Great Salt Lake State Park
Review & Visitor Guide
The definitive guide to Utah's most famous natural wonder. Discover why this saline giant is a critical ecosystem, a mineral goldmine, and a must-see for science lovers.
Round-trip transportation included. No rental car needed.
Don't Just See It—Understand It
The Great Salt Lake is deceptive. To the unguided eye, it can appear vast, empty, and—depending on the wind direction—a bit smelly. Many DIY visitors drive out to the marina, walk to the water's edge, look around for five minutes, and leave, wondering what the fuss is about.
We strongly recommend a guided experience for this specific landmark.
The value of the Great Salt Lake isn't just in the scenery; it's in the science. This tour transforms a "big salty lake" into a fascinating story of biology, geology, and industry. We recommend the City Sights tour because it is efficient (2 hours round trip), comfortable (climate-controlled), and educational, giving you the context needed to appreciate this bizarre ecosystem.
Where the Tour Takes You
From architectural oddities to biological wonders.
The Great Saltair
You will stop at this onion-domed building that looks like it belongs in Aladdin. Once known as the "Coney Island of the West," the original Saltair was a massive resort sitting on 2,000 pylons over the water.
The Story: Learn about its cursed history of fires, receding waters, and its current life as a concert venue. It is a hauntingly beautiful photo opportunity.
State Park Marina & Lookout
The tour visits the Great Salt Lake State Park marina, home to the Great Salt Lake Yacht Club (the "world's saltiest sailors"). From the observation deck, you get sweeping views of Antelope Island and the vast northern arm of the lake.
The Experience: Walk down to the water's edge. You can touch the water (it feels oily due to the mineral content) or even dip a toe in to experience the legendary buoyancy.
The Wetlands
Before reaching the salty terminal lake, water flows through critical freshwater wetlands. This is a birdwatcher's paradise.
Wildlife: Depending on the season, you may see Wilson's Phalaropes, Eared Grebes, or American Avocets. Millions of birds use this flyway annually.
The Oquirrh Mountains
On the drive, you get excellent views of the Oquirrh Mountains and the Kennecott Copper Mine smelter stack (the tallest freestanding structure west of the Mississippi).
Context: Your guide explains the connection between the valley's mining history and the lake's mineral composition.
Science & Ecosystem
Why is it salty? What lives in it? And why does it smell sometimes?
Lake Bonneville: The Ancient Giant
To understand the Great Salt Lake, you have to look back 15,000 years. The entire valley was once covered by **Lake Bonneville**, a massive freshwater sea the size of Lake Michigan. As the climate warmed, the lake receded, leaving behind the "benches" (shorelines) you see on the mountains today. The Great Salt Lake is the puddle that remains at the bottom of the bathtub.
The Terminal Lake Effect
The lake is a "Terminal Lake," meaning water flows in (from the Jordan, Weber, and Bear rivers) but never flows out. The only way water leaves is through evaporation. When water evaporates, it leaves behind all the dissolved minerals it carried from the mountains. Over thousands of years, this has concentrated the salt levels to be 3x to 5x saltier than the ocean.
Sea Monkeys (Brine Shrimp)
Fish cannot survive in the high salinity (except in rare brackish inlets). Instead, the lake is teeming with Artemia franciscana—Brine Shrimp. These tiny creatures are harvested commercially and sold worldwide as fish food. They are also the "Sea Monkeys" you might have hatched as a kid!
"The Lake Stink"
Let's address the elephant in the room. Does it smell? Sometimes. The biomass in the lake (algae and brine fly pupae) decays on the shore, releasing sulfur gas. It is completely natural, organic, and harmless, but it can be pungent. Locals call it "The Lake Stink," but don't let it scare you away—it's part of the biology.
A Mineral Goldmine
The lake isn't just scenic; it's an economic engine. Companies extract salt, magnesium, and potassium sulfate from the waters. In fact, the Great Salt Lake produces a significant percentage of the world's magnesium (used in aluminum cans and car parts) and is the only source of magnesium in the western hemisphere.
Who is this tour best for?
Science Geeks
If you love geology, biology, or weird ecosystems, this is a bucket-list destination. It is one of the most unique biological environments on Earth.
Short on Time
The lake is about 20-30 minutes from downtown. This tour gets you there, gives you the full experience, and gets you back in just 2 hours.
Photographers
The reflection of the water, the stark white salt beaches, and the surreal architecture of the Saltair make for incredible photos.
Essential Know-Before-You-Go
Can I swim?
You are allowed to swim at the State Park (at your own risk), but most people on this 2-hour tour just dip a hand or foot to feel the salt. If you do go in, be warned: the high salt content will sting any small cuts, and drying off leaves a white crust on your skin!
What about bugs?
In mid-summer, the "Brine Fly" population explodes near the water's edge. They do not bite, but they form thick clouds. They are a critical food source for birds, but they can be annoying for humans.
Footwear Advice
We recommend wearing shoes you don't mind getting a little salty or dusty. The "sand" is actually oolitic sand (tiny mineral pearls) and can be sticky when wet.
Accessibility
The bus is climate-controlled and comfortable. The marina area has paved paths, but getting right to the water's edge may involve walking on uneven sand/salt crust.
See the "Dead Sea" The Right Way
Skip the rental car and the guesswork. Join us for a fascinating, efficient tour of Utah's most iconic body of water.
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