Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve
Explore vibrant wetlands and diverse birdlife on a scenic boardwalk at the Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer bugs, best wildlife
Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve
Best Time
Fewer bugs, best wildlife
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore vibrant wetlands and diverse birdlife on a scenic boardwalk at the Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve.
"Stunning views and incredible wildlife make this a must-visit for nature lovers."
🎯 Bring Bug Spray!
Essential for later in the day. Some visitors note bugs can be bothersome if you don't come prepared.
🚶♀️ Stroller Friendly
The boardwalk is wide and well-maintained, making it great for strollers and easy walks.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Boardwalk Trail
Wetlands
A mile-long boardwalk loop through wetlands, offering incredible wildlife viewing and educational signs.
Birdwatching Paradise
Wetlands and observation decks
Habitat for over 250 bird species, including migratory birds and nesting kestrels. A haven for bird lovers!
Golden Hour Views
Observation tower and boardwalk
Experience magical light during golden hour, perfect for photography and appreciating the serene landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Wildlife
Embrace the Boardwalk Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Bring Bug Spray!
Essential for later in the day. Some visitors note bugs can be bothersome if you don't come prepared.
🚶♀️ Stroller Friendly
The boardwalk is wide and well-maintained, making it great for strollers and easy walks.
📸 Perfect for Photos
Stunning views and abundant wildlife make this a prime spot for photographers.
🦉 Observe Owl Pellets
A unique educational opportunity for kids to discover owl pellets and learn about their diet.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bring Bug Spray!
Essential for later in the day. Some visitors note bugs can be bothersome if you don't come prepared.
🚶♀️ Stroller Friendly
The boardwalk is wide and well-maintained, making it great for strollers and easy walks.
📸 Perfect for Photos
Stunning views and abundant wildlife make this a prime spot for photographers.
🦉 Observe Owl Pellets
A unique educational opportunity for kids to discover owl pellets and learn about their diet.
💧 Water Station Available
Restrooms and a water station are on-site for visitor convenience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve for its beautiful boardwalk, abundant wildlife, and stunning views, especially during golden hour. It's considered a great, free family-friendly spot for walks and nature observation. Some reviews mention the need for maintenance and the presence of bugs later in the day.
"This is a great place to go for a walk. Strollers are good to bring and when you come earlier in the day most of the bugs are not out yet. Come with big spray later. The views are stunning. It's a great place for photo shoots too."
Tamralyn Shreeve
"This is amazing boardwalk that went further than I could go in my time slot :). Gorgeous walk that highlights all of the wildlife in the area."
Laura Vella
"Wetland reserve with a short boardwalk loop. Toilets and water station and ample parking. The lake was quite dry during this time of the year. The bulrush were dry as was much of the vegetation. Saw some birds. Unfortunately I didn’t get any pictures or know the names. Easy detour if you are going to Antelope island."
Lets Go
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The preserve is easily accessible by car and offers ample parking. It's a convenient detour if you're heading towards Antelope Island.
Information on public transportation options is limited, but driving is the most common and recommended method for reaching the preserve. Check local transit schedules for potential routes.
While specific directions can vary, using a GPS with 'Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve' as the destination is recommended. It's often mentioned as being near other popular Great Salt Lake attractions.
Yes, there is ample parking available at the preserve, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! The preserve is a great addition to a day trip exploring the Great Salt Lake area, offering a different perspective than other locations.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve is generally free. It's open to the public for exploration.
The preserve is typically open seven days a week, but it's always a good idea to check for any seasonal or unexpected closures before your visit.
There is no admission fee for accessing the boardwalk and trails within the Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve.
While you can access the lake's edge, swimming is not recommended due to the extremely high salt content. The preserve is more for observing wildlife and enjoying the scenery.
While generally open daily, it's wise to confirm specific hours, especially if visiting during holidays or off-season.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The preserve is a vital habitat for over 250 bird species, including migratory birds. You might also spot other wetland creatures.
Yes, the boardwalk is wide and generally accessible, making it suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.
You'll find restrooms, a water station, and ample parking. The boardwalk also features informational signs and observation decks.
Allow at least an hour to comfortably walk the boardwalk loop and enjoy the scenery and wildlife.
Yes, it's a fantastic spot for families, offering educational opportunities like observing wildlife and even dissecting owl pellets.
📸 📸 Photography
The boardwalk, observation tower, and the expansive wetland views offer excellent photographic opportunities, especially during golden hour.
Wildlife photography, landscape shots of the wetlands and lake, and capturing the unique flora are popular.
Early mornings and late evenings, particularly during golden hour, provide the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for your shots.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with local authorities or the preserve management for current rules regarding drones.
Bring your camera, extra lenses for wildlife, a tripod for low light, and plenty of battery power. Don't forget bug spray!
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the lake itself isn't for swimming, the preserve offers a safe and engaging way to experience the unique environment of the Great Salt Lake area. Remember to bring bug spray, especially for later visits, and pack snacks and water. The observation tower and wooden structures can also be fun for kids to explore. It's a great place to foster a love for nature and wildlife in a relaxed setting.
🐦 Bird Enthusiasts
The extensive boardwalk and observation decks provide excellent vantage points for spotting waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, and songbirds in their natural habitat. Bring your binoculars and field guides to identify the diverse avian population. You might witness fascinating behaviors like kestrels hunting or herons fishing. The preserve's wetlands are a vital feeding and nesting ground, making it a dynamic and rewarding location for serious birders.
📸 Photographers
Focus on wildlife photography, capturing birds in flight or at rest, or capture sweeping landscape shots of the unique saline environment. The boardwalk provides stable ground for tripods, and the preserve's accessibility makes it easy to spend extended periods capturing the perfect shot. Remember to pack your telephoto lenses for wildlife and wide-angle lenses for expansive vistas.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Wonders of the Wetlands
These wetlands are not just beautiful; they play a vital role in the health of the Great Salt Lake. They act as natural filters, improving water quality before it reaches the lake. The vegetation also helps to stabilize shorelines and prevent erosion. For visitors, this means a chance to witness a thriving natural system up close. The educational signs along the boardwalk provide valuable insights into the ecology of the area, enhancing the visitor experience and fostering a deeper appreciation for these important natural spaces.
While the Great Salt Lake itself is known for its hypersalinity, the surrounding freshwater and brackish wetlands offer a different, more accessible experience. The contrast between the stark, salty lake and the lush, vibrant wetlands is striking. It’s a place where you can truly connect with nature and observe the intricate web of life that depends on this unique environment. Remember to tread lightly and respect the natural surroundings to ensure the preserve remains a haven for wildlife for years to come.
Birdwatching at its Finest
Keep your eyes peeled for raptors soaring overhead or perched on observation towers. The preserve is known to host kestrels, hawks, and even owls. Instagram reels have captured moments of kestrels bringing prey back to their nests, offering a glimpse into the fascinating lives of these birds of prey.
Birding enthusiasts often recommend bringing binoculars and a field guide to fully appreciate the diversity. The boardwalk provides excellent vantage points, allowing you to observe birds in their natural habitat without disturbance. Even if you're not an expert birder, the sheer abundance and variety of avian life at the preserve are captivating. The sounds of the wetlands, filled with chirps, calls, and wingbeats, create a unique natural symphony. It’s a place where you can slow down, observe, and marvel at the resilience and beauty of the bird populations that rely on this vital ecosystem.
The Great Salt Lake Experience
Visitors often note that the lake's appearance can vary significantly depending on the season and water levels. During drier periods, the shoreline might recede, revealing salt flats. However, with higher water levels, the lake expands, creating more expansive wetland habitats. The preserve is an excellent place to understand the delicate balance of this unique inland sea and its surrounding environment. It's a reminder of the natural wonders that Utah holds, even if they differ from traditional beach experiences.
For those curious about the lake's properties, the preserve offers a gateway to understanding its ecological significance. While you won't be floating in the lake here, you'll gain a profound appreciation for its role in the regional ecosystem and the unique adaptations of life that thrive in its saline embrace. It's a place that sparks curiosity and wonder about one of the West's most iconic natural features.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit