5 (391)
Salt Lake City
Great Salt Lake Wildlife: See Bison & Island Views
300
Overview
The Great Salt Lake Wildlife Experience offers a chance to see Utah's beauty near Salt Lake City. This tour takes visitors to Antelope Island, away from the busy I-80, for a quiet wilderness experience.
On Antelope Island, you can look for a herd of about 600 wild American bison. Other animals that might be seen include coyotes, bobcats, antelope, porcupines, big-horn sheep, and mule deer. Depending on the season, up to 200,000 migrating birds may also be present. After watching wildlife, the tour includes a hike to Buffalo Point to see the sunset and enjoy views.
This small-group tour includes private transportation and the use of binoculars. Gratuities are not included. Parking is available at the Hilton Hotel (downtown) for $10 or The Grand America for $15. During bug season (April-June), bug spray and hats/bug nets are provided. The hike to Buffalo Point is about 0.9 miles round trip with some steep dirt sections, rated as moderate difficulty. 
Highlights
See Wild Bison: Spot a herd of 600 wild American bison roaming free on Antelope Island.
Wildlife Spotting: Look for coyotes, bobcats, antelope, and many other animals in their natural habitat.
Island Views: Hike to Buffalo Point for amazing sunset views.
Small Group Tour: Enjoy a more personal experience with a small group.
Sentiment Analysis
Visitors loved seeing lots of different animals like bison and birds.
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The tour guide is friendly and knows a lot about the area.
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People really liked the views of the lake and the island.
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It’s a good way to get out in nature and see wildlife up close.
Some people didn’t like the bugs during certain times of the year.
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The hike can be a little hard for some people.
The Journey
Antelope Island
Antelope Island is the largest of ten islands within the Great Salt Lake. It's known for its free-ranging bison herd, as well as other wildlife such as pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, coyotes, and various bird species. The island offers hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and opportunities for wildlife photography.
Buffalo Point
Buffalo Point is a scenic overlook located on Antelope Island within the Great Salt Lake. It offers panoramic views of the lake, surrounding mountains, and the island itself. It's a popular spot for watching the sunset and taking in the natural beauty of the area. The hike to Buffalo Point is approximately 0.9 miles round trip and considered moderately challenging.
Great Salt Lake
The Great Salt Lake is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere and the eighth-largest terminal lake in the world. It's known for its high salinity, which allows for unique recreational opportunities such as floating effortlessly in the water. The lake and its surrounding wetlands provide important habitat for millions of migratory birds and other wildlife.
Know Before You Go
This experience includes private transportation to and from Antelope Island, as well as the use of binoculars for wildlife spotting. Gratuities are not included in the tour price. If parking is needed, The Hilton Hotel (downtown) offers parking for $10, and The Grand America charges $15. This tour ensures a close look at nature, including a hike to Buffalo Point.
Hot Tip
Bring a camera to capture the wildlife and views. Wear comfortable shoes for the hike. If visiting during bug season (April-June), bug spray and hats/bug nets are provided but you may want to bring your own as well.
Review Summary
Customers find this tour exceptional for its outstanding wildlife viewing opportunities and breathtaking sunset experiences, with consistently praised tour guides like Cramon, Phil, John, and Garth who demonstrate extensive knowledge, engaging personalities, and genuine care for travelers' experiences.[1][2][4] The most frequently highlighted positives include abundant bison sightings, scenic Antelope Island landscapes, knowledgeable and personable guides who make the experience memorable, and spectacular sunset views.[1][2] Common minor criticisms include the lengthy van drive time (roughly 1.5 hours each way) relative to the tour duration and occasional pricing concerns, though most travelers agree the experience justifies the cost.[1] The tour maintains strong ratings with overwhelmingly positive feedback, with visitors particularly appreciating guides' willingness to accommodate pacing preferences and their expertise in locating and photographing wildlife.[1][2][4]
Frequently Asked Questions
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