Great Salt Lake
Great Salt Lake
4
About
This 20,000 square mile lake, the second saltiest in the world, is also a wildlife refuge attracting millions of migratory birds every year to the ten islands within it.
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4.0
992 reviews
Excellent
355
Very good
310
Average
209
Poor
75
Terrible
43
Miah A
1 contribution
Aug 2020 • Family
All these nutty people are neglecting to mention that the lake is pink, like cotton candy, is you go on late summer or fall, to the spiral jetty side of the lake. The pink lake, the salty moonscape combine to make it better like a trip to another planet. It is one of the top amazing sights I have ever seen, second maybe to the butterfly migration in Mexico. It's worth waiting for the right season, and driving to the jetty.
Written 2 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MammaJess02
Carmi, IL18 contributions
June 2020 • Family
Having very limited knowledge of The Great Salt Lake, my family and I were left a bit...disappointed. It was a cool, overcast June day when we visited but I don’t know if the weather would have helped much. The salinity of the water makes it pretty much uninhabitable for much life...except for gnats...which were EVERYWHERE on the ground. They didn’t bite us but it was crazy to see the massive swarms move with every step. There’s a nice overlook to snap a few pictures but we were never able to make it in the water (even just our toes!) because the sand was like a bog or marsh and we chose not to remove our shoes that were sinking like they were in quicksand. I’m glad to say I’ve seen it, but I don’t feel like I ever have to go back again.
Written 19 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joe J
Rochester, MN25 contributions
Nov 2020
We visited by way of Antelope Island State Park. The roads are very good and there are free ranging buffalo in the park that aren't afraid of cars. The visitor center has interesting geographical and historical information, and if you've never been to a Great Lake or inland sea, it's hard to picture the scope of the lake without seeing it. We spent an hour or so on the park premises admiring the views.
Written 15 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RandyRoss
Ridgetown, Canada12,815 contributions
Aug 2022
We stopped at Great Salt Lake State Park 45 year ago (in 1977) when it was a very busy place with lots of boats in the marina, tons of people swimming and a totally different atmosphere. How times have changed! The lake level is so low that the marina was empty and there were only a few people there - none swimming.
The lake itself is still a natural wonder, much saltier than the ocean (4 to 8 times, according to the sign).
The lake itself is still a natural wonder, much saltier than the ocean (4 to 8 times, according to the sign).
Written 14 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mariaz2200
Crofton, MD37 contributions
July 2022
The Great Salt Lake just isn’t a nice place to visit from the state park marina, in any way, especially in late July. I would give it fewer stars than 3, but the ranger at the entrance was very nice and in a way, it just is what it is.
First, it’s an inferno (of course; it’s Utah in July). There’s a small visitors center, restrooms, showers and camping. There’s also an absolutely horrendous smell from the release of gas from decaying matter in the lake, and blankets of brine flies covering large portions of the black ash “sand” along the shore, which swarm around those who venture near. Although they don’t bite, this is nasty. People were swimming and I have to assume once you get past the shore, the water is pleasant (but won’t it still smell? And wouldn’t the smell stay on swimmers’ hair and skin?). The visitors center has some small aging displays, a couple of which are interesting. I can’t fathom how anyone can camp in this hell. I’m glad we went and had a look because now it’s done and I never have to go back.
First, it’s an inferno (of course; it’s Utah in July). There’s a small visitors center, restrooms, showers and camping. There’s also an absolutely horrendous smell from the release of gas from decaying matter in the lake, and blankets of brine flies covering large portions of the black ash “sand” along the shore, which swarm around those who venture near. Although they don’t bite, this is nasty. People were swimming and I have to assume once you get past the shore, the water is pleasant (but won’t it still smell? And wouldn’t the smell stay on swimmers’ hair and skin?). The visitors center has some small aging displays, a couple of which are interesting. I can’t fathom how anyone can camp in this hell. I’m glad we went and had a look because now it’s done and I never have to go back.
Written 23 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Doxibug
Westchester, NY150 contributions
July 2022
Drove to the Great Salt Lake National Park entrance and found it felt very deserted at 9 am. A few campers were parked near the visitor's center which was closed (apparently they open at 11 am, despite the website stating 9 am). There is limited space to walk around or explore -- the trails are very small and the lake itself appears very low and receded at this time. It was worth seeing, of course, and the informational signs about the nearby copper mine are really interesting. However it seemed deserted and quite frankly a little depressing. I'm glad we did not plan to spend much time there as there is almost nothing to do.
Written 7 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian M
Hartford, CT620 contributions
Dec 2020
It's different out here, that's for sure.
The Great Salt Lake stretches as far as the eye can see. And if you can't see, you can smell it. It's not that it's malodorous, exactly; it's just distinctive.
Why I've been so fascinated with the Great Salt Lake is beyond me. The visit did not disappoint: I wasn't expecting a cozy beach day--especially not in the winter.
The idea, though, of being surrounded by nature, soaking in its vastness, made quite the impression.
We experienced the Great Salt Lake via Antelope Island. Ample parking at a variety of sights, along with restrooms, made for a pleasant ride. The causeway from the entrance of the park to the island itself gives ample opportunity for you to appreciate the true expanse of the lake.
The Great Salt Lake stretches as far as the eye can see. And if you can't see, you can smell it. It's not that it's malodorous, exactly; it's just distinctive.
Why I've been so fascinated with the Great Salt Lake is beyond me. The visit did not disappoint: I wasn't expecting a cozy beach day--especially not in the winter.
The idea, though, of being surrounded by nature, soaking in its vastness, made quite the impression.
We experienced the Great Salt Lake via Antelope Island. Ample parking at a variety of sights, along with restrooms, made for a pleasant ride. The causeway from the entrance of the park to the island itself gives ample opportunity for you to appreciate the true expanse of the lake.
Written 7 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TCinci2015
Egham, UK196 contributions
Feb 2023 • Solo
The views and the lake are amazing but if you want avoid potentially damaging your car don’t drive the last 0.5 miles to the visitor center and museum there is a free parking just before you enter the pot holes ( not much road just pot holes in places ). You can walk to the beach then along to the visitor center.
Worth a visit but they really need to do something with that road
The other issue is you may be shocked but at this time of year there is the normal smell from the marsh and brine but there are 100’s of dead birds on the beach from a virus problem,
Worth a visit but they really need to do something with that road
The other issue is you may be shocked but at this time of year there is the normal smell from the marsh and brine but there are 100’s of dead birds on the beach from a virus problem,
Written 27 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
newmexjags
Ormond Beach, FL406 contributions
June 2022
We were on our way to Yellowstone from Moab, we had about an hour to stop in Salt Lake City. The Mormon Temple was closed for renovation, so we weren't even able to see the outside. We did a quick 30 min stop at the Great Salt Lake Marina. I think it's not what it was at one time. The water levels were very low and the water was cloudy and full of natural debris. Not very inviting. I waded in the lake, my granddaughter went for a swim. She found it interesting, how easy it is to float. There were outdoor showers, her skin had a light crust of salt. There was only one other family there. No one else in the water. Lots and lots of bugs swirling around on the beach. They didn't bite. People have built cairns on the beach, that was interesting. They have a small Visitors Center at the Marina, the kids can earn a Jr Ranger Badge. We weren't there long enough to do that. The lady at the desk was very friendly and informative. I'm glad we went just so we can see we've seen the Great Salt Lake.
Written 15 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rochelle F
Randolph, NJ1,162 contributions
Oct 2020
As we continue Westward, we picnicked at the lake, which is right off of the highway. It is a great place to stretch your legs, have a snack and learn about this lake. I had no idea there was a Salt Lake in the US (we have visited the Dead Sea several times in Israel).
Written 13 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How to get to the road that is going through the lake and devides it into blue and pink parts (that one with railroad)? Every road we've tried is saying private property and it scared us off 😅 still I know it's possible, there's plenty of pictures and drone videos. Any tips from frequent visitors?
Written 1 July 2023
I am planning to go to SLC and hope to be at this lake. Not into swimming or water activities but interested in being around the water for a couple of hours before returning to SLC. Any recommendations? Any parking or entry fees? Any does or don’ts? Thank you so much in advance!
Written 23 March 2023
Are there any wheelchair accessible walks along the lake?
Written 28 September 2022
Not that I saw. We went to the Marina. The sand near the lake would be, but to get there you have to go through some pretty soft sand. There's a Visitors Center there, I would call them. (801) 250-1898 or (801) 828-0787. You can also access the lake at Antelope Island State Park. We did not go there because we only had a short time to visit. Try calling them. (801) 773-2941.
Written 29 September 2022
You can, but the bugs were so bad when we were there that it would have been very uncomfortable.
Written 12 July 2018
What are some good access points with prime views of the Great Salt Lake, if coming from the airport (in August)? I'd like to see it before we head into Salt Lake City. Any advice appreciated.
Written 24 July 2017
One nice view is to head west on Interstate #80 towards Nevada. That's where you will find the Great Salt Lake State Park. If you continue driving west on 80, you will see the lake on your right the entire way; there are also some salt companies harvesting salt (like Morton's). If you continue for an hour or so, you will come to the Bonneville Salt Flats where they race cars (bikes, airplanes, etc.) It is worth the drive.
Written 25 July 2017
I'm going to be staying in Ogden, is there a place to see the lake that's close to that city?
Written 31 March 2017
yes, very close. go to antelope Island. our go around to the south side of the lake, it's not that much further and check out salt air. the building isn't what it used to be, bit it's very pretty to photograph on the outside.
Written 1 April 2017
Bonjour
Merci à Wardou et à ceux qui veulent bien s'exprimer et me conseiller sur ce que vous avez visité sur " l'héritage Mormon".
Toutes les idées sont bienvenues
Bien cordialement,
AW
Written 13 April 2016
Cherchez-vous des thèmes et lieux de visite sur Salt Lake City en priorité...?
Written 14 April 2016
What's the best area to see wildlife?
Written 13 February 2016
I would go to Antelope island, 20 min drive and ask the park office for the best seasonal spot
Written 14 February 2016
A better place to swim is utah lake just down the road near Provo. The Salt Lake is legal to swim in but unlike the dead sea in Israel tyhe are no good facilities nearby and the banks tend to be a muddy salt marsh and not pleasant
Written 3 April 2017
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