Antelope Island – Journey into the Wild Heart of the Great Salt Lake

Route

We will meet you at your hotel or at a pre-arranged location (the address you provide during booking). After booking the tour, we will contact you to confirm the meeting time and details. You will then enjoy a comfortable ride in a modern silver Mercedes Sprinter with Matei Travel signage.

The tour begins with an introduction to the history of Utah and its surrounding environment, which impresses with striking contrasts: majestic mountains on the horizon, wide valleys, and the unique landscapes of the Great Salt Lake. The road to the island is already an adventure, during which you will see how the scenery changes and how, from afar, the incredible panorama of Antelope Island gradually unfolds.

This island – the largest among the lake's islands – features a unique geological landscape and ecosystem. Island exploration begins.

This is where the unique brine shrimp industry was born. In these waters with salinity higher than the ocean’s. These amazing creatures thrive in waters with salinity higher than the ocean’s, forming the foundation of life in the Great Salt Lake. Their resilience and uniqueness have made them an important economic resource for the region.

Introduction to the island with a walk to the overlook, where stunning panoramic views of the lake surface merging with the horizon unfold.

A stroll along the Bridger Bay Beach to the water's edge offers a sense of peace and connection with nature. Its distinctive sand holds a little secret you'll discover when you touch it. Brief stop at the temporary visitor center, set up during renovation of the permanent State Park Center.

Numerous wild animal species find their perfect home in the island's wilderness, along hiking trails and shoreline. You'll have an unforgettable opportunity to observe them up close. You'll be especially amazed by one of America's oldest surviving wild bison herds, numbering over 500 head.

The centerpiece of our tour is a – visit to the Fielding Garr Ranch, — the first permanent settlement on the island, which played a key role in its development and preservation. Here you'll hear captivating stories about brave Mormon pioneers who were the first Europeans to set foot on these lands, and their struggle against harsh conditions and unpredictable nature.

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 prehistoric Lake Bonneville that once covered western Utah. For those seeking active recreation, we offer an easy-level hike lasting 25 minutes along a 5,300-foot trail (1.6 km) with an elevation gain of 216-249 feet (66-67 m). From the summit, you'll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Great Salt Lake's shimmering surface, scenic mountain ranges, and island landscapes – a world where wilderness has remained virtually untouched for centuries.