In short
- Tours cost from $50 to $145 and leave directly from downtown Salt Lake City hotels.
- Driving yourself takes about 45 minutes to reach Antelope Island and costs $15 per vehicle.
- Book a tour to learn about the lake's unique ecology, or drive for maximum flexibility.
In this article
Choosing between a guided trip and a self-drive adventure changes how you experience the lake. Both options work well for a half-day trip from Salt Lake City.
What are Great Salt Lake tours like?
Guided bus and minibus tours depart from Salt Lake City and last between 2 and 5.5 hours.
These tours handle all transportation logistics. Guides explain the local ecology, including the dense brine shrimp populations and the history of the lake. Pickups typically happen at downtown hotels, meaning you do not have to navigate highway traffic.
How much do guided tours cost?
Guided tours range from $50 to over $145 per person, depending on length and group size.
Keep in mind that prices change based on the provider and season. Minibus excursions, which cap out at around six passengers, usually cost more but offer a personal setting. Most tour prices cover the $15 Antelope Island State Park entry fee.
What is it like to drive yourself?
Driving allows you to set your own schedule across the expansive state parks.
Renting a car is straightforward. You take I-15 North to Syracuse, which leads to a 7-mile causeway connecting the mainland to Antelope Island. You pay $15 per vehicle for day-use entry at the park gate. Driving lets you stay as long as you want at Bridger Bay Beach.
Which option is better for my schedule?
Choose a tour to avoid planning, or drive to dictate how much time you spend at each stop.
Below is a quick comparison of what to expect from both travel methods.
Do I need a guide to see wildlife?
No, you can easily spot the free-roaming bison on your own if you drive.
Antelope Island is home to a herd of 500 to 800 bison. If you drive, you can stop at the Visitor Center to ask rangers where the herd is grazing. However, a local guide often knows the best vantage points and provides binoculars for safe viewing.
Can I visit The Great Saltair without a tour?
Yes, driving is often the easiest way to see The Great Saltair and the nearby marina.
The Great Saltair is roughly 15 miles west of downtown Salt Lake City via I-80 West. Many bus tours skip the southern shore to focus on Antelope Island in the north. If you want to photograph the historic concert venue, driving yourself makes it easy.
Questions travellers ask
How far is Antelope Island from Salt Lake City?
Antelope Island is located roughly 40 miles north of Salt Lake City. The drive typically takes 45 to 60 minutes.
How long does a Great Salt Lake tour take?
Most guided bus and minibus tours from Salt Lake City last between 2 and 5.5 hours, depending on the itinerary.
Are there guided boat tours on the lake?
Yes, 45-minute boat tours depart from the marina area. These focus on history and usually stay within a mile of the dock.
