As huge as the Great Salt Lake in Utah is, you’d think there would be tons of access points. And I’m sure there are more than these three, but it takes some effort to actually see any water, especially as it recedes from drought in recent years. You don’t ever naturally drive by it, except for one stretch of Interstate 80 that goes by the most southern edge.
Here are probably the three best options for a good look at the Great Salt Lake before it disappears. If you’re visiting and unaware of just how big Utah and the Great Salt Lake are, the distance between all three is a solid 3 hours one-way. So I don’t think you could realistically do all three locations in one day. I had a hard enough time fitting Antelope Island and Great Salt Lake State Park into one day and they’re relatively closer together.
Antelope Island
The first, and probably the best way to see the Great Salt Lake is via Antelope Island State Park. Located about 40 outside of the heart of downtown Salt Lake City, you cross a long causeway onto the island. At the north end, where you enter, is where most of the activity is. There’s a nice Visitor Center, some short trails, a large beach with a restaurant & bathrooms, and several campsites.
The rest of the island is longer trails and a long road down to the Fielding Garr Ranch and past it to the southern tip, where you can hike a mile-long trail to the point. The lake is too salty to support fish, but it’s full of brine shrimp (sea monkeys!) which support a wide range of bird species. The island is home to a solid bison herd, so watch out for them as you drive and hike. You may also spot bighorn sheep, mule deer, and pronghorn antelope.
Visitor Center
A good first stop on Antelope Island is the Visitor Center, up on a hill overlooking the causeway. Inside are knowledgeable rangers, displays on the wildlife of the Great Salt Lake and the island, a gift shop, and even art on display. You can see a tank of the brine shrimp found in the lake, and I particularly like a window with a pretty bird feeder with a view towards the causeway.
In the gift shop, you can find versions of salt-encrusted and punny souvenirs. But even better, out back there is an overlook and a short trail through multicolored rocks and fantastic views.
Bridger Bay Beach
There’s a long, wide beach at Bridger Bay, with a nice big parking lot, a grill, bathrooms and even picnic tables on what used to be the shore. The Great Salt Lake has receded so much that it’s quite a walk from the parking lot to the edge of the water, maybe even as much as a mile. It certainly feels like a long walk!
I’ve only visited in the winter and spring, so I’m not sure what it’s like in the summer, if folks really get out here and swim around. If so, there is plenty of beach for everyone! The mountains in almost every direction are stunning.
Ladyfinger Point
One of the short hikes on the north end is the Ladyfinger Point Trail. From a parking lot, you can walk a quarter of a mile out to a rocky point for a great view of Bridger Bay and the beach area.
I didn’t make it down to the Fielding Garr Ranch, but there are several buildings to check out, as well as the drive and hike down to the southernmost point. You can easily make a full day out of visiting Antelope Island State Park.
Fees & Hours
There is a fee to enter Antelope Island State Park, $15 per car for up to 8 people. There’s a senior rate of $10 if you’re 65 or over. Entry for motorcycles is $5 and for pedestrians and bicyclists, it’s $3. There are other options, make sure to check the current fee schedule before you visit.
The island itself (aka, the causeway access) is open from 6 am to 10 pm. The Visitor Center is open 10-4, and the Fielding Garr Ranch is open 9-5. All facilities are closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Great Salt Lake State Park
You’d think, as big as the Great Salt Lake is, that Great Salt Lake State Park would be a bit bigger, wouldn’t you? But this park at the south end of the lake is pretty small. It’s mainly a marina and a parking-lot-style campground with a small visitor center, but the beach here is really nice. It’s not as far out of town, either. So if your goal is some sunny beach time, this is definitely a cheaper and closer option.
One of the most interesting things about this park is that it’s near Saltair, a historic (kinda) lakeside event space. It even looks like you can park there for free and walk to the same beach accessed by the state park. Other spots along this strip are Sunset Beach on the other (west) side of the marina, and graffiti-laden Black Rock farther down. There are paths from Great Salt Lake State Park to both spots.
There is a fee for Great Salt Lake State Park – $5 per vehicle for up to 8 people. If you’re a resident of Utah and over 65, you can get in for $3.
Spiral Jetty
Much farther north, about 2 hours from Salt Lake City, you can find an art installation on the shores of the Great Salt Lake in the form of the Spiral Jetty. This large-scale environmental work is comprised of a wide lane of rocks, stretching out onto the beach in a distinct spiral pattern. It’s big enough that you can’t really take a picture of the whole thing from the beach. It’s almost best viewed from the parking lot above. Make sure to walk up to the informational sign – I completely missed it on my trip.
The waterline here is as far out as it is at Antelope Island, maybe even farther! Be prepared for a good walk if you want to see the water. When I was there, the lake water was a shimmering pink color. I assume it’s from algae, but I’m not sure if it’s harmful to swim in like that or what. I got out and waded around in it (it’s shallow for a good distance) and don’t seem to have suffered any great harm. But I wouldn’t want to get any in my mouth, I don’t think…
The road out to the Spiral Jetty is gravel and rough. You’ll pass the Golden Spike National Historic Park on your way, so you might as well do both together. From the Golden Spike out to the Spiral Jetty, the road gets worse and worse, so just keep that in mind as you drive and be careful. It’s deserted country out here – the town of Corinne is a solid hour from Spiral Jetty, so make sure you have a full tank of gas and some snacks, just in case.
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