The first time I saw the Great Salt Lake, I was struck by its otherworldly beauty. Unlike any other body of water in the United States, the lake shimmers with a surreal, almost metallic quality. It’s vast, briny, and constantly changing with the wind and light, and it offers experiences that range from serene wildlife observation to thrilling sailing adventures.
I’ll share three adventures I’ve personally undertaken and four additional activities I highly recommend, covering everything from wildlife watching and sailing to kayaking, photography, and sunset picnics. I’ll include locations, transportation tips, service reviews, booking info, and my personal impressions.
My Personal Great Salt Lake Adventures
- Antelope Island State Park: Wildlife Safari and Scenic Hikes
Location: Antelope Island, 4528 W. 1700 S., Syracuse, Utah
Distance from SLC: ~41 miles (~50 minutes drive)
Entry Fee: $15 per vehicle (day pass)
Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, picnic areas, campgrounds
My Experience
I arrived at Antelope Island on a crisp September morning, hoping to catch a glimpse of the wildlife the park is famous for. I had heard that bison roamed freely here, and I was not disappointed. Driving along the causeway, the shimmering lake stretched on either side, dotted with bright-white salt flats that looked like a lunar landscape.
Parking at the visitor center, I set out on the Buffalo Point Trail. Within minutes, I spotted a small herd of bison grazing near the shore. I kept my distance, as I’d been warned—the bison are enormous and surprisingly fast. There’s something humbling about watching these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, framed by the vast blue expanse of the lake.
After the bison, I explored Frary Peak Trail, a challenging 6.5-mile round-trip hike. The trail climbs 2,900 feet, but the panoramic view at the summit is worth every sweaty step. From there, I could see the full width of the lake, the city of Salt Lake far in the distance, and the surrounding mountains bathed in late-morning light.
I ended my visit with a lakeside picnic near the visitor center. The combination of salty lake breezes, wildlife sightings, and wide-open skies made it a perfect introduction to the lake’s diverse ecosystem.
Pros
• Incredible wildlife sightings (bison, antelope, birds).
• Scenic hikes with panoramic lake views.
• Easy access from Salt Lake City.
Cons
• Can get crowded on weekends.
• Strong winds can make shoreline picnics chilly.
• Limited cell service in some parts of the island.
Tips & Booking Info
• Antelope Island charges $15 per vehicle; annual passes available for $70.
• Best visited September–October for wildlife sightings.
• Bring binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens.
• Hikes can be booked informally; guided tours available via the Utah State Parks website (~$50 for a guided bison tour).
- Sailing on the Great Salt Lake: Sunset Serenity
Location: Great Salt Lake Marina, 2800 W. 500 S., Salt Lake City
Distance from Downtown SLC: ~15 minutes
Cost: ~$60 per person for a 2-hour sailing experience
My Experience
I had never sailed on a lake like this before. The Great Salt Lake’s high salinity makes it unique—the water is buoyant, giving even the most inexperienced sailors a sense of effortless floating. I booked a sunset sailing trip with Sail Great Salt Lake, a local company praised for safety and friendly guides.
The moment our sailboat left the marina, the city skyline faded behind us. The lake’s surface reflected the pink and gold hues of the setting sun, and the salty breeze carried a subtle, refreshing bite. Our guide taught us the basics of handling the sails, adjusting the ropes, and steering the boat. I was amazed at how calm the water remained despite the lake’s size.
During the sail, I spotted American avocets and eared grebes, which thrive in the briny waters. The experience felt both meditative and exhilarating, and by the time we returned to the dock, the sky was painted in shades of lavender and orange.
Pros
• Safe, beginner-friendly sailing experience.
• Stunning sunset views over the lake.
• Wildlife spotting from the water.
Cons
• Subject to strong winds; trips can be canceled last-minute.
• Limited availability during peak summer weekends.
Tips & Booking Info
• Book via Sail Great Salt Lake or similar local platforms.
• Bring a windbreaker, water, and sunglasses.
• Trips run year-round but are most comfortable May–September.
- Birdwatching at Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area
Location: 2810 W. 1700 S., Farmington, UT
Distance from SLC: ~20 miles north (~30 minutes by car)
Cost: Free
Facilities: Observation blinds, short walking trails, parking
My Experience
I’m a huge bird enthusiast, so Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area was a dream. I arrived in early March, at the peak of the migratory season. Tens of thousands of birds—American white pelicans, snow geese, and various ducks—filled the sky and shoreline.
Walking along the trails and peering through the observation blinds, I felt completely immersed in a living painting of movement and color. One moment a flock of pelicans glided across the water; the next, snow geese wheeled above in intricate patterns. I even brought my spotting scope, which made it possible to see individual feathers and facial markings.
The management area is quiet, serene, and feels far removed from the bustle of the city, even though it’s only a 30-minute drive. I spent over three hours walking and photographing, and still felt there was more to discover.
Pros
• Incredible birdwatching during migration seasons.
• Easy access and well-maintained trails.
• Perfect for photography and quiet nature walks.
Cons
• Can be muddy in spring.
• Limited facilities; bring your own snacks and water.
• Best visited during early morning or late afternoon for active wildlife.
Tips & Booking Info
• Free access.
• Peak birdwatching: March–May and September–November.
• Guided tours offered by Utah Audubon Society (~$35 per person).
Recommended Great Salt Lake Activities
- Kayaking the Great Salt Lake
Location: Antelope Island Marina or Saltair area
Distance from Downtown SLC: 40–50 minutes
Cost: Rentals ~$45 per 2 hours
Why I Recommend
Kayaking allows you to explore shallow bays, observe brine shrimp, and get closer to unique salt formations. I tried a rental from Great Salt Lake Kayak Tours, and the guides were excellent—explaining how the high salinity affects buoyancy, and pointing out hidden bird nesting spots.
Tips
• Wear water shoes; the lake bottom is salty and uneven.
• Bring sunscreen and a hat—there’s little shade. - Photography Expedition at Spiral Jetty
Location: Rozel Point, Great Salt Lake
Distance: ~90 minutes northwest of Salt Lake City
Cost: Free
Why I Recommend
Robert Smithson’s Spiral Jetty is an earthwork sculpture made from black basalt rocks forming a 1,500-foot coil in the lake. I went at sunrise, and the combination of pink-hued water, rising mist, and stark black rocks made for surreal photos. It’s remote and requires a high-clearance vehicle in spring, but the solitude and beauty are unmatched.
Tips
• Bring a wide-angle lens and tripod.
• Check lake levels—sometimes the Spiral is partially submerged. - Sunset Picnic at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
Location: Brigham City, ~60 miles north
Cost: Free
Why I Recommend
I returned to the lake area for a sunset picnic here, and it was magical. The refuge’s wetland channels reflect the sky perfectly. I packed sandwiches, fruit, and local sparkling water, and watched flocks of birds return to roost while the sun dipped below the horizon.
Tips
• Bring insect repellent in summer.
• Binoculars enhance the experience. - Salt Flats Visit at Bonneville Salt Flats
Location: 120 miles west of Salt Lake City, near Wendover, UT
Cost: Free
Why I Recommend
Though not technically part of the Great Salt Lake, the nearby Bonneville Salt Flats extend the salt experience into a surreal, vast white landscape. I drove out for sunrise photography, and it felt like stepping onto another planet. The flats are flat, reflective, and empty—ideal for adventure, photography, and reflection.
Tips
• Drive carefully—surface can be slippery after rain.
• Sunrise or sunset gives the best light
• Bring water, snacks, and a wide-brim hat.
Spending time on and around the Great Salt Lake is an experience like no other. From bison encounters on Antelope Island to sailing into the sunset, from birdwatching at Farmington Bay to kayaking in shallow bays, each adventure offers something unique. I’ve always been drawn to this lake for its contrasts—arid, yet teeming with life; calm, yet vast and unpredictable; familiar, yet utterly alien.
The lessons I’ve learned here are simple: take your time, explore by water and land, respect the wildlife, and allow the surreal landscapes to slow down your perception of time. Every visit reminds me why I keep returning.
If you’re planning a trip, mix these adventures: hike or drive to Antelope Island, sail in the evening, watch birds at dawn, and take a reflective stroll along the Spiral Jetty. Each offers a piece of the lake’s vast personality, and each creates memories that stay with you long after you leave Utah.
