The Great Salt Lake is more than a body of water; it is a surreal natural wonder teeming with wildlife, adventure, and views. Located just west of Salt Lake City, this enormous inland lake is a geological wonder, a birdwatcher's paradise, an outdoor adventure hub, and an astounding destination to appreciate the natural beauty of Utah's landscape.
Whether you are interested in photographing surreal salt flats, viewing tens of thousands of migrating birds, floating in ultra-salty waters, or simply cherishing expanses of sky and mirroring reflections, this is the most iconic Utah nature can get.
In this thorough guide, we will explore all the details of exploring the Great Salt Lake, including wildlife and recreational activities, lake tours, and gorgeous viewpoints.
The Great Salt Lake is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere and one of North America's most unusual yet essential ecosystems. While the lake is approximately 75 miles long and 35 miles wide, its measurements are variable and depend on geography, precipitation, and land evaporation patterns. The Great Salt Lake is not only different in size; it is not a standard freshwater lake but a hypersaline body of water, with high chemical concentrations that visitors can lounge in a salty, buoyant float without effort.
The lake is a remnant of the ancient Lake Bonneville, a prehistoric water body covering much of western Utah. Over thousands of years and climatic changes, the once vast lake receded significantly, and the remnants became the Great Salt Lake and some of the unique features retained from Lake Bonneville, such as the Bonneville Salt Flats.
The Great Salt Lake is an important stopover for millions of migratory birds flying the Pacific Flyway. Its saline environment does not limit the productivity of its wetlands and marshes.
If you enjoy birdwatching, the Great Salt Lake area is among the best you'll find. Some of the premier locations include
Antelope Island State Park
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area
Gillmor Sanctuary
Over 250 species of birds have been collected from this region.
American avocets
Eared grebes
Wilson’s phalaropes
Snowy plovers
Peregrine falcons
The best times of year for viewing migratory birds are during the spring and fall migrations, but substantial numbers of waterfowl are present even in winter.
The Great Salt Lake offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure lovers—from scenic hikes and kayak tours to photography and stargazing.
Explore nature at your own pace with some of the region’s best trails:
Frary Peak Trail (Antelope Island): A moderate to challenging hike offering panoramic lake views.
Lady Finger Point: An easy, short trail for families and photographers.
Legacy Parkway Trail: Ideal for biking with views of wetlands and distant mountains.
Though many assume the salinity makes boating impossible, kayaking on the Great Salt Lake is a serene experience. Tour companies offer lake tours with equipment rental and guided exploration.
Glide across still waters with little resistance.
Explore inlets and see flocks of birds up close
Paddle around the iconic Great Salt Lake Marina.
One of the most unique experiences is floating in the Great Salt Lake. The high salt content allows for near-buoyancy, similar to the Dead Sea. It's a surreal sensation and a must-try for any visitor.
Tip: Wear water shoes, and don’t shave the day before—salt can sting!
The Great Salt Lake's combination of open sky, shimmering water, and mountainous backdrop creates an unforgettable visual palette. The views are worth the trip alone, whether at sunrise, sunset, or under a starlit sky.
Buffalo Point (Antelope Island): A favorite for sunset photos
Spiral Jetty: A land art installation offering both artistic and natural appeal
Saltair Pavilion: Historic venue with lakefront views and concert space
Great Salt Lake Overlook (State Route 202): Offers sweeping panoramas ideal for photographers
Go early or late in the day for soft light and vivid colors.
Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the scale.
Consider visiting after a storm for dramatic skies and reflections
Arguably, the crown jewel of the Great Salt Lake experience is Antelope Island State Park. Connected to the mainland by a causeway, the island offers diverse activities, from hiking and wildlife viewing to camping and picnicking.
Bison (a managed herd of over 500)
Pronghorn antelope
Mule deer
Coyotes
Longhorn sheep
Dozens of bird species
This is one of the best places in Utah for a day trip, only 40 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City.
If you're craving a complete nature immersion, several campgrounds offer primitive yet scenic sites.
While you can always explore independently, guided lake tours offer deeper insights into the lake’s ecology, history, and changing shoreline.
Kayak & paddleboard eco-tours
Photography excursions with local guides
Educational tours with the Great Salt Lake Institute
These tours often include topics like
Salinity and brine shrimp ecosystems
History of human use and industrial impact
The lake’s role in Utah’s geography and climate
Like many natural wonders, the Great Salt Lake faces serious ecological threats due to climate change and water diversion. The lake has reached record-low levels in recent years, affecting salinity balance, wetlands, and migratory patterns.
Wetland loss affects millions of birds.
Air quality issues arise from exposed lakebed dust.
Brine shrimp populations—crucial for global aquaculture—are threatened.
Support conservation organizations like Friends of Great Salt Lake.
Visit responsibly—pack out trash and stay on trails.
Educate others about the importance of this unique ecosystem
The Great Salt Lake is highly accessible from Salt Lake City, making it a perfect day trip for travelers or locals looking to reconnect with nature in Salt Lake City.
By car: Take I-80 West or I-15 North, depending on the destination
Travel time: 20–45 minutes, depending on your stop (Antelope Island, Saltair, etc.)
Tours: Many local operators offer half-day or full-day excursions with transportation included
Pro Tip: Combine your lake trip with a visit to Utah State Parks, the Bonneville Salt Flats, or Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve.
Each season offers a different lens through which to experience the lake.
Best for birdwatching
Comfortable temperatures
Blooming wildflowers on Antelope Island
Best for floating and kayaking
Clear skies and sunsets
Watch for mosquitoes near wetland areas.
Peak migratory bird season
Cooler weather for hiking
Great photography opportunities
Stark beauty and solitude
Fewer crowds
Wildlife is still active, especially bison and deer
To make your visit more enjoyable and responsible:
Bring sunscreen and water: The lake’s open landscape offers little shade.
Wear sturdy shoes: Trails can be rocky or muddy, depending on the season.
Bug spray should be used in summer, especially near marshes and wetlands.
Check lake levels and weather conditions before planning water activities.
Respect wildlife and stay a safe distance away
Visiting the Great Salt Lake isn't just a box to check off your Utah travel list. It would be a chance to be in a phenomenon where sky and water converge, wildlife thrives in improbable conditions, and a destination where history and outdoor adventure beautifully converge.
This lake has something magical for every type of traveler—from floating in hyper-salty water to spotting rare birds, from hiking Antelope Island to enjoying the moment when the sun sets below the infinite horizon. You will surely create some unforgettable memories and experiences at this special lake.
So take some time out of your schedule on your next visit to Salt Lake City to see the hidden gem that is the Great Salt Lake—a place where nature talks to you in salty breezes and shimmering reflections.
This content was created by AI