Salt Lake City: Antelope Island Wildlife Tour & Sunset Hike

Summary

Wild bison herds, sunset hikes, and bird calls on Antelope Island

You’ll watch wild bison graze across Antelope Island just outside Salt Lake City, spot migrating birds with binoculars in hand, hike up to Buffalo Point for sunset views over the Great Salt Lake, and share quiet moments with your group as dusk settles in. It’s less about ticking boxes and more about feeling part of something bigger—even if just for an evening.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what 600 bison sound like when they’re just… there? I didn’t either until we rolled onto Antelope Island, about an hour from Salt Lake City. Our guide, Mark, handed out binoculars before we even left the van—he said you never know when a coyote or mule deer will dart past. The windows were huge, so even my friend in the back could see everything. There was this moment when the wind changed and you could smell the lake—salty, kind of earthy—and then suddenly, a whole herd of bison appeared near the road. Someone whispered “look at that one’s horns,” and for a second it felt like we’d stumbled into their world by accident.

I kept thinking I’d only see birds if I was lucky, but apparently in spring there can be 200,000 of them here. Mark pointed out some sandhill cranes (I think?) and tried to get us to spot a porcupine in a tree—no luck there. He had bug spray ready since it was May and the gnats were relentless; honestly, I was glad for the hats with nets. The hike up to Buffalo Point wasn’t long—less than a mile round trip—but there were a couple steep bits where I had to catch my breath. The dirt felt loose under my boots and every so often you’d hear nothing but your own footsteps and maybe a distant bird call.

The view at the top hit different than I expected. We all just stood around quietly while the sun dropped behind the lake—nobody really said much except for someone asking if that pink haze was always there (Mark said it’s “Utah magic”). My legs were tired but in that good way. I still think about how small everything looked from up there—the city lights way off in the distance, bison like dots below us—and how peaceful it felt not having cell service for a bit.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wildlife spotting and sunset hike

• Travel to Antelope Island
• Spot American Bison herd
• Watch for other wildlife
• Hike 0.9 miles to Buffalo Point
• Watch sunset and enjoy views

Top questions

How far is Antelope Island from Salt Lake City?

It’s about an hour’s drive from downtown Salt Lake City to Antelope Island.

Is wildlife guaranteed on this tour?

You’ll almost always see bison; other animals like antelope or birds depend on season and luck.

How difficult is the Buffalo Point hike?

The hike is less than a mile round trip with some steep sections; it’s considered moderate difficulty.

Are bug nets or spray provided during bug season?

Yes, bug spray and hats or nets are provided during mosquito and gnat season (April–June).

What vehicle is used for this tour?

A 10-passenger Ford Transit van with large windows is used for wildlife viewing.

Is bathroom access available on Antelope Island?

Yes, there are bathrooms available during your visit to Antelope Island.

Are binoculars included on this tour?

Yes, use of binoculars is included for wildlife spotting throughout the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation from Salt Lake City in a spacious van with big windows for viewing wildlife, all entry fees and taxes covered, plus use of binoculars for spotting animals along the way—and yes, bug spray and nets are ready if you need them during springtime visits.