Antelope Island: The Best Views of the Great Salt Lake

The Great Salt Lake is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Utah. The lake is what remains of the ancient Lake Bonneville, a prehistoric lake that covered much of present-day Utah, Idaho, and Nevada.

The Great Salt Lake is the largest salt lake in the western hemisphere and is the fourth largest terminal lake in the world, meaning that the lake has no outflow to other bodies of waters. All the water in the Salt Lake either stays put in the lake or evaporates.

Good views of the lake can be seen from the south shore of the lake along I-80, Ensign Peak above the Capitol area and the Great Salt State Lake Marina, but the best views are seen from Antelope Island State Park.

Views of the Great Salt Lake From the Split Rock Trail

Antelope Island is the largest island in the Great Salt Lake and at first glance looks like a barren and deserted island. But look a little closer and you will see that Antelope Island is home to antelope, deer, bighorn sheep, coyotes, a herd of 500+ bison, and a huge variety of birds and waterfowl. Antelope Island is also a great place to explore the unique flora of the Great Basin region.

Many recreational opportunities exist on the island from hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding to sunbathing and sailing and the visitor center provides information on the island’s trails and facilities as well as its unique geology and biology. Camping is available on the island and RVs are also welcome.