An Island Park In The Great Salt Lake

by Rod Besler
(Holladay, Utah, USA)

By Rod Besler
http://www.utah-travel-secrets.com

Imagine an island. The largest island in the middle of Utah?s Great Salt Lake. Covering 28,463 acres. 15 miles (24 km) long and 7 miles (11 km) wide at its widest point. That?s Antelope Island State Park.

Where you can enjoy:

? A marina.
? Hiking.
? Camping.
? Mountain biking.
? Horseback riding.
? Cross-country skiing.
? An historic ranch house.
? A boat launching ramp.
? Modern restrooms.
? Hot showers.
? And unlimited photographic opportunities.

Wildlife viewing opportunities abound in Antelope Island State Park Utah with a herd of 600 bison, deer, coyotes and antelope. The many backcountry trails provide fantastic opportunities for wildlife sightings.

And the Great Salt Lake is right in the middle of some of the best bird watching habitat anywhere. The visitor center gives a little more background information on this island park's unique biology, geology and history.


Some Facts About Antelope Island

? Average elevation is 4,200 feet. The highest peak - Frary Peak ? reaches 6,596 feet.
? The park is open year-round.
? The stay limit is 14 days.
? There are 75 total units.
? 64 RV trailer sites.
? 13 tent sites.
? The maximum RV length is 35 feet.
? The camping fee is $11.
? Group camping is $1 per person.
? Advanced reservations are required.
? The day use fee is $8.
? Facilities include drinking water, modern restrooms, showers, vault toilets and waste disposal.


Antelope Island Bison

One of the most intriguing features of Antelope Island State Park is the variety of wildlife. Despite its name, the island?s best known inhabitants are the hundreds of bison roaming the island.

The herd varies from 550 to as many as 700. Not only is it one of the largest publicly owned bison herds in the country, it?s one of the oldest.

The annual bison roundup at Antelope Island State Park Utah takes place at the end of October. It?s one of the great fall spectacles in northern Utah. A team of horsemen and helicopters drive the bison to corrals on the island?s north end. There they are vaccinated and given a general health evaluation.


Other Wildlife

You?ll find several other species of mammals on the island.

? mule deer
? pronghorn antelope
? bighorn sheep
? coyotes
? bobcats
? badgers
? jackrabbits
? porcupines

The Great Salt Lake?s shoreline marshes provide some of the best bird watching habitat in the state. In fact, it?s right in the path of one of the most important flyways for migrating birds in North America.
It?s a unique mix of wildlife. Unlike few places in the world.

Why Is It Named Antelope Island?

John C. Fremont and Kit Carson were the first white men to explore the island. It was 1845. After shooting two antelope, Fremont gratefully named the island after the animal providing them meat.
But by the 1930's, there were no antelope left on Antelope Island. In 1993, a joint effort between two Utah state entities - the Division of Wildlife Resources and the State Parks and Recreation Division ? reintroduced 24 pronghorn antelope to the island.
Within two years, the population had nearly doubled. Natural predators - coyotes, bobcats, and eagles ? are expected to control the pronghorn population


Antelope Island Trails

Antelope Island has a number of trails both mountain bikers and hikers will enjoy. Trail riders of all levels ? from beginner to expert ? will find a challenge here.

Most of these trails afford stunning views of the Great Salt Lake. And the mainland. These trails provide riders and hikers numerous opportunities to view the island's wildlife.

Antelope Island State Park rewards visitors with close to 20 miles (32 km) of trails suitable for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Even better, new and challenging trails are being continually added.

For more information, visit:

http://www.utah-travel-secrets.com/antelopeislandstatepark.html