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Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve

4.7

·342 reviews·Layton, United States

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

Early mornings

Fewer bugs, best wildlife

CrowdLow

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Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer bugs, best wildlife

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore vibrant wetlands and diverse birdlife on a scenic boardwalk at the Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve.

4.7

(342 reviews)

"Stunning views and incredible wildlife make this a must-visit for nature lovers."

TIP

🎯 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.

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 342 reviews

Type

Park

Address

1002 S 3200 W, Layton, UT 84041, USA

Website

nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/the-great-salt-lake-shorelands-preserve/?en_txn1=bl.ch_ut.eg.x.g

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

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.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Wildlife

Visit early morning or late evening for the best wildlife viewing and to avoid the midday sun and bugs. The boardwalk offers stunning views, but be prepared for potential insect activity later in the day.

Embrace the Boardwalk Experience

The preserve features a long boardwalk, perfect for easy walking and stroller access. While the Great Salt Lake itself isn't for swimming, the surrounding wetlands teem with birdlife and unique flora.

Best Times

When

Early mornings

Why

Fewer bugs, best wildlife

Crowd

Low

When

Late evenings

Why

Golden hour magic

Crowd

Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Scared to swim in the Great Salt Lake? 👀 Here’s why you shouldn’t be: 1️⃣ You literally can’t drown — the salt content keeps you afloat. 2️⃣ No fish, no sharks, no creepy lake monsters. 3️⃣ The salt content actually helps your skin — think of it as a giant natural Epsom salt bath 🧂🛁 So go ahead… float on 😌✨ #fyp #trending #S#SaltLakeCityG#GreatSaltLakeT#TravelTips#funfacts#utahtravel

@danithadon

142.1K likes • 1.7M views

🎯 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.

The secret beach on the very north side of the Great Salt Lake.. ##beach##secret##relax

@80_h_d

28.1K likes • 684.9K views

The Great Salt Lake Shorelands preserve is one of our favorite places to visit! The mile long boardwalk trail creates the perfect loop through the wetlands and features informational signs, observation deck and tower, and tons of opportunities to spot birds and other wildlife! 👉Walking through the cattails on the boardwalk is really incredible(but beware of bugs in the summer!) 🌎 If you visit p...

utahfamilytravels

3.9K likes • 121.5K views

📸 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.

Visiting the Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve during the golden hour is just magical! Magnolia was so excited to find some owl pellets to dissect. Gross, but cool! #greatsaltlakeshorelandspreserve #getoutside #makeutahhome #naturetherapy #goexplore #feedtheircuriosity #utah #greatsaltlake #naturelove #owl #owlpellets #sciencefun

makeutahhome

31 likes • 350 views

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

4.7

(342 reviews)

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

Beautiful boardwalk views

Abundant wildlife

Great for families

What People Dislike

Needs maintenance

Bugs later in day

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!