Boats returning to the Great Salt Lake Marina

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah State Parks officials began placing about 35 boats at the Great Salt Lake Marina on Tuesday.

It’s a far cry from Great Salt Lake news in 2022 when lake levels reached so low — a record low — that boats had to be removed from the marina long before they are typically removed.

Smaller boats were added to the marina last month said Devan Chavez with Utah State Parks.

“So now it’s time for those bigger sailboats that people are used to driving by the marina to see,” Chavez said.

“We’ll be putting in about 35 of them today.”

Chavez said that the record low level of the lake, recorded last year, is up now by five feet.

But therein lies the rub

Utahns have seen raging spring runoff in the mountain streams and rivers that eventually lead to the Great Salt Lake.

Despite those images, Chavez said that the lake level is nowhere near static.

“Water levels do continue to fluctuate. So before you plan to go to the state park marina there at the Great Salt Lake, or really any state park water body, always check launch ramp conditions,” he said.

Anyone launching a boat at the Great Salt Lake Marina should also be aware of (and know how to read) buoy markers.

“If it’s been a little while since you’ve brushed up on your boating knowledge, make sure you do that before you go out there because there are some rocks and some channels in some areas that you will likely want to stay away from,” Chavez said. 

Chavez also suggests checking their website. State Parks officials have for boat ramp conditions at whichever body of water you may visit in Utah this summer. 

You don’t have a boat?

So you don’t own a boat. Not to worry! Utah State Parks officials have restarted the guided pontoon boat concession

“So if you’re wanting to get out there with us, come up, come and join,” he said.