Antelope Island: Utah’s Most Scenic State Park

On our road trip out west to San Francisco (after we hurriedly packed up our lives in New York), we were at a loss for what to do in our half-day near Salt Lake City.  Since we only had a few weeks to prepare for the big move, all the activities were up in the air, and we had to plan as we drove.  After a long drive from Wall, South Dakota, I knew we needed to stretch our legs in some fresh air and revel in nature for a bit.

Antelope Island State Park provided just that.

I’m a sucker for scenic drives, and after stumbling upon a photo on my phone (I google everything…), I knew Antelope Island State Park was the place. And when the sweet man at the Salt Lake City Visitors Center more than confirmed my decision, we were off!  A morning with antelope and bison (and the most stunning views of the lake), what could be better?!

Being just over 40 miles from the “mainland” city of Salt Lake, it makes for the perfect day trip when you’re craving a touch of nature.  We went in mid September and had more than pleasant weather.  The sunflowers were out and about, the animals were grazing around happily, and the sun was shining.  If you can wait until October, you’ll have the pleasure of witnessing the annual Bison roundup in Antelope Island State Park, which sounds pretty entertaining if you ask me.

Although we didn’t see many antelopes (2 in total, and I freaked ‘cuz they were SO close), the amount of bison we saw more than made up for the lack of long horned animals.

So is Antelope Island State Park the most scenic state park in all of Utah?  I’ll let you decide for yourself after ooh-ing and aah-ing after the photos.  The landscapes are so different than those at Utah’s famed National Parks (where we’re headed in a few weeks!), and this is the reason why this state park is just so special.  You won’t find any sandstone arches or hoodoos here, but the mile long vistas and protected animal life make up for it.  OH, and the Great Salt Lake.

So much natural beauty I didn’t want to get back in the car!  My only regret?  Not packing a picnic lunch and a telegraphic lens (because who doesn’t want to see up a bisons’ nose?!)!  Until we meet again, Salt Lake!  Next time, I’ll be swimming floating in your super salty waters! –> It’s true – it’s almost like being in the Dead Sea in Israel!

Enjoy the (many, many) photos! 🙂

Welcome to Antelope Island State Park!

See those tiny dots?  Yea… those are bison.

Sunflowers and bison for days.

 

Bison Butt!

Hey, I see you sticking your tongue out at me!

How could you not fall in love with this landscape?

1 of the 3 antelope we saw! :p (Bet you couldn’t tell right away that this one’s a fraud!)

Same with this bison! 😉

All smiles in the State Park!

See that white?  That’s not just sand… it’s salt!

The most perfect landscapes.  Mountains.  Blue sky.  Yellow sunflowers. And a cute husband!

I have a new found appreciation (and love <3) for sunflowers!

Just like a giant mirror.  That lake really is something else.