Antelope Island is most often thought of by its large herd of bison or the spectacular sunsets that bring countless photographers to the park each year.
But did you know the island also offers 17 unique hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous, for the avid outdoor enthusiast to enjoy and explore?
I will admit, I am a hiking fanatic and exploring new trails and unseen scenery has always interested me. There is something so intriguing about hiking a new trail to see where it goes and explore what lays along its path.
Antelope Island has 17 hiking trails which give the avid hiker access to areas not available by motor vehicle.
Some trails are also open to mountain biking and horseback riding but all are available for the hiker to enjoy some time out in nature.
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Non-motorized Trail Rules
As per park regulations, hikers and trail goers need to abide by a few simple rules to ensure the natural beauty of Antelope Island isn’t damaged or human safety isn’t compromised for all who visit the state park.
- Off-trail use is prohibited so stay on the designated trail.
- It is against the law to remove, alter, or destroy natural features or harass any animals or wildlife in the park.
- Dogs must be on a 6 foot leash at all times and domestic farm animals are not permitted on the trails.
For more specific details about these rules, contact the Antelope Island State Park office.
Antelope Island Hiking Trails
All hiking trail ratings (easy, moderate, strenuous) mentioned below come directly from the Antelope Island literature available at the park visitors center or downloadable here with a map representing each hike.
We personally make no ratings to a hikes difficulty or time to complete and will refer to you park management for any questions about how they rated the hikes.
Some trails are open to mountain bikes, hikers, and horseback riding and others are solely for the use of hiking so keep this in mind when choosing a particular hike that suits your needs.
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Beacon Knob Spur
The length of the Beacon Knob Spur hike is approximately .4 miles/.6 km one way. This trail spurs off the White Rock Loop trail at its highest point.
Bone Road Trail
The Bone Road Trail is an alternate access for connecting to the Elephand Head Trail and Split Rock Loop. It is approximately 2.7 miles/4.3 km one way.
Buffalo Point Trail
Another trail listed as “family friendly” by the park is the Buffalo Point Trail. This moderate rated trail by the state park gives hikers a birds eye view of the majestic Great Salt Lake and surrounding area. Benches are located along the trail.
The length of the Buffalo Point Trail is approximately .4 miles/.66 km one way and has a 248 foot elevation gain. It is a popular spot to view the incredible sunsets oftentimes seen on the Great Salt Lake.
Restrooms are located near the trailhead in the paved parking lot.
Buffalo Scaffold/West Side Trail
The Buffalo Scaffold/West Side trail is accessed by either Split Rock Loop or Sentry Trail. It essentially connects the east and west sides of the island on a good hike.
Total length of this particular hike is 5.4 miles/8.7 km one way.
Due to wildlife lambing and calving season, the Buffalo Scaffold/West Side trail is closed March 10 through May 20 to help protect the island’s wildlife.
Dooley Knob Spur
Rated as a moderate hiking trail, the Dooley Knob Spur hiking trail begins at the Frary Peak trailhead.
1.5 miles/2.4 km in length, this trail takes you on a series of switchbacks to the rocky summit of Dooley Knob. With approximately a 700 foot elevation gain, it is a good uphill climb but boasts of a spectacular view.
No bikes or horses are allowed on the Dooley Knob Spur trail.
Elephant Head Spur
The Elephant Head Spur trail is a moderate rated hiking trail that leads to a spectacular overlook nearly 650 feet above the Great Salt Lake.
Not a long trail but one that is approximately 1.4 miles/2.2 km in length one way.
You can access this trail from the Bone Road trail or the Junction Trail.,
Frary Peak Trail
Quite possibly the most popular trail on Antelope Island, the Frary Peak trail is approximately 3.5 miles/5.6 km one way in length. It is a strenuous trail that climbs nearly 2100 feet in elevation to eventually reach Frary Peak.
No bikes or horses are allowed on this particular trail as it is reserved solely for hikers. Those who make the hike are treated to a 360 degree view of the Great Salt Lake and surrounding areas.
Junction Trail
The Junction Trail connects the White Rocks Loop to the Elephant Head Trail and Split Rocks Loop. It’s length is approximately 1.8 miles/2.9 km.
Ladyfinger Point (Egg Island Overlook) Trail
The Ladyfinger Point trail is an easy trail that takes you on a good westerly view of the Great Salt Lake and nearby Egg Island. The small island is a nesting site for birds and is off limits to the public.
This short hike is approximately .25 miles/.45 km in length one way with a small elevation gain of about 8 feet. Foot traffic only on this hike as it is not open to horses or mountain bikes. Restrooms are located nearby in the paved parking lot.
It is referred to by park signage as a family friendly type of hike, but the Ladyfinger Point trail does take you around some large rocks along the way so caution needs to be exercised.
Lakeside Loop
A more lengthy hiking trail is the Lakeside Loop trail which follows the shoreline of Bridger and White Rock Bays around the base of Buffalo Point. This trail has undergone a slight modification as it used to end at the Bridger Bay campground.
There is no longer an access point at this campground and the Lakeside Loop trail now takes you around the Bridger Bay campground back to the initial starting point near the White Rock Bay group site.
The full hike is approximately 5 miles/8 km in length and park signage has the elevation gain at 154 feet, but that is an old sign showing the trail ending at Bridger Bay campground so the elevation gain might be a bit different with the loop back towards White Rock Bay.
This hike is listed as an easy hike on park literature and takes you where you get a great view of the lake and some wetlands along the way.
Mountain View Trail
The Mountain View hiking trail is the longest trail on Antelope Island, with an 11.4 mile/18.31 km total one-way distance.
This particular trail has 4 access points/parking lots along the East Side Road (the road to Garr Ranch).
Listed as an easy rated trail, the Mountain View trail gives hikers a great view of the Wasatch Front, interesting geology, wetlands, and a variety of wildlife along the way, including common sightings for bison and pronghorn.
Elevation gain for this trail is approximately 186 feet along the way.
Gravel Pit Trail
The Gravel Pit hiking trail, an old jeep trail, connect hikers to the White Rock Loop and Beacon Knob. Length of this trail is approximately 1.8 miles/3 km one way.
It is listed as a moderate hiking trail with an elevation gain of approximately 400 feet.
This trail gives hikers a great view of the easterly Wasatch Mountains.
Sentry Loop
Another moderate rated trail, the Sentry Loop trail begins south of the Fielding Garr Ranch facilities and is approximately 5.6 miles/9 km in length round trip.
After a good climb and gaining nearly 1000 feet, the Sentry Loop trail makes a loop around Sentry Peak and provides access to the west side of the island.
South Island Trail
Rated as an easy trail, the South Island trail provides access to the southern tip of Antelope Island, a location not seen unless you are willing to take such a hike.
Total one way length for this trail is 4 miles/6.5 km and the trail begins about 1.5 miles south of the Fielding Garr Ranch facility. During winter, vehicle access to this trailhead is restricted due to it being a gravel road.
Split Rock Loop Trail
The Split Rock Loop is a strenuous hiking trail that is accessed from either the Bone Road trail or Junction trail. It has a total length of 5 miles/8km and has an approximate 600 foot gain in elevation along the way.
While your on the upper loop, watch for the historic rock corral along the way.
White Rock Loop
The White Rock Loop hiking trail is rated as a moderate trail with some long ascents and descents along the way. This trail offers access to Beacon Knob, Split Rock Loop, and Elephant Head hiking trails.
The length of White Rock Loop is 7 miles/11.2 km and has approximately a 600 foot gain in elevation.
Frary Gravesite Interpretive Trail
For those wanting to take in a little history with their hike, the Frary Gravesite Interpretive trail is for them.
A .5 mile hike in length, this trail tells the story of George and Alice Frary, the early settlers of Antelope Island.
About Antelope Island
Antelope Island is a state park managed by the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation located in Davis County and surrounded by the Great Salt Lake.
For a day pass, it costs $15 to go to Antelope Island and is payable at the toll booth as you enter the park. If you are an avid hiker and plan on visiting the island often, they do offer a yearly pass at the gate as well.
Antelope Island State Park is open daily from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, except for Christmas and Thanksgiving.
For more info about Antelope Island, or to contact the staff, visit their website.
Conclusion
If your a hiking enthusiast like I am, Antelope Island might have what you are looking for with an array of hiking trails for all skill levels.
I have been on a few of the trails and it is my goal to eventually hike them all someday. Hiking is a great way to get exercise while enjoying the great outdoors at the same time.
