Float in the GSL at 35 knots

A lot of locals and visitors always ask about the best place to "float" on the Great Salt Lake. Access to the lake is rather limited - there are only a few places where you can even get close to it. But aside from access, you really want to be able to wash the salt off you before heading home. The ONLY place to experience floating in the lake and THEN washing off afterwards in fresh water showers is at Bridger Bay on Antelope Island. And now that there is a new concessionaire on the island, you can not only float on the lake, but zip along at 40 mph too. Or pedal or paddle. He also provides bikes (the PeeWee Herman cruisers) that allow you to see the island and its wildlife from the road. Gonzo boat rentals provides kayaks, pedal boats, bikes, a pontoon boat (which you can rent) and jet boats (which you can zip around on, on your own). All of them are seen on the attached YouTube video. Gonzo Boat Rentals is located on the west end of the causeway at the island's marina. There is a $9 per vehicle state park entrance fee to cross the causeway. If you get salty "floating" in the lake from all the spray, the showers are just over the hill at Bridger Bay. Outside showers are free - and ambient temperature. The building also provides private shower stalls, where you can wash off in hot water - but bring your quarters! (Just like a car wash.) Antelope Island is a wonderful experience when you visit it in your car... but now you can see it from an entirely different perspective, and at prices that will surprise you. Check it out, and give them a call at 888-878-8002 or call Dave directly at 801-698-6288.

Play in our backyard.

I grew up on the San Francisco peninsula - less than 15 miles from "The City". It's one of the most romantic, and visited cities in the world. It was so close, yet we "avoided" going there because of the traffic, the number of people - and the fact that where we lived was even nicer, in our minds. I could possibly get around in a car, but I couldn't tell you where the BART station is, or how to get to the stadium where the Giants play (Candlestick is a no-brainer... it's right on the freeway). Similarly, my sister-in-law grew up in Montana, but had lived in SLC for over 20 of her adult years before she traveled to Moab for the first time, and promptly fell in love with it. Another friend has grown up in SLC (60 years), and she's been all over the world - but she also, has never been to Moab. Then again, I'm sure that there are many people who live in Orlando, who've never been to Disney World. Or New Jersey, and have never set foot on Manhattan. Lived in L.A., and never swam in the ocean. And so on. In Davis County, we have our own "famous" place that many of our residents have never visited. Antelope Island is the largest island in the lake. It has received the designation of "State Park", because it has a fascinating history... not just in terms of written history, but geologically as well. Bison, or American Buffalo were introduced to the island in 1893 - and today, the state manages a herd of over 500 of these amazing animals. In nature, there are many more males than there are females. However, on the island, the ratio is closer to 1:1. A result of this ratio there are many calves born each spring. In fact, the herd can grow by nearly 50% - which means most of the females have little ones. There are 40 known and natural springs providing water to the larger mammals that live on the island. Other animals include mule-earred deer, mountain sheep, pronghorn and the coyote. Most of the grass is a non-native, but invasive "cheat-grass" (also known as "junegrass" and "downy brome")- which has little nutritious value to the animals that eat it. As a result, the state has determined that the bison herd needs to be thinned back to 500 each fall - and the process begins all over again. The northern end of the island is developed - the ranger's home is found on the top of one hill, and the Visitors Center on another. And the park offices, as well as the bison pens are located here. A snack bar, with fresh water restrooms and pavillions for lunches is found at Bridger Bay. Likewise, campers can pitch a tent or park an RV in campsites at Bridger Bay or at White Rock Bay. A marina greets guests as the cross the 7 mile causeway from the mainland. But as on drives south on the paved road that runs down the east side, there's a fence just past the ranger's house. From there on, nothing has changed in millenia - with the exception of Fielding Garr Ranch, which is about 13 miles down the road - and almost directly across from West Bountiful. For the most part, the island is a big "desert" island. There are few trees, and little shade - (hint: where there ARE trees, there's often water). If you look at the island for what it is, you'll come away amazed at the diversity of animal life, the beauty of the Wasatch from across the water, the renowned sunsets, the solitude, the views from Frary Peak of the west side of the island, or on the silly side - the opportunity to get IN the water, and say that you've "floated" in the Great Salt Lake. How many of your neighbors can say that? The DACVB calendar keeps you up to date with the latest presentations by park rangers, there are events at the ranch inon Memorial Day, and at White Rock Bay on Labor Day weekend. Go to TripAdvisor.com, and see the dozens of positive reports of people who have been there - many of whom are not even from Utah. (Weed out the mediocre, as hicks that can't appreciate nature). It's so close, and yet far away. Do yourself a favor: If you haven't been, get out there and explore it.

Take a ride back in time

Utah is a pretty equestrian place. There are a lot of people who own their own horses, and many who have "horse properties" - where families live in the 4000 sf home, and the horses get a couple of acres. We're exposed to horses regularly.
However, there are still many among us who rarely get a chance to go horseback riding. Or when we do, we "rent" the horse, and follow nose to tail as less-than-spirited horses trudge along trails that they've traveled hundreds of times.

On Antelope Island, things are different. R&G Horse and Wagon provides outfitter-led rides across the plains of the island. If you take your own horse out there, you must stay on the trails. However, when you ride with R&G, they'll ask you where you want to go, or what you want to see - and away you go, across belly-high grass and well off the trails. There are mountain sheep in the rocks above the plains that a trained eye can point out to you. There's also an unmolested herd of mule deer that roam the island without concern of hunters or predators. The pronghorn are numerous, and often visible on the ride. Of course, the highlight is when you can get within a few hundred yards of some of the range bison. It kind of brings to mind the old cowboy song "Give me a home where the buffalo roam, and the deer and the antelope play".

It's actually a step back in time. If you notice, all of the improvements on Antelope Island are on the north side of the island. That includes the campsites, the Island Buffalo Grill, the marina, the Visitors Center, and the beach with showers. This was done on purpose. The southern end of the island is the same as it's been for hundreds,thousands, and even millions of years - with the exception of the road that leads 2/3rds of the way down the east side of the island to the Fielding Garr Ranch. The ranch is the oldest Anglo structure in Utah that is still on its original foundation. Everything else is just as Nature made it. A stop at the Visitors Center will point out that some of the rocks found on the island, are some of the oldest in the entire world.

All of this "desert island" beauty is available for you to see from the saddle of your own horse. Rates are $50 per hour, $75 for 1.5 hours,and $100 for a two hour ride. Children are welcome to ride, but they must be 6 years old. The horses are calm, tame and many are "movie stars" - as Ron, the outfitter, is often asked by Hollywood producers to provide horses to the stars. The DACVB makes reservations up to 48 hours (2 days) before your ride. Give us a call to make a reservation or to get more information(888)878-8002 or (801)774-8200