Private Antelope Island State Park Tour — Great Salt Lake Wildlife Safari
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for general fitness; ability to walk short, uneven stretches is helpful
Overview
Drive the Antelope Island causeway and spend four hours tracking bison, pronghorn, and shorebirds against the shimmering Great Salt Lake. This private, guided tour blends wildlife viewing, photography stops, and local ecology delivered by a Utah native and former safari guide.
Private Antelope Island State Park Tour — Great Salt Lake Wildlife Safari
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The tour begins where the causeway meets the horizon: a thin ribbon of pavement thrusting into a scoured mirror of salt and sky. Wind pushes across the Great Salt Lake and the island answers with scrubby sage, low cliffs, and the slow, deliberate grazing of bison—animals that move through the landscape like living weather, reshaping sightlines with each lift of their heads.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start early for wildlife
Wildlife is most active at dawn—book an early pickup or request a morning start to maximize sightings and soft light.
Hydrate and carry water
There’s minimal shade on the island; bring at least 1 liter per person for a short tour and more in summer.
Keep distance from bison
Bison appear calm until they don’t—observe from a vehicle or at least 50 yards away and never approach calves.
Wear sturdy shoes
Short walks can include uneven, sandy, or alkaline crust surfaces—closed-toe shoes with grip are recommended.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- American bison (herds)
- Pronghorn antelope
History
Antelope Island is a remnant of Pleistocene Lake Bonneville; the island’s Fielding Garr Ranch preserves 19th‑century ranching history tied to early Mormon settlement.
Conservation
The island’s fragile salt-flat and shoreline habitats are sensitive—stay on roads/trails, don’t feed wildlife, and pack out all trash to minimize human impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Salt Lake City
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Binoculars
Bring 8–12x binoculars to spot bison, pronghorn, and distant shorebirds across the flats.
Wide-brim hat & sunscreen
Protects from intense sun reflected off the lake and salt flats.
summer specific
Sturdy closed-toe shoes
Keeps feet comfortable on dusty, uneven, or alkaline terrain during short hikes.
Camera with telephoto lens
A 200–400mm lens helps frame wildlife without approaching or disturbing animals.