While you visit this mysterious natural wonder, you can also help save it.
Written By Larisa Bowen
Click here to read the full article on the Visit Utah website.
Close your eyes and imagine water between your toes. Not just any water. Crystal clear, intensely salty, warm water that tingles your skin and envelopes your whole body, lifting you up to the sky...a weightless offering to the powerful Utah sun. If you haven't yet floated in the Great Salt Lake, you're missing out. Even just a quick dip in the saline waters (on average about four times saltier than the ocean!) delivers sensations — and smells — that you'll never forget.
From magical walks in the wetlands to breathtaking sunset sails to unparalleled bird-watching thrills — the Great Salt Lake is one of nature's must-see marvels. And this is a place we want to make sure future generations get to know. But the Great Salt Lake is in dire jeopardy. Its waters have dropped to an all-time low, depleted by upstream diversions and climate change. The lake's historic decline threatens Utah's air quality, snowpack and economy. The loss of the lake would also mean the collapse of a vital ecosystem that supports more than 10 million migratory shorebirds and waterfowl each year. Can it be saved? In Utah, the race is on to change the lake's fate. And visitors like you can help keep the lake Forever Mighty.
Plan a Great Salt Lake pilgrimage this year as a way to boost your own well-being while also giving back to the lake. Your visit can support the parks, preserves and museums run by organizations working hard to protect the lake's future.
Where to Experience the Great Salt Lake
Antelope Island State Park
Why It’s Cool
Enjoy stunning views of the Great Salt Lake as you hike one of the many trails at Antelope Island State Park. Stop in at the visitor center for maps, displays on the island's natural history and must-have souvenirs.
Insider Tip
Check out the half-mile trail to the top of Buffalo Point for amazing views and photos. Summer and fall are great times to visit Antelope Island State Park. Wildlife can be seen moving around the island, water temperatures are ideal for floating and soaking and the bison roundup, which takes place in late October, is a truly incredible event to witness.
Make Your Visit Count
Antelope Island State Park exists to provide recreation and education to visitors at this one-of-a-kind natural wonder. This is a great location for you to experience and learn about the Great Salt Lake and your entrance fee or campsite dollars provide for the care and protection of the park.
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
Why It’s Cool
Located where the Bear River flows into the northeast arm of the Great Salt Lake, the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge protects over 77,000 acres of wetlands — an oasis for waterbirds and wildlife. Here you’ll enjoy epic photography, wildlife watching, hiking, cycling, hunting and fishing. Check out the Refuge Wildlife Education Center for educational exhibits and events.
Insider Tip
In spring and summer, drive the Auto Tour and see breeding American avocets, cinnamon teal, grebes and many more winged friends. You might also see American white pelicans fishing in the wetlands.
Make Your Visit Count
The Bear River provides about 66 percent of the water that enters the Great Salt Lake. Without the Refuge's freshwater wetlands, bird species like American white pelicans and grebes would lose a critical food source. When you visit, become a member or donate to the Friends of the Bear River Refuge non-profit organization. You can also sign up to volunteer. Learn more via the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
Farmington Bay's Eccles Wildlife Education Center
Why It’s Cool
Located on the southeastern shore of the lake, Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area is a bird watching paradise. Stop in at the Eccles Wildlife Education Center, located a half mile west of the management area, to visit with knowledgeable staff before exploring the many miles of trails and boardwalks winding around the wetlands.
Insider Tip
From the education center you can get an amazing view of about 24 great blue heron stick nests, called a Heron Rookery. The nests are up to 3 feet in diameter and 2.5 feet deep. The education center will increase your knowledge and appreciation of the Great Salt Lake wetlands and wildlife management activities and provide a new place to make lasting memories with friends and family.
Make Your Visit Count
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, part of the Utah Department of Natural Resources, manages Farmington Bay and serves the people of Utah by maintaining, sustaining and enhancing the state's wildlife populations and by conserving wildlife habitats. Find out how you can become a volunteer at the Eccles Wildlife Education Center at wildlife.utah.gov.
Great Salt Lake State Park
Why It’s Cool
Come float in Great Salt Lake! The Great Salt Lake State Park offers two beaches to get your toes (and more) wet as you enjoy the saline water. After your swim, take advantage of the showers and picnic tables. Great Salt Lake State Park also has a lovely visitors center to learn about the lake and buy souvenirs. During summer months, you can book a 45-minute boat tour, a sunset boat tour or a two-hour boat tour and float. All reservations go through Exclusive Excursions.
Insider Tip
In the summer, you can also enjoy popular events at Great Salt Lake State Park, like “Full Moon Walks.” Call Great Salt Lake State Park's visitor center or check online to see all park offerings and sign up for a ranger-led tour.
Make Your Visit Count
Use your visit to experience the lake’s rich habitats and wildlife. Operated by Utah State Parks, the mission of this park is to enhance the quality of life of Utahns and visitors by preserving and providing natural, cultural and recreational resources for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of this and future generations.
Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve
Why It’s Cool
Take an adventure into the heart of the wetlands. Situated along the Great Salt Lake’s eastern shore and operated by The Nature Conservancy, the preserve spans more than 4,500 acres of wetlands and uplands critical to migratory birds and waterfowl. You can walk the one-mile boardwalk loop trail, explore a range of educational exhibits and climb a 30-foot-high tower for amazing views of this unique wildlife habitat.
Insider Tip
Download the free preserve audio tour on your phone to hear stories about nature and wildlife as you walk. Come early in the morning or in late afternoon during spring and summer to get the best views of birds — the preserve supports more than 250 different avian species! You can also bring a picnic to enjoy in the open-air pavilion at the center of the preserve.
Make Your Visit Count
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global non-profit working to create a world where people and nature thrive. In Utah, TNC has helped conserve more than one million acres of private and public land — including 12,000 acres of vital habitat around the Great Salt Lake. TNC also works with partners to improve policies and practices to protect the lake’s water levels. Visit this preserve, and get involved with TNC by donating, volunteering and more. Visit nature.org and follow the preserve on Facebook.
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