The Great Salt Lake

Salt Lake City is named for its proximity to the Great Salt Lake — the largest salt water lake in the northern hemisphere — located just west of the city. The greater Salt Lake area represents an important ecosystem for local climate, animals and bird migration. While many visitors think of the Salt Lake as the main attraction when visiting Salt Lake City, locals would tell you quite the contrary due to a sulfurous smell and the abundance of bugs. However, there are many spots to recommend if you wish to enjoy the Great Salt Lake during your stay for the Anuual Meeting, and some precautions to take when visiting in the month of May.

Antelope Island State Park

Antelope Island is the largest island in the Great Salt Lake. The state park is about 45 minutes north of downtown Salt Lake City and requires a small entrance fee. You can take short hikes in the park, such as to Buffalo Point, which offers beautiful views to the Great Salt Lake. The Island may be explored cycling as well. Plus you will find a ‘beach’ area with showers in case anyone is curious what buoyancy swimming in a salt water lake feels like. Trust me, while it is a unique experience, you will definitely want to take a shower afterwards.

Antelope Island is home also to many wildlife and waterfowl, including free-roaming bison, coyotes and various types of birds. Be advised, biting gnats visit Antelope Island and the lake area from April - June, so remember to bring your bug spray and consider long sleeves on your visit!

Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge

If you are interested in birdwatching, the Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge will not disappoint.

Located about an hour north of Salt Lake City, it spans over 18,000 acres of wetland area. The refuge is home to a variety of bird species, particularly migratory waterfowl. It is a paradise for birders and wildlife photographers.

Bonneville Salt Flats

Slightly smaller than its Bolivian brother, the Bonneville Salt Flats do not lack in beauty and have been featured in movies such as Pirates of the Caribbean. One may also know the Utah Salt Flats from various speed records, which are typically recorded in the dry summer months. May is often wet-season and the Salt flats may offer spectacular mirror views.

If you go, mapping to the Bonneville Speedway will be your best bet. It is located approximately two hours to the east of Salt Lake. In dry conditions, it is safe to drive on the Salt Flats in this area, but trust me, many have gotten stuck when going out of the way so be mindful and cautious. Current conditions can be found from an online webcam and while it is a drive, the Salt Flats are a very unique landmark in Utah.

Spiral Jetty

Located on the northwest arm of the Great Salt Lake, the Spiral Jetty is a famous land-art installation by Robert Smithson from the year 1970.

While this piece of land art used to be submerged by water and only visible if the Salt Lake water levels dropped below 4197 feet, dropping water levels of the Great Salt Lake allow for the artwork to be seen year-round. Be advised, the drive is quite far and involves some gravel roads.