Sand Flies and Brine Shrimp Stink

Really, if you get past those two majorly negative factors, it's quite breathtaking on Antelope Island. For those of you non-locals, Antelope Island is the largest island in the middle of the Great Salt Lake. Although named after the pronghorn antelope that found their way across the salty waters to make a home there, it is more famous for the 600+ American bison herd that freely roams the area during the warmer months (they are corralled in the winter).

Outdoor activities abound, from swimming at the beach, picnicking, hiking, and wildlife viewing. We only stayed long enough to hike up Buffalo Point and earn Dylan and Sophie their Junior Ranger badges for this state park. The trail is only a half mile each way, with a great 360 degree view of the island at the peak. There were lizards scurrying all over the rocks along the trail, which of course delighted our animal lover Soph.

One thing we were so grateful we took along: our Kelty child backpack carrier. The trail doesn't accomodate strollers and we weren't about to carry little lazy Liv all the way up and down the path. She was perfectly content riding in it, shielded from the sun and bugs with the screened sunshade. Priceless!

It is only a $10 entrance fee once you cross the 7.5 mile causeway (just follow Antelope Drive all the way west). The views are amazing. After awhile, the smell (dead shrimp) and the flies (wear long sleeves and a hat) can be ignored.

Note: Every late October-early November, there is a bison round-up and the public is welcome.