Great Salt Lake

The basics

Seeing the Great Salt Lake typically means visiting one of two Utah state parks, Antelope Island State Park or Great Salt Lake State Park. Guided tours of the vast inland sea give visitors an opportunity to see the Great Salt Lake State Marina, catch brine shrimp (aka sea monkeys) in the salty water, swim in the lake, and spot some of the 250 species of nesting and migratory birds that spend part of the year in this wetlands habitat.

Hikers and mountain bikers head to wildlife-rich Antelope Island or the lake's long shoreline. At 75 miles (120 kilometers) long and 35 miles (56 kilometers) wide, the lake is all that remains of Lake Bonneville, an ice age lake that covered much of the region some 30,000 years ago.

Things to know before you go

• The Great Salt Lake is a must-see for outdoors enthusiasts and first-time visitors.

• You can join a park ranger for a morning stroll along Silver Sands Beach on a bird-watching tour around the Great Salt Lake; tickets should be purchased in advance.

• Bring insect repellent plus sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water; the climate here can be hot and dry.

• The lake is quite shallow; the maximum depth is 35 feet (11 meters). Swimming is allowed but be prepared for brine flies, lots of brine shrimp, and an odor caused by the high salinity of the water.

How to get there

The Great Salt Lake sits northwest of Salt Lake City. Exits on Interstate 80 and 15 will take you there. Most visitors explore the various points of interest around the lake by car. A causeway (via Interstate 15 to State Route 127) gives automobile access to Antelope Island.

When to get there

There’s no bad time to visit the Great Salt Lake—timing largely depends on what you want to do. Swimmers and sunbathers should visit during the warm summer months when the lake offers a refreshing break from the heat.

Bonneville Salt Flats

To get a sense of how big the Great Salt Lake was when it was a vast inland sea, pay a visit to the Bonneville Salt Flats just outside of Salt Lake City. The land here is among the flattest places on the planet, stretching across 30,000 barren acres (12,140 hectares).

Ways to explore

Seeing the Great Salt Lake typically means visiting one of two Utah state parks, Antelope Island State Park or Great Salt Lake State Park. On guided tours, you can explore the Great Salt Lake State Marina, catch brine shrimp (aka sea monkeys), swim, and go bird-watching in this wetland habitat. The lake is also a popular destination for hikers and mountain bikers, who can head to wildlife-rich Antelope Island or ride along the long shoreline—the Great Salt Lake measures 75 miles (120 kilometers) long and 35 miles (56 kilometers) wide.

Accessibility

Some tours to Laguna Grande are accessible to people who use wheelchairs.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sunscreen, bug spray, water bottle, swimming gear

What to wear

Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate layers to protect yourself against changing weather conditions and biting insects.

Not allowed

Fireworks, off-leash pets, vandalism, taking anything from the environment

Amenities

Campgrounds, visitor center, restrooms, bathrooms

Address

The Great Salt Lake is located some 19 miles (31 kilometers) west of Salt Lake City, though your trip may go longer, depending on the area you wish to visit. Given the lack of public transit options, it’s best to drive or book a tour with included transportation.

Driving

For the most direct route to the Great Salt Lake, travel west via I-80. Parking is provided along the lake.

Public transportation

There is no public transportation if you're traveling between Salt Lake City and the Great Salt Lake. Use taxis, rideshare services, or tours with included transportation instead.

Best times to visit

To avoid the exposure and heat of midday, time your visit for early morning or before sundown.

Best days to visit

The Great Salt Lake is likely to be particularly busy on weekends and school holidays; aim for weekdays instead.

Best months to visit

If possible, avoid summer. The heat can be intense, and biting flies are most prevalent. Aim for spring or autumn instead.

Special events

Visit in May to attend the annual Great Salt Lake Bird Festival.