Antelope Island State Park
Things to Do
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Hiking
This island holds an extensive network of backcountry trails, giving hikers the chance to explore stunning views at spots like Frary Peak and Buffalo Point. Keep your eyes peeled and you'll likely see the island's famous free-roaming bison, birds, mule deer, coyote and pronghorn antelope.
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Cycling
For cyclists, the island offers a 36-mile network of mountain bike trails and paved roads that wind along the shores and rolling terrain. It's the perfect place to get some exercise while enjoying a western wildlife tour.
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Dark Sky
An internationally-certified dark sky park, Antelope Island is ideal for stargazing near Salt Lake City. At Buffalo Point and Frary Peak, you'll find fantastic sunset views that, once darkness falls, give way to spectacular dark skies. Plan a quick escape from the city for a weekend camping trip that combines bison sightings, sunset hikes and dark skies for astrophotography.
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Utah Film Trail
The dangerous buffalo hunt from the epic western, "The Covered Wagon," was filmed here at Camera Flats. It was one of the most successful films of the silent era and the first Hollywood film ever produced in Utah. The movie follows a group of pioneers traveling from Kansas to Oregon, but nearly every stage of the 2000-mile trek along the Oregon Trail was filmed in northern Utah.
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Annual Bison Roundup
The island truly comes alive for spectacular annual events like the Annual Bison Round Up. Get up close to the Utah bison population in a relatively natural habitat and watch as real cowboys and cowgirls herd them. It's a thrilling, cinematic experience—like being transported straight onto the set of an Old West movie.
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Fielding Garr Ranch
Located on the quiet, southeastern side of Antelope Island, the Fielding Garr Ranch offers an incredible journey back to Utah's frontier history. Visitors can tour several buildings from the 1850s, including the original blacksmith shop, corrals and farm equipment. While the tour is mostly self-guided, on Thursdays the volunteers are never far off to intrigue you with details or answer questions.
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Great Salt Lake
Home to both the Great Salt Lake State Park and Antelope Island State Park, the Great Salt Lake is a popular destination for boating, swimming, hiking, camping and wildlife viewing. Rent a Kayak and paddleboard at the Great Salt Lake marina or stop by the Spiral Jetty earth sculpture.
While the high salt content and buggy trek to reach the water keeps most swimmers away, paddleboarding allows visitors to escape the shore and explore the Great Salt Lake.
Antelope Island is home to various species, including the namesake pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, mule deer, bobcats, coyotes, badgers and waterfowl.
More Antelope Island Inspiration
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Antelope Island's Bison Roundup
The annual roundup is just one reason to visit this state park in the Great Salt Lake.
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Antelope Island State Park: A Guide to Utah’s Great Salt Lake Treasure
Visit the largest island on the Great Salt Lake to spot roaming bison and spend your nights camping under a blanket of stars.
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Great Salt Lake Needs Your Visit
While you visit this mysterious natural wonder, you can also help save it.
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10 Routes Chosen by Utah Cyclists
We reached out to cycling experts and enthusiasts — in some cases to people who literally wrote the book on cycling in Utah — to get a feel for some of Utah's best road cycling routes.
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11 Family-Friendly Activities Near SLC
From roller coasters to ski slopes, discover 11 fun family activities in and around Salt Lake City.
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Discover Utah’s Top Stargazing Spots
A Q&A with astrophotographer Bettymaya Foott on the wonder of the night sky and the best places to spot the stars in Utah.
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Get Your Spook On: Northern Utah's Most Haunted Places
Looking for a different kind of adventure? One seemingly outside the realms of possibility? Here are some of Utah’s most haunted places.
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Experience Utah's Wild Side with the Wildlife Walls Mural Trail
The Utah Wildlife Walls Mural Trail connects impressive wildlife murals with nature and wildlife viewing opportunities across the state.
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A Matter of Geological Consent
A billion years of geological history surrounds Salt Lake City, where a modern landscape reflects ancient constraints.
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Winging It
There’s no better place to go birding in Utah than the Bear River Migratory Refuge. Learn more and start planning the ultimate nature getaway!
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Explore Antelope Island's Fielding Garr Ranch
Volunteers Beth and Dennis Simonsen show visitors around the historic Fielding Garr Ranch complex on Antelope Island State Park in Northern Utah.
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Touring Utah with the State’s Most Well Known Women Writers
The diversity and beauty found in Utah has often been captured by women. Here are the places that seven of Utah’s most well known women writers knew and loved most.
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A Year-Round Guide to Great Salt Lake State Park
Great Salt Lake State Park is easy to access from Salt Lake City and makes for a great spot to get out on the water, with unbeatable sunset views.
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Reclaiming the Stars: Utah’s Dark Sky Initiative
Utah's Dark Sky Initiative helps state park visitors experience the cosmos by protecting night skies, encouraging astrotourism and promoting stargazing.
Popular Activities
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Cycling
- Paddling
- Sailing
- Scenic drives
- Historic sites
- Birding and wildlife viewing
- Camping
- Dark sky viewing
Recommended Hikes
- Frary Peak, the park's highest mountain (6 miles round-trip)
- Buffalo Point, a short jaunt up a hill with beautiful views (1 mile round-trip)
- Lakeside Trail, is an excellent trail with little elevation change and accessible throughout the year (6 miles round-trip)
What's Nearby
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Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
This is the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, an eye-opening stop along Utah's populous Wasatch Front for any traveler and a top destination for any serious birder with gaps on their life lists.
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Davis County
Davis County in Northern Utah is home to Antelope Island State Park, Lagoon Amusement Park, Cherry Hills Recreation Park and much more.
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Ogden
Ogden is an outdoor recreation mecca. It has also worked to restore its historic Art Deco architecture and buildings and blend in new development toward a charming and vibrant downtown.
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Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City makes a great gateway for travelers visiting Utah's ski resorts or southward to Utah’s renowned red rock country.
Floating, Flying & Free-Falling in Utah’s Amusement Capital
Get ready for family fun in Davis County with Antelope Island, Lagoon Amusement Park and the Hill Air Force Base Museum.
Highlights
- Salt Lake City
- Antelope Island
- Lagoon Amusement Park
- Hill Aerospace Museum
Stars by the City
Fill your days with adventure and your nights with stargazing by following this six-day itinerary from Salt Lake City through the International Dark Sky Places in Northern Utah.
Highlights
- Timpanogos Cave National Monument
- East Canyon State Park
- Jordanelle State Park
- Rockport State Park
- Antelope Island State Park
- North Fork Park
- Helper
#Utahisrad: The Cool Kids’ Guide to Salt Lake City
Meet the locals, see the weird stuff, try the local beer, see the bands and discover why #utahisrad.
Highlights
- Farmers Market and GREENbike Tour
- Local Brews and a Show
- Natural History
- Otherworldly Utah
Antelope Island State Park FAQs
Where can I camp in Antelope Island?
There are several campground options at Antelope Island, including camp sites for families, small groups, and large groups, ideal for family reunions. Individual hook-ups are available at certain camp sites at Bridger Bay Campground. Flush toilets and shower facilities can also be found at Bridger Bay Campground. There are also hike-in sites available, with no hook-ups. Advance camping reservations are recommended and dispersed camping is not permitted.
Is it safe to swim in the lake?
You can swim in Great Salt Lake, but it is five times saltier than the ocean, so rinse off and re-hydrate your skin.
When is biting gnat season?
During warm months, insects are present on the island and emerge at different times. A particularly pesky biting gnat emerges in the spring (April-June) and fine mesh head nets are recommended. Call the visitor center for conditions.
Do I need to be careful of wildlife?
Bison are very fast and should never be approached. Please respect all the wildlife by maintaining a healthy distance and do not feed, touch, tease or intentionally disturb any wildlife as it is prohibited.
Are dogs allowed on Antelope Island?
Most areas of the park allow dogs, however they must be leashed at all times. Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. All animals, except for service dogs, are prohibited from entering public buildings.
Are horses allowed?
Only on designated trails, and all horses must follow the route of the trail within 50-100 feet. Hitching rails are provided at White Rock Bay Trail Head, Mountainview Trail head and Fielding Garr Ranch.
Is there a park entrance fee?
Day-use entry fee required, purchase in-person or online. The Annual Utah State Park Pass is accepted for park entry.
