Experience Antelope Island: Overnight Native American Guided Backpacking in the Great Salt Lake
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 days (approx. 8–10 hours hiking total)
Fitness Level
Requires strong endurance for multi-day backpacking with 12–15 lb pack over 5–7 miles per day.
Overview
Discover the wild expanse of Antelope Island in the Great Salt Lake on a two-day Native American guided backpacking trip. Experience stunning wildlife, night skies, and stories rooted in thousands of years of Native culture.
Experience Antelope Island: Overnight Native American Guided Backpacking in the Great Salt Lake
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Antelope Island rises stark and silent from the shimmering expanse of the Great Salt Lake, less than an hour’s drive from Salt Lake City. Here, under a vast sky where stars refuse to dim, the landscape stretches wide and raw. Your steps press soft earth on a backcountry trail that winds through a remote wilderness sanctuary. This two-day guided backpacking trek, led by a Native American guide, delivers more than just scenery — it offers a journey into the land’s deep past and its living stories.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Prepare for strong sun exposure
Bring sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat; shade is limited on Antelope Island's open terrain.
Stay hydrated
Carry at least 2 liters of water, as natural water sources on the island are scarce and not potable.
Wear sturdy hiking boots
Expect uneven, rocky, and sometimes slippery terrain; good footwear reduces injury risk.
Respect wildlife distances
Keep a safe distance from bison and antelope to avoid disturbance and dangers.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- American bison
- Pronghorn antelope
History
Antelope Island has been inhabited and used by Native American peoples for thousands of years, central to their culture and survival around the Great Salt Lake.
Conservation
The island operates under strict guidelines to protect fragile habitats and wildlife, encouraging low-impact travel and education during visits.
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Adventure Hotspots in Salt Lake City
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sun hat
Protects against intense sun exposure on the island's open landscape.
summer specific
Hydration system
Critical for carrying adequate water during hikes where natural sources are unavailable.
Backpacking boots
Provides ankle support and traction over varied terrain.
Layered clothing
Helps adapt to temperature swings between day and night in spring and fall.
spring specific