Antelope Island and Great Salt Lake Spring/Summer 2015

Yep, we are back in Antelope Island.  

Again.  

What do you mean again?  

Antelope Island Winter (first time)  My first time to Antelope Island.  Insanely gorgeous pictures of the snowy mountains reflecting off the Salt Lake.  

Antelope Island Winter (second!) Second time visiting the island and again.. winter!  We went for a nice winter hike with the pup. 

Antelope Island Spring (third) My third time to the island was this  Late winter/early spring.  I was really excited that this time, I was on horseback! 

Well, now you are on my fourth visit, and third season at Antelope Island.  It is so fun visiting the same spots during different seasons.  I came early early June so technically spring on the island Utah goes from hot hot hot to cold cold cold so the landscapes change so dramatically with the different seasons.  

Take a look at my summer trip to Antelope Islands.  

And I finally photographed the antelope. 

Antelope of Antelope Island 

Antelope of Antelope Island 

It is basically like going on a safari every time you visit this island.  

Bison on Antelope Island 

Bison on Antelope Island with Salt Lake City in the background.

I really love these pictures.  Antelope on the island in the front, the Great Salt Lake in the middle, and Salt Lake City in the back. This picture is kind of a great summary of the area.  Urban city, Great Salt Lake, and nature/wildlife on the island.  Utah, you are a little crazy.  

Snake on Antelope Island 

Antelope Island 

Antelope Island 

Antelope Island 

Antelope Island 

Reflections on Antelope Island 

The reflections.  The reflection of the mountain on the lakes makes my little photographer heart smile.  It is so pretty and I was really excited to catch the same image (well, same spot) during two completely different seasons). 

Spring/Summer Reflections on Antelope Island 

June, 2015 

Winter Reflections on Antelope Island 

 February, 2014

Still one of my favorite pictures from Utah.  Seeing this image on my visit to Utah kind of sold me on living here.  This place is so beautiful and just so different than home.  I wanted to experience life out here, even if just for a little while.  

  Reflections on Antelope Island 

Bikers on Antelope Island 

Marina on Antelope Island 

Another season on Antelope Island.  And quickly closing in on my 1 year Utahversary.  

Thank you Antelope Island and Great Salt Lake for being so close, so gorgeous, and such a fun and different experience each time I visit.  

Need To Know Before You Go

HOURS

Island Access - Open Daily 6:00 am - 6:00 pm

Visitor Center Hours:  9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Fielding Garr Ranch Hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (closed in winter)

Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas

FEES

Entrance fees (includes causeway and wildlife fees):

Entrance fee: $10 per vehicle up to 8 people

Senior entrance fee (62 years of age): $5 per vehicle up to 8 people

Bicycles, Motorcycles and Pedestrians: $3 per person

Commercial Groups (including over 8 people per vehicle): $3 per person and $5 per bus

Educational Groups: $1 per person with prior reservation

TO-DO

Scenic drives, bike tour, run, camp, horseback ride (ranch or bring your own), hike, boat/swim, birding, wildlife viewing. 

ACCESS

You can drive over to the island on a two-lane causeway

EXTRAS AND WILDLIFE

 - Elevation:  4,200 feet at the shore. Frary Peak is the island’s highest point at 6,596 feet.

 - The island and ranch passed from owner to owner until 1981 when the State of Utah purchased the 28,000-ace island for a State Park.

 - Antelope Island has over 40 freshwater springs producing enough water to support the islands abundant wildlife.

 - Bison are the most famous residents. Twelve animals were brought to the island in 1893 and were the foundation for today’s herd of 550 – 700. An annual bison roundup is held each fall to assess the health of the herd and sell extra animals.

 - Pronghorn antelope are native to Utah and to the island.  They are the fastest animals in North America and can reach speeds of up to 70 miles per hour.

 - Mule deer and bighorn sheep are the other large herbivores on the island. Predators include coyotes, badgers, bobcats and numerous birds of prey such as owls, hawks and falcons.