslands, and vast lake views with unique wildlife like bison. In contrast, canyon hikes near Salt Lake City, such as those in Big Cottonwood Canyon, offer alpine scenery with forests, mountain streams, and wildflowers. While the lake provides a unique, stark beauty, the canyons offer more traditional mountain hiking.