Introduction to Antelope Island

This event will introduce Antelope Island to those unfamiliar with this Great Salt Lake State Park. Our plan is to meet at the causeway and carpool to Fielding Garr Ranch and stroll around this historic site. At one time Antelope Island was used as a livestock stockade and Fielding Garr Ranch is the best reminder of this bygone era. A wooded area nearby is home to owls and other birds. After visiting the ranch our itinerary is to drive to the other side of the island and do a short half-mile hike (with 300-foot elevation gain) to Buffalo Point, a high point on the north part of the island, where we will enjoy expansive vistas of the Great Salt Lake. Next, we will drive around the northwest part of the island looping past Bridger Bay where the best beaches on island are located, and then visit the freshly remodeled and recently reopened visitor center.

We almost always see bison and sometimes antelope and coyotes on this north island tour. This time of year, we should avoid pesky flying insects but it is always wise to carry insect repellent on Antelope Island. There are restrooms at the causeway and on island. We should be off island by 1:00PM.

Meet Elliott at the large causeway parking lot located east of the entrance booth on the south side of the Antelope Drive, at 9:00am. Bring money (DOLLAR BILLS) as a fee per vehicle is required to drive across the causeway even if you have an expensive State Parks pass, and to help defray gas expense for those driving carpool vehicles. No dogs.

Trailhead Directions: Exit I-15 in Layton on Antelope Drive and drive west. Go west approximately 7 miles to the Antelope Island State Park entrance station. (Driving the West Davis Highway is an alternative route to Antelope Drive, then west to the TH parking area.) We will rally in the paved parking area located before the entrance station on the left (south) side of the road. We’ll arrange to carpool/caravan across the causeway to the trailhead. Look for a white Subaru Outback.