Antelope Island Sunset Wildlife Expedition Great Salt Lake Tour

4.9 (57 reviews) 5–6 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

57 reviews

4.9

Antelope Island Sunset Wildlife Expedition Great Salt Lake Tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Antelope Island Sunset Wildlife Expedition Great Salt Lake Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

This tour combines wildlife, history, and stunning scenery in one experience. You’ll see free-roaming bison, pronghorn antelope, deer, and more than 250 bird species in their natural habitat.

We visit Fielding Garr Ranch — Utah’s oldest preserved building — where pioneer stories come to life.

For active travelers, an easy hike to Buffalo Point reveals panoramic views of the Great Salt Lake and the Wasatch Mountains, followed by one of Utah’s most beautiful sunsets.

You’ll also discover the island’s ecological wonders — from tiny brine shrimp to crystal-clear night skies, considered among the best in the USA for stargazing.

Small-group travel (max 13 guests) in a comfortable Mercedes Sprinter, a professional guide, and convenient pickup in Salt Lake City and Utah County ensure a seamless, personalized, and unforgettable adventure.

Day Trips Nature and Wildlife Tours Half-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Likely to Sell Out Small Group Excellent Quality

At a glance

Duration: 5–6 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 13 people
People per booking: 1–13
Guide: English
Operated by: Matei Travel

Ages: Infants (0–3 years) · Children (4–15 years) · Adults (16–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Trekking poles
Included: Applicable Taxes and Fees
Included: Professional guide
Included: Comfortable transportation from/to a hotel/location
Included: Insurance coverage
Included: Bottled water
Included: Binoculars for convenient wildlife viewing

Not included

Not included: Personal expenses and souvenirs
Not included: Gratuities for guide (optional)

Itinerary

Salt Lake City

Passing by

The tour begins with a short introduction to the history of Utah and its unique natural environment. On the way, you’ll see a changing landscape — mountains on the horizon, wide valleys, and the shimmering surface of the Great Salt Lake. As the sun gets lower and the colors become warmer, even the drive feels like a small adventure, with the panorama of Antelope Island slowly appearing ahead.
Great Salt Lake State Park

15 min Admission included

Antelope Island — the largest of the Great Salt Lake’s islands — welcomes visitors with dramatic geology, wide-open landscapes, and a uniquely rich ecosystem. From here, our exploration of the island unfolds.
Stop 3

15 min Admission included

Our first stop reveals the birthplace of the island’s unique brine shrimp industry. These tiny creatures — thriving in water saltier than the ocean — form the foundation of life in the Great Salt Lake. Their incredible ability to survive in such extreme conditions has made them both an ecological treasure and an important economic resource for Utah.
Stop 4

30 min Admission included

A short walk takes us to the Lady Finger Trail Overlook, where the island’s beauty opens up in full view. As the afternoon sun softens the sky, the Great Salt Lake glitters like glass, seemingly melting into the horizon — a stunning and unforgettable introduction to Antelope Island.
Stop 5

40 min Admission included

We take a peaceful walk along Bridger Bay Beach to the water’s edge, where the lake feels calm and quiet, and the atmosphere brings a sense of tranquility and connection with nature. The sand here is unlike any other — you’ll notice its little secret the moment you touch it.
Stop 6

one hour Admission included

Antelope Island’s open plains, hiking trails, and shoreline are home to an impressive variety of wildlife. Here, animals live freely in their natural environment, offering a rare and unforgettable opportunity to observe them up close.

One of the most remarkable sights is one of North America’s oldest surviving wild bison herds — more than 500 animals roaming the island.
Fielding Garr Ranch

one hour Admission included

The highlight of our tour is a visit to Fielding Garr Ranch — the first permanent settlement on the island and a key part of its history and preservation. Here you’ll hear fascinating stories about the early pioneers, their daily life, and the challenges they faced while building a community in a remote and unpredictable wilderness.
Stop 8

one hour Admission included

To conclude the tour, we visit Buffalo Point Overlook, where you’ll learn about the island’s geology and the origin of the Great Salt Lake — a remnant of prehistoric Lake Bonneville that once covered much of western Utah.

For guests interested in light activity, we offer an easy 25-minute hike along a 5,300-foot trail (1.6 km) with a gradual elevation gain of 216–249 feet (66–67 m). From the summit, a sweeping panorama opens over the shimmering lake, distant mountain ranges, and peaceful island landscapes.

This is the perfect spot to experience the sunset — considered one of the most spectacular in all of Utah. As the sun meets the horizon, the sky fills with warm shades of gold and red, and the lake reflects the changing colors. It’s a calm, unforgettable moment — a chance to enjoy the quiet beauty of nature as the day comes to a close.
Salt Lake City

Passing by

Return to Salt Lake City with drop-off at convenient locations.

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

Meet your guide outside the main entrance of the FamilySearch Center, 35 N West Temple St. Look for a silver Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van.

Arrive 5 minutes early; we'll confirm your pickup time after booking. Nearby parking: City Creek Center, Park Place, or Conference Center garages.

End point

Meet your guide outside the main entrance of the FamilySearch Center, 35 N West Temple St. Look for a silver Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van.

Arrive 5 minutes early; we'll confirm your pickup time after booking. Nearby parking: City Creek Center, Park Place, or Conference Center garages.

Pickup points

Homewood Suites by Hilton Salt Lake City Airport
Hyatt House Salt Lake City / Downtown
Residence Inn by Marriott Salt Lake City Airport
AC Hotel Salt Lake City Downtown
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Salt Lake City Airport
The Grand America Hotel
Little America Hotel
Salt Lake City Marriott City Center
Marriott Salt Lake Downtown at City Creek
SLC Hostel
Hilton Garden Inn Salt Lake City Airport
Homewood Suites By Hilton Salt Lake City-downtown

and 53 more pickup points

We’ll pick you up directly at your hotel’s main entrance or lobby. Look for our distinctive Mercedes Sprinter — your guide will be waiting for you.

Hotel pickup takes place at two available times:

Morning tour: 8:00–8:30 AM
Afternoon tour: October–March: 2:00–2:30 PM / April–October: 3:00–3:30 PM

After booking, we’ll contact you to confirm your exact pickup time and location. Please be ready 5 minutes before your scheduled pickup. The tour includes both pickup and drop-off within the Salt Lake City area.

Attention: If you don't see a pickup location that works for you, please let us know during booking. We can also pick you up directly from your accommodation in Salt Lake City or Utah County — just send us the address and we'll confirm the pickup point.

Using your ticket

Please arrive 10 minutes before the tour begins. Have your Viator booking confirmation ready (mobile or printed).
Your tour will be operated exclusively in our distinctive silver Mercedes Sprinter, which will meet you at the pickup location.
The driver will verify your booking and welcome you aboard. No additional tickets required.