Enjoy Great Salt Lake scenery this spring with these recreation ideas

SALT LAKE CITY — Great Salt Lake has a reputation for being bug-ridden and sometimes stinky, but it offers plenty of stunning views and awe-inspiring wildlife encounters. Visiting in spring allows recreationists to experience the best of the lake before the summer stench sets in. 

Here are some ideas to inspire your next spring trip to Great Salt Lake. 

Hiking trails with Great Salt Lake views 

Antelope Island 

According to the Utah Department of Natural Resources, Antelope Island has over 45 miles of non-motorized hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. 

The island’s trail map displays several options, ranging from a short quarter-mile stroll to Ladyfinger Point to the sprawling 11.4-mile Mountain View Trail, signaling that there is likely a hiking trail to suit any group’s needs. 

AllTrails reported that Frary Peak Trail winds to the highest point on the island, allowing users to take in stunning panoramic views of the island and the surrounding salty water. 

The journey is 7.1 miles round trip and takes an average of 4.5 hours to complete.  

Mountain View Trail is an alternative day hike with an easier rating. Spanning 11.4 miles round trip, the route provides plenty of  sightseeing and wildlife observation. Yet hikers gain only 344 feet of elevation. 

In contrast, the Frary Peak Trail’s elevation gain is 2,329 feet. 

While hiking on Antelope Island, you may encounter wildlife such as pronghorn and bison. Remember to keep your distance and remain on marked trails. 

South Arm — Great Salt Lake State Park

According to Great Salt Lake State Park’s website a trailhead provides access to Black Rock, the historic landmark on the southern shore.

Utah Historical Society’s website explains the historical significance of the rock formation, which sometimes sits on a peninsula if the water is low enough. On July 27, 1847, the Bryant-Russell party became the first European Americans to arrive at the spot. 

Once there, they swam in the lake. It was the lake’s first recorded recreational bathing session. 

The historical society noted that Native American tribes consider the lake to be sacred, and that those tribes would likely have seen the rock far before Europeans arrived. But the society said there are no documented Indigenous stories stating Black Rock’s significance. 

Great Salt Lake State Park also has a campground, which is open year-round. Some spaces offer water and electricity and can accommodate recreational vehicles up to 40 feet long.

Other spaces allow for tent camping. These do not offer vehicle hookups, however, they have fire pits. 

Venture out onto the salty water

If you have a boat, you can access the lake’s waters via Great Salt Lake State Park, which is off Interstate 80 near Tooele. 

According to the DNR, sailboats and motorboats can be launched at the state park’s marina. 

Before you head out, ensure you’ve taken the Division of Wildlife Resources’ mandatory invasive species course. Operators of non-motorized watercraft, such as canoes and paddleboards, are also required to complete it. 

Boat tours

In partnership with the Utah Division of Natural Resources, Exclusive Excursions provides daily boat tours of Great Salt Lake between mid-April and late October. 

According to Great Salt Lake State Park’s website, offerings include daytime excursions or sunset cruises. Additionally, durations vary, allowing flexibility to fit into anyone’s schedule. 

Exclusive Excursions also offers paddleboard and kayak rentals. 

Paddleboarding and kayaking 

Human-powered watercraft, such as paddleboards and kayaks, are another way to immerse yourself in Great Salt Lake’s scenery. 

Since the lake’s salty water allows easier floatation, Isle, a company that sells paddleboards, named it “the state’s best beginner paddle board destination.” 

Watercraft of any variety can be launched from several locations on the lake, including Antelope Island and GSL State Park. 

Before you go… 

As you make arrangements to visit the namesake of Utah’s capital city, ensure you’ve planned ahead and know what to expect.

Regardless of whether or not you’ll enter the water, check the forecast to ensure dangerous storms won’t roll in while you’re outside. Additionally, understanding the predicted conditions can help you choose the appropriate clothing to stay comfortable all day. 

According to the Academy of Surfing, wearing a wetsuit is a good way to remain warm and comfortable. Consider donning one if you’ll be paddle boarding or kayaking, as the lake’s water temperatures remain cool, or even cold, in the spring. 

For example, on April 7, the DNR website said the lake’s water temperature was 48 degrees. 

If you choose to enter a state park, such as Antelope Island or Great Salt Lake State Park, note that entry fees apply. Information can be found on your selected park’s website. 

Finally, ensure that you pack everything you will need for a successful adventure. Even before hot temperatures arrive, sunburns and dehydration can occur, so sunscreen and enough water are essentials. 

Click here to view the American Hiking Society’s essentials list. 

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