SYRACUSE — When the winter blues hit and you’re wanting to get outside for a little exercise, a hike to Dooly Knob on Antelope Island is a good choice. It’s not a long hike but has just enough steepness to give the legs, lungs and heart a good workout.

Dooly Knob is a rocky crag found on a small spur off the Frary Peak trail. The knob is named after John Dooly Sr., who had ranching interest on the island. Dooly and George Frary are credited with helping purchase and introduce 12 bison to Antelope Island in 1893, according to the park's history. It came at a time when wild bison were in major decline.

Their initial idea was to grow the bison herd and offer hunting opportunities. While not their intention, Dooly and Frary are responsible for providing the initial animals that have grown into one of the biggest herds of wild bison found today.

Getting there

Getting to Antelope Island is easy. From I-15, take Exit 332 and drive west on Antelope Drive through Syracuse. The road will take you right to the ranger station and the beginning of the 7.5-mile causeway that will take you onto the island.

There's a $10 entrance fee for vehicles ($3 for pedestrians and bicyclists) at the booth. Check with the ranger to see if there are any trail closures or other current important information. Once on the island, the road splits after passing the marina. Turn left and follow the signs leading to the Garr Fielding Ranch. About 6 miles on this road, you will come to the turnoff for the Frary Peak trailhead on the right. The road to the upper trailhead is closed during the winter. Parking is available in the lower trailhead near the bathroom. Parking here is limited to about 10 cars.

The hike

Parking at the lower trailhead adds about a 1/2-mile to the overall hike. Hike west up the road and follow the road to the south where you will enter the upper parking lot and trailhead. Here you will find signs at the trailhead giving information about the Frary Peak trail and the Dooly Knob spur.

From the trailhead signs, hike west up a nice little hill until you hit a small ridge. The trail turns south at the ridge and continues on a slight incline. The trail continues to follow the sidehill and veers slightly in a southwest direction. As you come up this ridge, look for the trail sign indicating the Dooly Knob spur turnoff. From this turnoff, you will be able to see your destination Dooly Knob to the north.

The spur winds through sagebrush and leads you in a mostly northern direction. It's approximately seven-tenths of a mile from the spur sign to get to the highest point on the knob. The last several yards to the knob are semi-steep with a few very short switchbacks.

The vistas are wonderful in the winter from atop the knob. Not only can you view many of the features on Antelope Island, but other landscapes can also be viewed. Fremont Island and the Promontory Mountains are at the north; the Wasatch Mountains are to the east; the Oquirrh Mountains are at the south and to the west are the Stansbury Mountains.

Antelope Island typically does not receive the deep snows found in the canyons east of Salt Lake City, making winter hiking quite pleasurable. If you are the first on the trail after a recent snowstorm, you may have to use maps and landmarks to stay on the trail. The Dooly Knob spur has a few trail makers available to help in navigation.

This hike is about 3 1/2 miles roundtrip from the lower parking area. Elevation gain from the lower parking area is near 1,000 feet.

Items to consider for this hike

• Dress appropriate for the weather conditions. If there has been recent snowfall, trekking poles can help in slippery situations. Bring enough water to stay hydrated because you still sweat and get thirsty in the winter.
• Snacks are always welcomed and in the winter will help with fueling and body temperature. While the rocky crag at the top of Dooly Knob is easy to get to, the rocks may have snow and ice on them so being careful is prudent.
• Stay alert for bison.
• Days are shorter in the winter, so plan time accordingly.

Related topics