FAQ
Great Salt Lake FAQs
Get quick answers about floating in the hyper-saline water, dealing with insects, and understanding the lake's unique environment.
Can you swim in the Great Salt Lake?
Yes, you can swim in the state parks. Bridger Bay Beach on Antelope Island is the most popular spot. Swimming is not permitted at The Great Saltair. Read our Where to Float guide for details on floating.
Why is the Great Salt Lake so salty?
The lake is a terminal basin, meaning water flows in but does not flow out. When the water evaporates, it leaves behind concentrated minerals and salts.
Are there fish in the Great Salt Lake?
The lake contains no fish. The salinity is too high to support them. However, it supports massive populations of brine shrimp and brine flies.
How much does it cost to get into Antelope Island?
Antelope Island State Park charges a $15 day-use entry fee per vehicle. Great Salt Lake State Park charges a separate fee.
How long does a Great Salt Lake tour take?
Guided bus and minibus tours from Salt Lake City typically last between 2 and 5.5 hours. See your options on our Tickets page.
Are the bugs bad at the Great Salt Lake?
Biting gnats can be severe in late spring and early summer. You will need a fine-mesh head net and insect repellent during those times. Read more about Antelope Island Bugs.
What animals live on Antelope Island?
The island hosts 500 to 800 free-roaming bison, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, coyotes, and millions of migratory birds. Check our Safely View Bison tips for safe viewing.
Can you go inside the Great Saltair?
The Great Saltair is a private concert venue. You need a concert ticket to enter the building. You can view and photograph the exterior for free.
Is the Great Salt Lake drying up?
The lake fluctuates significantly with drought and precipitation. Receding lake levels have exposed soft, hazardous mud on the lakebed.
How far is Antelope Island from Salt Lake City?
Antelope Island is roughly 40 miles north of Salt Lake City. It takes about 45 to 60 minutes to drive there via I-15 North and the Syracuse causeway.
What is the best time of year to visit the Great Salt Lake?
The best months are April, May, September, and October. Temperatures are mild, and biting gnats are less prevalent. The parks are open year-round.
Why does the Great Salt Lake smell like sulfur?
The famous smell comes from decaying organic matter and microbes in the terminal basin. The intensity of the smell depends on wind direction. Read our The Lake Smell article for the science behind it.
Can you float in the Great Salt Lake like the Dead Sea?
Yes, you can float effortlessly. The salinity levels range from 5% to 27%, making the water substantially saltier than the ocean.
What happened to the original Great Saltair resort?
The original resort was built in 1893 as a lavish destination. The current concert venue is its third iteration, built in 1981. Learn more in our Great Saltair History guide.