Definitely! We’ll help you capture amazing photos on your phone so the memories of this journey stay with you forever.
During the tour, you’ll have the chance to photograph wild animals from different angles while keeping a safe distance — ensuring the experience is exciting and completely safe.
Our guides will show you the best photo spots with majestic island landscapes in the background. The endless waters of the Great Salt Lake and the silhouettes of roaming bison create a perfect Wild West prairie scene — a breathtaking backdrop for unforgettable pictures.
Antelope Island Sunset Wildlife Expedition – Great Salt Lake Odyssey
Details
7 hours (approx.)
Dec 5, Dec 7
13 persons
within 24 hours
Walking/Auto
Active
Afternoon
Description
Set out on an unforgettable evening eco-expedition to one of Utah’s natural treasures — Antelope Island, surrounded by the vast waters of the Great Salt Lake, where dramatic landscapes blend with remarkable flora and fauna.
As the golden light of dusk settles over the island, watch free-roaming herds of majestic bison, graceful pronghorn antelope, and shy mule deer. With a bit of luck, you may also spot coyotes, porcupines, and long-eared jackrabbits becoming active toward sunset. More than 250 bird species fill the sky as they return to their nests beneath the final rays of sunlight.
Step back in time at the historic Fielding Garr Ranch — one of Utah’s oldest surviving buildings — and experience the pioneer spirit of the American West.
The highlight of the tour is a gentle hike to a panoramic viewpoint, where you’ll witness one of Utah’s most beautiful sunsets. From here, shades of pink, gold, crimson, and violet stretch across the sky, reflecting on the water and distant mountains. It’s a peaceful, unforgettable moment where nature feels still and timeless.
During the tour you’ll discover:
- Which creature has become the symbol of the Great Salt Lake ecosystem?
- Which Native tribes originally lived on the island?
- Who were the island’s first pioneers and settlers?
- When did one of the largest ranches in the American West appear here?
- How do wild animals survive on an island surrounded by salt water?
- Why does the water level of the Great Salt Lake change, and how does it affect the island?
- Why is one of Utah’s oldest surviving buildings located on the island?
- Which are the largest and smallest bird species living on Antelope Island?
- How did some of North America’s largest and fastest land animals arrive here?
- Where did the island’s first fruit tree come from?
- How did Hollywood make the island famous?
- Why is this island one of the best places in the USA for stargazing?
Important
To make your journey as pleasant and safe as possible, we recommend bringing:
Comfortable footwear — ideal for light walking or short hikes on Antelope Island.
- Hat or cap — the sun can be strong in warmer months, and it can get windy during the cooler seasons.
- Sunglasses — bright light and reflections from the Great Salt Lake can be intense year-round.
- Sunscreen — Utah has high UV levels in every season, so we recommend using sunscreen even on cloudy days, especially if you have sensitive skin.
- Moisturizing cream — useful during fall, winter, and spring, when the air is dry and the wind can be strong.
Please note: The tour takes place in the afternoon. Sunset times vary by season, so the total duration may change slightly based on conditions on Antelope Island. This flexibility ensures you can fully enjoy the majestic beauty of one of Utah’s most spectacular sunsets.
Included
- Professional guide
- Bottled water
- Granola bars
- Hot beverages (coffee, tea, hot chocolate)
- Trekking poles
- Binoculars for convenient wildlife viewing
- Comfortable transportation from/to a hotel/location
- Insurance coverage
- Applicable Taxes and Fees
Not Included
- Personal expenses and souvenirs.
- Gratuities for guide (optional).
Photos
Route
Hotel pickup (time varies by season): October–March: 2:00–2:30 PM / April–October: 3:00–3:30 PMWe’ll meet you at your hotel or another convenient location within Salt Lake County (you’ll provide the address when booking). After your reservation is confirmed, our team will contact you to coordinate the exact pick-up time and details. Relax and enjoy a comfortable ride in our modern Mercedes Sprinter.
Departure from 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 mix of landscapes: mountains on the horizon, wide valleys, and the dramatic scenery of the Great Salt Lake. Even the drive to the island feels like a small adventure, as the panorama of Antelope Island slowly comes into view.
35–45 min drive – Arrival at Antelope Island, in the Great Salt Lake State ParkAntelope Island is the largest island in the Great Salt Lake and is known for its unique geology and diverse ecosystem. From here, our exploration of the island begins.
15 min – Scenic MarinaThis is where the unique brine shrimp industry began. These tiny creatures thrive in water with salinity higher than the ocean’s and form the foundation of life in the Great Salt Lake. Their resilience and uniqueness have also made them an important economic resource for the region.
30 min – Ladyfinger Point TrailheadA short walk to the overlook offers stunning panoramic views where the lake’s surface seems to merge with the horizon. It’s a perfect first introduction to the island’s landscape.
30 min – Unique Sand BeachWe take a peaceful walk along Bridger Bay Beach to the water’s edge. The lake feels calm and quiet, and the sand here is unlike any other — you’ll notice its secret the moment you touch it. We also stop by the temporary Visitor Center, which is set up while the main State Park Center is under renovation.
1 hour – Wildlife ViewingAntelope Island is home to many wild animals that roam the open plains, hiking trails, and shoreline. You’ll have an unforgettable opportunity to observe them in their natural environment. You’ll be especially amazed by one of the oldest wild bison herds in North America — more than 500 animals living freely on the island.
1 hour – Pioneer History at Fielding Garr RanchThe centerpiece of our tour is a visit to Fielding Garr Ranch — the first permanent settlement on the island, which played a key role in its development and preservation. Here you’ll hear fascinating stories about early Mormon pioneers, their daily life, and the challenges they faced in this remote and unpredictable landscape.
1 hour – Island’s Main Sunset Viewpoint (Buffalo Point Trail)To conclude the tour, you’ll visit the Buffalo Point Overlook, where you’ll learn more about the island’s geology and the formation of the Great Salt Lake — a remnant of the prehistoric Lake Bonneville that once covered much of western Utah. For those seeking a bit of adventure, we offer an easy 25-minute hike along a 1.6 km (5,300-foot) trail with an elevation gain of about 66–67 m (216–249 ft). From the summit, a breathtaking panorama unfolds before you — the shimmering expanse of the Great Salt Lake, the rugged mountain ranges on the horizon, and the island’s tranquil landscapes. Here, you’ll witness the magic of the sunset. As the sun slowly meets the horizon, the sky transforms into brilliant hues of gold, crimson, and violet while the world around you falls silent. In that moment, time seems to stand still, and you find yourself face to face with the grandeur of nature — a place where its timeless beauty has remained untouched through the centuries.
7:00–8:00 PM (approx.) – Return to Salt Lake CityWe head back to Salt Lake City with drop-off at your hotel or another convenient location within Salt Lake County.
Start Place of the Tour
Family History Library, 32, West Temple, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah, 84150, United States
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.
If this meeting point is not convenient, we can also pick you up directly from your place of stay in Salt Lake City or Utah County. Simply provide your address in the booking form, and we will confirm the pickup location. After booking, we’ll contact you to confirm the exact pickup time and meeting point. This tour includes pickup and drop-off at your accommodation within Utah County.
FAQ
Antelope Island is magical year-round, with each season revealing its own unique beauty. It’s a paradise for photographers and nature lovers — every visit brings new colors, perspectives, and unforgettable memories.
• Summer transforms the island into a bird sanctuary. You can watch majestic white pelicans nesting on the Great Salt Lake, their graceful flight creating perfect moments for stunning photos over the shimmering water.
• Fall paints the landscape in warm golden tones as the leaves drop and wildlife becomes easier to spot in the open spaces — an ideal season to capture bison, antelope, and deer against dramatic autumn skies.
• Winter turns the scenery into a living postcard with snow-capped mountain peaks. Clear air, brilliant light, and the contrast between white snow and deep-blue lake water create ideal conditions for landscape photography.
• Spring brings renewal: blooming grasses, newborn wildlife, and soft morning light that fills photos with warmth and life.
And at any time of year, sunrises and sunsets are the island’s crowning glory. They offer extraordinary light and unforgettable colors that linger not only in photographs — but in your memory forever.
Absolutely! We make more than 10 stops during the Antelope Island tour, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the views, take photos, and relax. The island has well-developed infrastructure, so convenient restroom access is available throughout the tour.
While meals are not included in the tour price, we provide bottled water, hot beverages (tea, coffee, hot chocolate), and granola bars. If you have dietary needs or prefer regular snacks, feel free to bring your favorites. You’re welcome to eat during our longer stops or on the bus — whichever is most comfortable for you.
• Yes, they will! This tour is great for families with kids. On Antelope Island, nature comes to life right before your eyes. Wide-open spaces, peaceful surroundings, and close encounters with wildlife turn the trip into a true family adventure.
• Children love spotting bison, antelope, deer, and many kinds of birds in their natural habitat. It’s more than just a tour — it’s an authentic American safari that inspires curiosity, excitement, and a love for nature.
• Kids also enjoy exploring the shoreline of the Great Salt Lake, discovering tiny brine shrimp, watching silvery foam form on the waves, spotting burrowing owls, and seeing mighty bison — the largest land mammals in North America.
• Our guides care about comfort for all ages. The pace is relaxed, with plenty of stops for rest, photos, and wildlife watching, so the journey stays enjoyable and stress-free for the whole family.
Yes, definitely! We include a souvenir stop during the Antelope Island tour, so you can bring home mementos of this incredible experience and the island’s unique character.
Your guide will also showcase exclusive handcrafted souvenirs created by our Matei Travel team. Each item is handmade and one-of-a-kind, capturing the wild spirit of Antelope Island — the shimmering tones of the salt lake, the colors of the sky, and the imagery of the iconic bison. It’s a wonderful way to take a piece of this unforgettable place with you.
Plus, every guest receives a complimentary Matei Travel souvenir as a keepsake of your Antelope Island adventure and the memories you’ve made.
• After this wonderful tour, you can continue exploring the island on your own. In summer, you can enjoy an unforgettable experience of swimming in the Great Salt Lake — with salt levels higher than the Dead Sea, you’ll effortlessly float on the surface as if weightless.
For your comfort, the equipped beach has freshwater showers to rinse off salt crystals (available only during the summer season).
• Year-round, the island offers camping facilities, horseback riding, and electric bike rentals, allowing you to get even closer to wildlife and enjoy the peaceful, scenic landscapes.
Yes, we do! We’ll be happy to design a personalized tour just for you — whether it’s a private experience or a custom trip for your group.
Private tours are perfect for special occasions, such as:
• Romantic getaways — create unforgettable moments just for two
• Birthdays or anniversaries — celebrate surrounded by breathtaking scenery
• Friends visiting from other states or abroad — show them the real Utah
• Family tours with children — our most popular private option, offering a flexible, kid-friendly adventure where all ages can explore safely, enjoy nature, and spend memorable time together
• Corporate events — impress your colleagues or business partners with a unique Utah experience
You can also purchase a Matei Travel gift certificate when booking. Travel is the best gift — it brings emotions, inspiration, and memories that last a lifetime.
Our guides are genuinely passionate about Utah’s nature, history, and spirit. With professional training in tourism and years of experience hosting travelers from around the world, we offer more than facts — we share inspiration. We reveal Utah through the eyes of people who truly know it and love it.
Every journey with us is personal. We take you to hidden places that many visitors never see and tell stories you won’t find in guidebooks. We don’t rush — we give you time to feel the atmosphere, notice the details, and breathe in the peace and harmony of nature.
Our experience, professionalism, attention to detail, and sincere desire to make each trip unforgettable — that’s what sets Matei Travel apart.
If you cannot find a suitable date in the group, you can book a place individually.
