1. South Island Trail

    1. South Island Trail

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    Syracuse, UT

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    South Island Trail

    4.0 (1 review)

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    Antelope Island State Park - Finally captured a beautiful and elusive Chukar along one of the trails! I love their red eyes and beak! (March 2025)

    Antelope Island State Park

    4.3(309 reviews)
    12.1 mi

    Great experience here at Antelope Island State Park. My friend and I visited in the late afternoon…read moreafter arriving at the airport around noon, and checking out Golden Spike National Historic Site. The day had been quite rainy, and the timing worked out perfectly as the skies cleared up later in the day. Just a quick heads up! At the time of writing, there is no potable water available on the island. Bring your own and bring plenty of it. Also there is an entry fee to cross the causeway to get onto the "island" which really isn't an island anymore because of low water levels. There is an AM station that provides information updates as you enter - make sure to check in out and stay in the know. Because we hadn't brought much water with, we decided to keep our hiking to a minimum. We were also just off the plane from the east coast, so decided to take it easy with hiking our first day at the elevation. Our first stop was at Ladyfinder Point - we took the short trail out to the point for some views! Then after that, we really wanted to get down to the water so we made our way over to Bridger Bay Beach access. From the parking area to the water is a bit of a hike given that the water levels are so low. We parked near the first bathouse and made our way down through the sand. I had opted for sandals, but the flipflops made navigating the san difficult, so I went barefoot which was a bit uncomfortable because the sand it quite coarse. But, as we got further out the sand is more compacted and the sandals were ok. About halfway out to the water, we noticed a bison in the distance. It was walking south quite a bit away from us, so we continued north to the water and kept a really good distance. Down near the water, be prepared for MANY bird carcasses and the brine flies got pretty thick as you near the water. Just keep going because it is worth it. We stood in the clear waters of the Great Salt Lake and enjoyed the breeze and setting sun. It was well worth it to go all the way down. After a short stay by the water we headed back. It was at this point that we noticed the Bison from earlier had headed in the direction of the trailhead near the showers. We again kept our distance and had no issues, but our concern was growing. We made a bit of a detour to give the bison a wider berth, but at this point he was clearly moving toward the same point we were headed to. Keeping eyes on him and picking up speed we made it back to the shower building and rinsed our feet. Meanwhile, the bison continued to make his way up the beach stopping occasionally and then continuing on. We had retreated a bit behind the concrete walls of the shower building as the bison continued walking toward us. At one point I finally decided that we should probably get to the car. Which we did... After getting in the car and preparing to depart, we turned our head and lo and behold - but who should appear. That bison! He popped up out of the trail and began scratching himself on the shower building walls were we had been standing moments ago. Then he stopped, stared at us and we had a moment of panic that the rental car might get some damage. Luckily, the bison was not in the mood for a confrontation and he lumbered through the parking lot acros the road and up the other side of the hill, scratching his head on some low trees. Honestly, it was a bit of a anxiety-inducing experience yet thrilling at the same time. After our little encounter, we made our way toward Buffalo Point where we hiked up to Altar Rock and back. On the drive up we saw the island's namesake - two young antelope cavorting around the open spaces like two kids without a care in the world. It was entertaining and memorable for sure! The hike to Buffalo Point was a short but rewarding little hike and it was perfect as the sun was starting to set. Not wanting to hike back in the dark, we didn't stay out until true sunset, but we did get some great photos and made our way back. Apparently the park has a Dark Sky designation, and we had toyed with the idea of staying until dark, BUT the skies had grown overcast again, and after a long day of travel we made the decision that we needed to get an In-N-Out burger for dinner and head to the hotel to rest and prepare for our long hike the next day. Antelope Island was a great choice, and I am so glad we experienced even just a small percentage of the island. It was well worth it and I would definitely go back!

    - Why didn't anyone forewarn me about the pungency or abundance of carcasses at Bridger Bay Beach…read moreDx - Just as you're starting to drive in to the State Park, you're already hit with a powerful poopy odor. Yuck. - It's a 10-20min walk from parking to the water. Coarse sand. May wanna wear shoes. Little rocks will sneak into your sandals. - The sight of dead birds and millions of flies, dead and alive, throughout the beach and the stench of what I thought was ubiquitous decomposed bison dung but likely was actually the sulfurous odor of detritus (still revolting though) discouraged me from fulfilling the bucket list goal I came here for: to prove the rumor that the human body really is unsinkable in the hypersaline water of the Great Salt Lake. I couldn't bring myself to lie down. Only let the water up to my calves. Ain't no way I'm risking full skin infection within the 1st day of my vacation. Still had 7 days to go. Begrudgingly, I simply took a picture from where I stood, then slowly backed away from the omnipresent death around me. . On my way driving out I asked the lady at the entrance booth about the water quality. She said the sight of those many flies and the dead animals is normal around the super salty water and that it's still safe to float in it. She may be right (as the Internet also agrees), but I couldn't bring myself to go through with it, especially since there weren't many other people there doing the same thing to help me feel reassured. + Glad the showers by the parking lot are fully functional though. + And a hose next to the restrooms next to the showers. . Just gotta bring your own soap. + Sources say pronghorns live on this island. * Fun fact: Pronghorns are the 2nd fastest land animal on Earth, just after the cheetah! - Didn't see any pronghorns or bison during my visit though. Granted, I didn't visit as far deep in as Fielding Garr Ranch. You might have better luck. . $15/car. A bit expensive for me since as you can see, my experience came up short. And as it's a state park, it's not covered by the $80 America the Beautiful annual pass. . Only a few people were at this State Park when I visited early Saturday evening. - VC still under maintenance.

    Photos
    Antelope Island State Park - Fielding Garr Ranch

    Fielding Garr Ranch

    Antelope Island State Park - The Rock Wrens we're putting on a fantastic show! Sunset at Buffalo Point Trail - Nov 2022

    The Rock Wrens we're putting on a fantastic show! Sunset at Buffalo Point Trail - Nov 2022

    Antelope Island State Park - Mom & son holiday hike selfie!! Top of Buffalo Point Trail - Nov 2022

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    Mom & son holiday hike selfie!! Top of Buffalo Point Trail - Nov 2022

    Farmington Bay Waterfowl Mgmt Area - Still so frozen - lovely winter scene with a proud Red-winged Blackbird (early March 2023)

    Farmington Bay Waterfowl Mgmt Area

    4.5(8 reviews)
    13.1 mi

    Very nice area to walk around. There's a long wooden bridge path throughout to walk on and see many…read morewaterfowl. Just be sure to bring your insect repellent! Nice place to take sunset photos and see and hear many resident birds. Beautiful area to see the snow capped mountains or if in winter the frozen lake. Definitely worth a stop!

    Review #700!! This is one of my favorite places in the whole world - been coming here for years - I…read morecan't believe I haven't reviewed it yet haha!! I visit my son in SLC often and come here every chance I get when I'm in town - the birding is SPECTACULAR! The trails are well maintained and the surrounding ponds and mountains are beautiful. This is a helluva place to practice birding and bird photography skills. I've lost count of how many bird species I've seen here - there are over 60 species known to nest here! I've seen so many "lifers" here (birder-speak for first time sightings lol). The Bald Eagles nest here in winter and are easily spotted everywhere! Tundra Swans also pass through in the colder months are a quite a sight to see. They have a small rookery of nest boxes on tall stilts for the Great Blue Herons in spring and they're so fun to watch - especially once the babies hatch! It's especially picturesque with the big red barn reflecting on the large pond. It's right off the parking lot next to the Eccles Education Center. It's truly a beautiful place in all seasons - even winter when it's coveted in snow. You're surrounded by mountains and ponds on all sides - some close and some distant. Wildlife, birds, marshes, dramatic vistas - such a lovely, peaceful place. The Great Salt Lake is so close - and that's one reason there's so many birds (native and migratory) - it's a very important resource for them! There are numerous trails - they're almost entirely flat. Very well maintained- mostly gravel but some boardwalks across the ponds and marshes. There is also a seasonal driving route - it's closed in winter for the nesting birds. The roads are also gravel and dirt and can be a bit rough but doable. I've never needed anything more than our normal car. You can drive up to Goose Egg Island which gives you a great vantage point for the surrounding area and has nice views of the Great Salt Lake. Seasonal duck hunting is allowed so be vigilant and careful. They have a large paved parking lot with plenty of spaces. There are bathrooms in the parking area - decent, regular bathrooms in the education center when it's open and some vaulted toilets open year round and earlier/later than the education center. You don't need any special hiking gear - trails are super easy. But be sure to bring your binoculars or telephoto lenses!!

    Photos
    Farmington Bay Waterfowl Mgmt Area - Red-winged Blackbird (early March 2023)

    Red-winged Blackbird (early March 2023)

    Farmington Bay Waterfowl Mgmt Area - Downy Woodpecker

    Downy Woodpecker

    Farmington Bay Waterfowl Mgmt Area - American Avocets passing through in late winter with some gulls in the background (early March 2023)

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    American Avocets passing through in late winter with some gulls in the background (early March 2023)

    Wheeler Creek Trail

    Wheeler Creek Trail

    5.0(1 review)
    28.8 mi

    So far this is my favorite hike. Not too long, not too short, not too hard. Just enough...well, for…read moreme. It located just south of Pineview dam. This is the Wheeler Canyon trail that follows Wheeler Creek. The trail is wide and heavily traveled. Great for hiking, biking, horseback riding, skiing and snowshoeing. I did the loop, it took me 2.5 hours and 5.73 miles. That was stopping frequently to take pictures because it's so pretty all over. From the beginning it's gorgeous. You're surrounded by towering, rocky mountains and the sound of the river below. As you get farther on the trail, the leaves are gold, red, and orange. One day we took our toddler to walk up the trail and explore a bit. It was easy and fun for her. Lots of birds, butterflies and caterpillars to check out. That's when I knew I had to come back and take a hike. After Wheeler Canyon there's a fork that takes you to Ice Box Canyon on the right or Art Nord trailhead to the left. I read about this trail and many prefer to go counterclockwise and go through Ice Box first. I also recommend going this route. It's a steady climb, not hard and shaded the entire way until you get to the south slope meadows. Ice Box Canyon was magical. The birds were singing, the sound of the water was hypnotic, and the red leaves blanketed the trail like a celebrity red carpet, minus the paparazzi and a little less narcissism. I had to stop and take pictures every second. I couldn't help it. If you're doing the loop, you'll run into another fork (on the south slope) once you're out of Ice Box Canyon. The sign is missing off the post. Go left. That will take you down through some meadows across a couple of bridges and then uphilll to the Art Nord Drive/trailhead. You will see Snowbasin Road on the right as you approach a trail map kiosk. Keep following the trail. You will descend on a windy trail towards a parking area. Keep going and you'll soon be back in Wheeler Canyon. I think about .65 miles. Take a jacket and plenty of water. When I went it started pouring the last quarter mile and the wind was awful tunneling through that canyon. It about knocked me over. I came out of the canyon only to find out there were 2 freaking tornadoes taht touched down. I'm not sure of the odds of that happening again but just be prepared for the weather. This would be a great hike for a family. Do the loop, go check out Ice Box Canyon, or just go up a little and back. No matter what you choose I think you'll enjoy it!

    Photos
    Wheeler Creek Trail
    Wheeler Creek Trail
    Wheeler Creek Trail

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    Guardsman Pass Overlook - KILLER MOUNTAIN LION Guardsman's pass*

    Guardsman Pass Overlook

    4.8(9 reviews)
    38.8 mi

    This was an amazing scenic drive that was highly recommend by a friend who lives in town. I took…read morethe drive early in the morning stopping at a few different places to take more and more pictures. It was beautiful. I passed a stop called the bloods lake hike which I remember reading about as I was planning my trip. So I stopped to take the hike. I thought it was going to be shorter than it was so I left my bag with water, back up charger, etc. Wish I brought it with me. The hike to bloods lake and back from the parking lot took 3.3 miles. It was tough for me because of the inclines and I'm no hiker. I'm from Florida and used to flat land so I don't know if my calves have ever worked so hard. The trail was very populated giving it was a Monday. Many people with dogs. The view once you arrive to the lake is worth the journey! I took a couple photos before my phone died. I then returned to this drive later in the evening to watch the sunset. I stopped at the one of the fist stops called empire pass and it was gorgeous. Same view as the morning but so much prettier with the colors in the sky!

    ***UPDATED REVIEW = My review is NOT for Guardsman Pass Overlook I did NOT go here. Yelp for some…read morereason attached my review for the Lake Lackawaxen Trail and Lake to Guardsman Pass Overlook. I never even went to the lookout. The trail starts down the street at the parking lot across the street from the new Bloods Lake Trail. Who ever the yelper app people are that did this it's not cool. You don't live here so you don't know the area. Trust that when people add a new "listing" they know what they are talking about! To get to Lake Lackawaxen trail you will need to first hike about 1.8 miles on the Bloods Lake Trail until you get to the lake. (which is a beautiful lake) Continue on the trail, which is clearly marked about a mile more up the trail. This part of the trail is a little more steep, and definitely more rocky but well worth the climb. There is a fork in the road where you can continue to go towards the left or make a right and climb up to Clayton Peak. If you want to go to Lackawaxen stay on the left side of the trail. It takes you past a couple rock scrambles but are easy enough to pass. This lake is very serene, and peaceful not as many people climb up to this lake as the one below. Dogs are allowed on the trail just not near the lake. Please respect the rules and keep your dog from going into the water as this is our watershed. Perfect time of the year to climb to the lake as the leaves are changing colors and the temps are much cooler.

    Photos
    Guardsman Pass Overlook - Snowshoeing adventures

    Snowshoeing adventures

    Guardsman Pass Overlook - Great natural backdrop at one of the trail heads near Guardsman Pass during the Fall Foliageis at its peak.

    Great natural backdrop at one of the trail heads near Guardsman Pass during the Fall Foliageis at its peak.

    Guardsman Pass Overlook - Snowshoeing, perfect place to snowshoe. Stunning views.

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    Snowshoeing, perfect place to snowshoe. Stunning views.

    The Living Room Trail - Cairns at the top

    The Living Room Trail

    4.4(39 reviews)
    21.3 miUniversity, East Bench

    I love taking friends from out of town on this hike! It's long enough that you feel like you did…read moresomething active, but not too far or too difficult that your friends never trust you to pick a trail again. The trail can be crowded at certain times of the day/year and it can seem confusing because of lack of signage/multiple spur trails but you really can't get lost if you keep heading towards the mountains. This trail is dog friendly! And the dog owners are very respectful and responsible. Which makes this trail even more fun to try!

    Trivia: What university originally established in 1850 as the University of Deseret and used in the…read more2002 Winter Olympics sits rather close to the base of this trail? Finding the actual trail can be a little bit of a challenge. From the road where everyone seems to park, we started on a shaded, tree-lined trail that looked promising. But after a short jaunt, we arrived in a dusty, tree free area with trails going in lots of directions. The group in front of us took off like they knew where they were going, but I wasn't fooled by their confidence. Yay Me! But BOOO on the existence of trail markings. I reviewed the map and pointed my hiking companion and I to the trail I thought was most closely aligned with GOOGLE maps and AllTrails. Service was a little spotty. Luckily, it all worked out! The trail is a solid 1000-1200 feet of elevation over a mile which is a solid click of UP. Bring water as shade is rare and the trees are really more shrubs and bush size. The living room area is superb, but depending on the time of day, VERY congested. The seats will feel like the best chair you've ever parked your tired rump, and you will begrudgingly give them up when the crowds form around you.

    Photos
    The Living Room Trail
    The Living Room Trail
    The Living Room Trail - Sunrise views

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    Sunrise views

    Cecret Lake

    Cecret Lake

    4.6(25 reviews)
    37.5 mi

    I have seen so many videos the last few weeks about Cecret Lake! My son is absolutely enthralled…read morewith Axolotl's, so I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to make the trip and go explore! What the videos DIDN'T inform us of, was the $12 entrance fee, or the fact that this hike is a bit difficult for some! I am pregnant, so it was a great deal more challenging for me. On the way up to the lake, I witnessed a lot of very young children who were not happy to be walking. My 6 year old kept up very well, however! I was honestly pretty shocked he did better than I did! We made it up, and walked around the entire lake. We didn't see any axolotl's so we were pretty disappointed. On the way out to go home, we happened to hear a little girl yell "OH MY GOSH AN AXOLOTL!" So that was our cue to return to go see them! They were in a rather awkward spot right in the middle of the lake. I am SO happy we got to see them before we left! This was such a fun little early day trip with my little family! We ended up leaving and going straight to Ogden Canyon for a wedding reception that night, so it was overall a very long day. With it being so long and me being pregnant, I was REALLY worried that I was going to be sore, but I wasn't! I have already told others about it, and I made SURE to include the hiking aspect and price in my own online video so others are more informed prior to making the trip!

    This review is for Cecret Lake from Albion Base which was a ~4.5 miles round trip that took ~2.5…read morehours to complete. Trail starts from a ski resort which means it would be difficult or inaccessible during the winter! Extremely diverse terrain; stunning views from beginning to end. The last stretch up to the lake was steep and rocky! AllTrails map recommended. Short video of the hike for those interested! https://youtu.be/zkHFyRgwxMQ

    Photos
    Cecret Lake
    Cecret Lake
    Cecret Lake

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    Gailey Trail at Nicholls Park

    Gailey Trail at Nicholls Park

    5.0(2 reviews)
    15.5 mi

    This is a nice and easy walk for the whole family. The ground is mostly level and the trail is…read moreshaded by beautiful trees. There are a few bridges to cross over, but you can take an alternative route if needed. I cannot wait for the stream to fill up with water again. So pretty!

    This is an amazing trail that sits in the middle of an urban area. The trail has a East entrance by…read moreNichols Park & a West entrance just off Main Street Kaysville & Nichols Road. It sets in the drainage of Baer Creek. City has made this into a great trail for walking, biking, running or just enjoying nature. Most of the trail is shaded by 60'+ Cottonwoods, Willows, Mountain Ash and Boxelder Trees. The creek is running mainly in the Spring and after a good rain. Trail splits and has 2 paths to follow which all connect back together. Wild raspberries & wild blackberries can be found all along the trail. Service berries, Chokecherries and other wild edibles can also be found. There are benches spaced out along the sides to take a rest or just take it all in. There are restrooms available at the park pavilion just 100 yards south of the trail. Haven't seen much wildlife except birds. Most of the trail has shredded bark laid down on the trail. If you walk from west to east and follow the loop it's about 2.3 miles. An awesome walk anytime of the day with new things to discover each time I walk it. Check it out! A hidden gem just waiting for your next activity.

    Photos
    Gailey Trail at Nicholls Park - Small Bridge

    Small Bridge

    Gailey Trail at Nicholls Park - Rules of the trail. Please pickup after the pooches!

    Rules of the trail. Please pickup after the pooches!

    Gailey Trail at Nicholls Park - Memrorial Bench

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    Memrorial Bench

    South Island Trail - hiking - Updated September 2026

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