Antelope Island is in the Great Salt Lake itself and is the largest of 9 islands. Depending on the amount of rain it gets, the Great Salt Lake has been anywhere between 950 and 3,000 square miles. Antelope Island is at the southern part of the Lake and is 42 square miles. During the extreme droughts, Antelope Island 'disappears:' it actually becomes part of the mainland with only the western shore touching the lake. It was not like that when we were there. There is a 7 mile causeway that connects the Island (at the northern tip) to the mainland. There is a small mountain range on the island with the tallest peak being Frary Peak that rises to 6,596.' In the winter it gets enough snow for skiing.
We almost didn't go in. A note at the entry station mentioned that the gnats could be bad and after our experience with the gnats at Canyonlands, we couldn't decide if it was worth the chance. As you can see, we took the chance and it turned out to be a very nice trip. The gnats must have taken the day off, because we only ran into a few.
Barn swallows nesting outside the visitors center.
Frary Peak from the causeway.
Frary Peak close up.
Looking east towards Salt Lake City.
The causeway (view from the island).
White Rock Bay.
I was surprised to find out that there were about 600 bison on the island. They were first brought to the island in the early 1900's.
Snoozing in the grass.
Panorama of one of the herds.
Panorama of the mountains north of Salt Lake City.
I had to get my feet wet. I was expecting to have a white 'salt' feet after the water dried, but it did not happen. I guess there isnot quite enough salt in the lake for that.
Lunch at a ranch at the southern part of the island. I didn't realize I had my eyes closed, otherwise I would have taken another picture.
Prairie primrose.
Purple sage.
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