Antelope Island Sunset Wildlife Expedition Great Salt Lake Tour

5 to 6 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

This tour combines wildlife, history, and stunning scenery in one experience. You’ll see free-roaming bison, pronghorn antelope, deer, and more than 250 bird species in their natural habitat.
We visit Fielding Garr Ranch — Utah’s oldest preserved building — where pioneer stories come to life.
For active travelers, an easy hike to Buffalo Point reveals panoramic views of the Great Salt Lake and the Wasatch Mountains, followed by one of Utah’s most beautiful sunsets.
You’ll also discover the island’s ecological wonders — from tiny brine shrimp to crystal-clear night skies, considered among the best in the USA for stargazing.
Small-group travel (max 13 guests) in a comfortable Mercedes Sprinter, a professional guide, and convenient pickup in Salt Lake City and Utah County ensure a seamless, personalized, and unforgettable adventure.

What's Included

Trekking poles
Applicable Taxes and Fees
Professional guide
Comfortable transportation from/to a hotel/location
Insurance coverage
Bottled water
Binoculars for convenient wildlife viewing
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Gratuities for guide (optional)

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

We’ll pick you up directly at your hotel’s main entrance or lobby. Look for our distinctive Mercedes Sprinter — your guide will be waiting for you. Hotel pickup takes place at two available times: • Morning tour: 8:00–8:30 AM • Afternoon tour: October–March: 2:00–2:30 PM / April–October: 3:00–3:30 PM After booking, we’ll contact you to confirm your exact pickup time and location. Please be ready 5 minutes before your scheduled pickup. The tour includes both pickup and drop-off within the Salt Lake City area. Attention: If you don't see a pickup location that works for you, please let us know during booking. We can also pick you up directly from your accommodation in Salt Lake City or Utah County — just send us the address and we'll confirm the pickup point.

OR
Meeting point
35 N W Temple St

Your guide will be waiting for you at the main entrance of the FamilySearch Center, next to a Mercedes Sprinter. Please arrive 5 minutes early. After booking, we’ll contact you to confirm your exact pickup time. • Parking is available at the Conference Center, City Creek, and Park Place garages.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 5 to 6 hours (approximately)
  • Salt Lake City (Pass by)

    The tour begins with a short introduction to the history of Utah and its unique natural environment. On the way, you’ll see a changing landscape — mountains on the horizon, wide valleys, and the shimmering surface of the Great Salt Lake. As the sun gets lower and the colors become warmer, even the drive feels like a small adventure, with the panorama of Antelope Island slowly appearing ahead.

    Admission ticket free
  • 1
    Great Salt Lake State Park

    Antelope Island — the largest of the Great Salt Lake’s islands — welcomes visitors with dramatic geology, wide-open landscapes, and a uniquely rich ecosystem. From here, our exploration of the island unfolds.

    15 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 2

    Our first stop reveals the birthplace of the island’s unique brine shrimp industry. These tiny creatures — thriving in water saltier than the ocean — form the foundation of life in the Great Salt Lake. Their incredible ability to survive in such extreme conditions has made them both an ecological treasure and an important economic resource for Utah.

    15 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 3

    A short walk takes us to the Lady Finger Trail Overlook, where the island’s beauty opens up in full view. As the afternoon sun softens the sky, the Great Salt Lake glitters like glass, seemingly melting into the horizon — a stunning and unforgettable introduction to Antelope Island.

    30 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 4

    We take a peaceful walk along Bridger Bay Beach to the water’s edge, where the lake feels calm and quiet, and the atmosphere brings a sense of tranquility and connection with nature. The sand here is unlike any other — you’ll notice its little secret the moment you touch it.

    40 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 5

    Antelope Island’s open plains, hiking trails, and shoreline are home to an impressive variety of wildlife. Here, animals live freely in their natural environment, offering a rare and unforgettable opportunity to observe them up close. One of the most remarkable sights is one of North America’s oldest surviving wild bison herds — more than 500 animals roaming the island.

    1 hour Admission ticket included
  • 6
    Fielding Garr Ranch

    The highlight of our tour is a visit to Fielding Garr Ranch — the first permanent settlement on the island and a key part of its history and preservation. Here you’ll hear fascinating stories about the early pioneers, their daily life, and the challenges they faced while building a community in a remote and unpredictable wilderness.

    1 hour Admission ticket included
  • 7

    To conclude the tour, we visit Buffalo Point Overlook, where you’ll learn about the island’s geology and the origin of the Great Salt Lake — a remnant of prehistoric Lake Bonneville that once covered much of western Utah. For guests interested in light activity, we offer an easy 25-minute hike along a 5,300-foot trail (1.6 km) with a gradual elevation gain of 216–249 feet (66–67 m). From the summit, a sweeping panorama opens over the shimmering lake, distant mountain ranges, and peaceful island landscapes. This is the perfect spot to experience the sunset — considered one of the most spectacular in all of Utah. As the sun meets the horizon, the sky fills with warm shades of gold and red, and the lake reflects the changing colors. It’s a calm, unforgettable moment — a chance to enjoy the quiet beauty of nature as the day comes to a close.

    1 hour Admission ticket included
  • Salt Lake City (Pass by)

    Return to Salt Lake City with drop-off at convenient locations.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Matei Travel

Tags

Day Trips
Nature and Wildlife Tours
Half-day Tours
Bus Tours
Small Group
Involves Animals
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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