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A short drive from Salt Lake City is the Great Salt Lake State Park, the largest salt water lake in the western hemisphere. And it is very salty I did taste it, but also, sadly this week (Jan 2023) scientists are worrying about the fact the great salt lake is drying up.
Location
Easy to find. Take exit 104 off I-80, turn left at Saltair onto the frontage road and follow the signs to the park. You end up parking close to the visitor centre. The road is not tarmaced and is loose, so take it steady when driving down. You do not need a 4×4, our rental car managed just fine.
Does it cost to visit The Great Salt Lake?
Yes. Like many of the US state and national parks there is a fee. I found this information on the state parks website. You can also use Park Pass if you have one to visit. We paid our vechical Fee online.
Day-use fee: $5.00 per vehicle / $3.00 Senior Citizen vehicle (Utah residents only) / $20.00 commercial vehicles (8+ people). (Jan 2023)
Interesting facts about the Great Salt Lake
- The Great Salt Lake became a state park in 1978. It is approx 75 miles long, 35 miles wide and 33ft at its deepest. Coming in at the 33rd largest lake in the world.
- It is between 5% and 27% saltier than seawater depending on the season and water levels. *I tried some and can confirm it is very salty.
- The lake is home to tiny brine shrimp (Artemia salina) one of the few animals that live within the lake. The brine-shrimp population plays an important part in the lake’s ecosystem. Especially in keeping the lake waters clean through algae consumption. https://nhmu.utah.edu
- The Great Salt Lake lends its name to Salt Lake City. Originally named “Great Salt Lake City” by the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) Brigham Young
Day Trip Activities
We did a short hike along the lakes shore line, but it was very windy the day we arrived. You can even see the sand whipped up in the back ground of the beach in the photo. It was so windy it felt like someone was sand blasting our legs.
On a day where the weather is better you can do lots of activities.
Swimming at 13% saltier then the sea, you float easily. Meaning most people are able to float in the lake, and once you are away from the shore line the smell of the salty dead things disappears.
Paddle boarding is growing popularity, bring your own kit and go and explore the lake. You can also use your boat (Assuming you have one) on the lake.
Throughout the year the state park runs tours. From shipwrecks walks to kids tours. Keep an eye on the official website for information.
Other Utah Activities
Read our Guide to The Sundance Resort to see how you could spend an afternoon. It is only an hour or so drive south from the Great Salt Lake.
