Great Salt Lake & Golden Spike Tour: Pink Waters & History
Overview
The Golden Spike and the Pink Side of the Great Salt Lake Odyssey is a special way to see Utah. It lets people feel the state's spirit, history, and amazing views all in one trip.
People will start at a hot spring called Stinky Springs. Here, bubbling water from deep down makes green pools and smells like sulfur. Next, the tour goes to Golden Spike National Historical Park. This is where the East and West parts of America joined together with a golden spike in 1869. Then, the adventure continues to Rozel Point Peninsula. This place has shiny salt fields and pink water that looks like another world. People can touch gypsum crystals, like ones found on Mars, and walk in the pink water with special shoes. The last stop is the Spiral Jetty, a famous artwork where nature and art come together.
This tour includes a guide, comfy transportation to and from a hotel, taxes, fees, insurance, bottled water, binoculars, and protective shoes. It does not include personal spending, souvenirs, or tips for the guide. This journey shows the heart of Utah and the Great Salt Lake Odyssey.
Highlights
Explore Unique Landscapes: See the colorful hot springs and pink waters of the Great Salt Lake.
Step Back in Time: Visit Golden Spike National Historical Park, where the East and West met.
Discover Art and Nature: Experience the Spiral Jetty, a famous land art masterpiece.
Comfortable and Convenient: Enjoy transportation, a guide, and all the needed gear.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers loved the unique experience and beautiful scenery.
The guide was knowledgeable and made the tour fun.
Many visitors appreciated the chance to see both historical sites and natural wonders.
The small group setting allowed for a more personalized experience.
Some reviewers mentioned the sulfur smell at the springs was strong.
A few visitors wished for more time at certain stops.
The Journey
Salt Lake City & Great Salt Lake Odyssey
Begin your adventure in Salt Lake City, where the grandeur of the Wasatch Mountains meets the unique allure of the Great Salt Lake. This odyssey guides you through a landscape where history, geology, and art intertwine, offering sights so surreal they feel almost otherworldly. Witness the transformation from cityscapes to vast valleys and the shimmering pink hues of the Great Salt Lake, setting the stage for an unforgettable exploration.
Stinky Springs
Discover the captivating 'Stinky Springs,' where mineral-rich waters bubble from the depths, creating a spectacle of geothermal artistry. The distinct aroma is a testament to the millions of years of interaction between water and sulfur compounds beneath the surface. The true marvel is the vivid emerald-green water, shimmering with sunlight and revealing layers of mineral deposits—a unique natural palette found nowhere else.
Golden Spike National Historical Park
Step back in time at Golden Spike National Historical Park, a symbol of innovation and unity. Here, in 1869, the completion of America’s first transcontinental railroad was celebrated with a golden spike, linking East and West. Stand on the very ground where iron rails, wooden ties, and the thunder of early steam locomotives forever changed the course of the nation's history.
Rozel Point Peninsula
Explore the remote and enigmatic Rozel Point Peninsula on the shores of the Great Salt Lake, a place that feels like another planet. Stroll along a shoreline encrusted with brilliant white salt crystals and wade into the lake's otherworldly pink waters. Touch rare gypsum crystals—identical to those discovered by NASA on Mars—and witness Utah’s oldest natural crude oil seep, a captivating reminder of the region’s geological past. Special rubber footwear is provided for comfortable exploration of this ancient ecosystem.
Spiral Jetty
Conclude your journey with a visit to the legendary Spiral Jetty, a masterpiece by Robert Smithson. This monumental land art installation, stretching over 1,500 feet, is built from black basalt rocks and salt, symbolizing the harmony between art and nature. Its ever-changing form, influenced by the lake’s water level, offers a mesmerizing spectacle that glistens with pink salt crystals under the Utah sun—a rare opportunity to witness one of America’s most extraordinary artistic landmarks. Considered one of the largest and most iconic earthworks of its kind, it represents the spirit of artistic exploration and connection to the landscape.
Return to Salt Lake City
After your unforgettable adventure, relax on the drive back to Salt Lake City. You'll be dropped off at convenient locations, allowing you to reflect on the surreal landscapes and unique experiences encountered during your Great Salt Lake odyssey.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes all applicable taxes and fees, a professional guide, comfortable transportation to and from your hotel or designated location, and insurance coverage for your peace of mind. Bottled water, binoculars for convenient wildlife viewing, and protective rubber overshoes for exploring the pink waters are also provided. Please note that personal expenses, souvenirs, and gratuities for your guide (which are optional) are not included. Pickup and drop-off are conveniently arranged from your hotel or a pre-arranged location, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Hot Tip
Many reviewers suggest wearing comfortable shoes and bringing a camera to capture the stunning scenery. Be prepared for the sulfur smell at the hot springs and consider bringing snacks for the journey.
Review Summary
People usually say this tour is a spectacular and unique way to experience Utah's natural wonders, with particular praise for the breathtaking views of the Spiral Jetty, the surreal pink waters at Rozel Point, and knowledgeable guides who bring the region's history to life. Travelers appreciate the intimate small-group setting and comprehensive inclusions like meals and entrance fees, though some note the tour's lengthy duration (4-7 hours) and significant driving distances require a full day commitment. The experience is frequently recommended for photography enthusiasts and those seeking off-the-beaten-path Utah attractions, though visitors should be prepared for rugged terrain and come with realistic expectations about accessibility and physical demands.
Frequently Asked Questions
This page is synthesized and developed by Dyvarcity Team
More like this
Nearby Events
The Bucket List Playbook: Top Things to do in Salt Lake City
Ready for adventure? Dyvarcity is your ultimate guide to the top 100 things to do in Salt Lake City From must-see attractions like Short Term Availability, Music, Bus Tours & Sports in Salt Lake City. We've handpicked events & experiences with passion: whether you love activities that move your body, vibrant music, sports, food, or cultural explorations.
View Salt Lake City Activities










