Great Salt Lake State Park wilderness guide
State Park · UT

Great Salt Lake State Park

Great Salt Lake State Park is a fascinating destination offering scenic views of the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere and various outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts.

State Park374+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

37

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Great Salt Lake State Park

Great Salt Lake State Park is a fascinating destination offering scenic views of the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere and various outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Great Salt Lake State Park, located in northern Utah, is a valuable recreational area that provides unique insight into the region's natural and cultural history. The park sits on the south shore of the Great Salt Lake, one of the world's largest inland bodies of saltwater. This substantial expanse of water is known for its striking landscapes, as its high salinity creates unique vistas and supports specific ecosystems. The park offers visitors opportunities to engage in water sports, bird watching, and hiking along its scenic trails that boast stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Historically, the lake has been a crucial resource for Indigenous cultures and settlers, and it has significantly influenced the state's agriculture and mineral industries. While its water levels fluctuate due to evaporation and human use, the park remains a vital area for conservation and recreation. With amenities like picnic areas, a marina, and educational exhibits, Great Salt Lake State Park intrigues both casual visitors and avid explorers alike.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Great Salt Lake State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Observation Point offers panoramic views of the lake and its islands.✦ The lake's unique salinity levels host a diverse range of bird species.✦ The marina allows for various water-based activities like kayaking.✦ Historic Saltair Pavilion is a notable cultural landmark nearby.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Great Salt Lake State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Great Salt Lake State Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Great Salt Lake State Park
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Great Salt Lake State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Great Salt Lake State Park
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in Great Salt Lake State Park
Park Recreation

Bird Watching

Available in Great Salt Lake State Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Great Salt Lake State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Entry fee required; State Parks Pass accepted.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Great Salt Lake State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Great Salt Lake State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Magna, Utah
⌖ 7.24 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Magna, Utah

Magna, Utah, offers outdoor lovers a rugged mix of hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, and off-roading near the Great Salt Lake. With trails in the Oquirrh Mountains and wetlands teeming with wildlife, it’s a compelling basecamp for hands-on adventure and local history.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
West Valley City, Utah
⌖ 12.17 miles
Gateway Basecamp

West Valley City, Utah

West Valley City offers a gateway to outdoor adventure with easy access to hiking, biking, and paddling along the Jordan River Parkway and Oquirrh Mountains. Nearby ski resorts offer winter thrills, making it a convenient base for year-round outdoor activity.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for nearby skiing
Explore Town
Kearns, Utah
⌖ 12.31 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Kearns, Utah

Kearns, Utah sits just southwest of Salt Lake City, offering quick access to mountain trails, bird-rich wetlands of the Great Salt Lake, and varied outdoor sports. It's a practical base for hiking, biking, birding, and winter pursuits near urban conveniences.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Tooele, Utah
⌖ 14.81 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Tooele, Utah

Tooele, Utah offers compelling desert and mountain adventures with hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and skiing just beyond town. Its unique blend of vast wilderness, historic sites, and proximity to the Great Salt Lake makes it a prime destination for outdoor lovers craving variety and solitude.

Spring through Fall for hiking and biking; Winter for skiing
Explore Town
Canyonlands, Utah
⌖ 15.12 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Canyonlands, Utah

Canyonlands, Utah, offers an expansive red rock wilderness featuring hiking, mountain biking, paddling, and backpacking amid dramatic canyons and mesas. With iconic spots like Mesa Arch and Island in the Sky, it’s a must-visit for outdoor lovers seeking rugged adventure and stunning desert landscapes.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Castleton, Utah
⌖ 16.88 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Castleton, Utah

Castleton, Utah, offers a rugged desert adventure hotspot for hiking, rock climbing, and paddling. With iconic sandstone towers and scenic trails, it's a must-visit near Moab's famous red-rock country.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Great Salt Lake State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Scales & Ales: Monthly Reptile and Bird Evenings in Kearns
ADVEXPEDITION
Kearns, Utah
ZooADV Bookable

Scales & Ales: Monthly Reptile and Bird Evenings in Kearns

A two-hour, topic-driven gathering at a Kearns facility that pairs hands-on time with reptiles and birds with an optional meetup at a nearby brewery—this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.

ZooPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip