Hiking to the highest point of Antelope Island

Hiking to the highest point of Antelope Island

(Celeste Tholen Rosenlof)


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ANTELOPE ISLAND — There’s nowhere in Utah quite like Frary Peak. When you reach the top of this hike, you’re rewarded with the unique-to-Utah feeling of being completely surrounded by water.

The 7-mile roundtrip hike will take the better part of a day, but the views of the Great Salt Lake, bison and the unique territory of Antelope Island are worth the trek.

At 6,596 feet, Frary Peak is the highest point of the island, so prepare to climb. You’ll gain just over 2,000 feet over 3.5 miles up the trail. Most of the trail is exposed, so start early if you're hiking on a hot day.

To get to Frary Peak, take the causeway to Antelope Island and pay the $10 fee for a vehicle with up to eight people or bike in for $3 per person. You’ll come to a fork in the road where you will turn left toward the visitors center. From there, signs point to the Frary Peak trailhead parking lot.

You’ll start the hike with a climb, but it levels out occasionally, giving you a quick break before the next climbs. Enjoy the walk through the grass and look for wildflowers, including Utah’s state flower (a sign at the beginning of the trail identifies the flowers you’ll find — take a photo on your phone to reference as you hike, if you’re interested in horticulture). You will also get some glimpses of the American bison, since they roam around the trail.

For the most part, the trail is pretty straightforward and simple to follow, but at the spine of the mountain and just before the 3-mile mark, the trail will dip downward before it climbs steeply to the top of the peak. Use that brief downhill to rest a little before making that last ascent.

The trail is out-and-back, so once you’re done taking in the views, head back the way you came.

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Celeste Tholen Rosenlof

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