5 Things You Can't Miss At The Great Salt Lake
The Great Salt Lake in Utah is the largest natural lake located west of the Mississippi River. It is also the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere. This geologic feature is such a prominent part of Utah’s identity that its capital city is named after the lake. This lake also has a very rich history that makes it an important part of the culture of the state. For those who are visiting Utah, you can’t miss this natural attraction.
If you are looking to visit the Great Salt Lake State Park, this guide will show you the top recreational activities that you shouldn’t miss on your visit.
But first, here are a few things you need to know about the lake.
This lake is a remnant of a prehistoric lake – Lake Bonneville – that used to cover a huge portion of Utah.
It is a very shallow lake with an average depth of 14 feet. It measures 35 feet at its deepest point.
The actual area covered by the lake will vary based on how much snow had run-off to the lake.
It is 75 miles long and 35 miles at its widest point.
It has a high salinity level ranging from 5 to 27% (the ocean water only has a salinity level of 3% while the Dead Sea has 33%).
There are 17 officially named islands within the Great Salt Lake.
The ideal time to visit is during late spring to fall.
5 Things to Do in the Great Salt Lake State Park
If you’re ready to explore the Great Salt Lake State Park, here is a list of the things you need to see and do during your visit.
1. Swim at the Great Salt Lake
Given that the Great Salt Lake is very salty, some people might be curious about what it’s like to swim in it. The good news is that you certainly can. The best spot to go to if you want to swim in the lake is at Bridger Bay Beach. This is a huge beach, so it won’t get easily crowded, even during peak seasons.
From the parking lot, it is a short walk to the beach. The sand is a bit different from a regular beach because it is crusty and feels like hardened salt. It is best to have some footwear ready for when you step out of the water.
Since the water’s salinity level is quite high, you can float effortlessly in the water. When you are done swimming, there is a free outdoor shower nearby. Or you can choose the paid indoor shower. There are also facilities like a restroom, so visiting (and swimming) is very convenient.
2. Sailing the Great Salt Lake
Once you’ve checked swimming at the Great Salt Lake State Park off your bucket list, you can try another recommended activity – sailing. For those who do not want to swim but would like to get close to the water, sailing is the best way to do so.
There are full-service marinas at the park that you can go to if you wish to hire a sailboat to explore the lake. You can marvel at the surreal view of the light from the sky as it blends with the water if you happen to sail on an overcast day.
Since the depth of the lake is only about 15-20 feet on average, it is important to have experience with navigating the boats. Or, make sure you hire a boat that is rated for use in salt water conditions.
In addition to sailing, you should also try the sunset cruises offered at the Great Salt Lake. Tours begin at the marina, and you will be served with a gourmet dinner as you enjoy the view of the lake during sunset.
3. Watch the Wildlife
Wildlife is surprisingly abundant at the Great Salt Lake. Therefore, keeping an eye out for it is a fun activity that you can’t afford to miss on your visit.
In particular, you can spot a lot of wildlife in Antelope Island, particularly in the shoreline marshes. Some of the wildlife species that you can find include bison, antelopes, deer, elk, coyotes, and bobcats. Aside from these creatures, you can also find a wide variety of bird species in the park. There are two bird sanctuaries within the park, namely the Bear River Bird Refuge and Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area.
The marshes are one of the best places to go when you want to spot migratory birds. If you dare, you can even engage in duck and goose hunting. This activity is allowed in the park.
4. Go Fishing
There is no outlet for water from the lake, it only loses water through the process of evaporation. Combined with the high salinity, no fish and aquatic life can survive in its water (except for some algae and brine shrimps).
The salt water of the Great Salt Lake might not be conducive for fishing, but you can find some fresh water inlets that offer limited fishing opportunities. If you enjoy fishing, then you might as well take advantage of this unique opportunity.
5. Try Adventure-Filled Activities
There are several adventure-filled activities that you can engage in when you visit the Great Salt Lake. Aside from swimming, you can also engage in water sport activities such as kayaking. Kayaking is the perfect opportunity to see some areas of the lake that you wouldn’t normally have access to. It has 10,000 miles of shoreline, but you can’t see many of the beautiful views from the beach. If you’re not into kayaking, you can also try stand up paddleboarding.
If none of these activities appeal to your interest, why not have a picnic? There are many great spots to enjoy a lovely picnic and just marvel at the grandness of the Great Salt Lake. If you want to spend a little bit longer, you can also camp for the night. There are three main campgrounds to choose from, and the price for them is already inclusive of your entrance fee. A huge bonus for camping at the Great Salt Lake is that you can watch the sunrise from the lake – which happens hours before the park gates open!
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