Utahns tend to take the Beehive State’s beauty for granted. We sort of forget how majestic our mountains are, and how impressive the red rock of Southern Utah is. And, we tend to completely overlook the Western hemisphere’s largest salt lake. You know the one…that big lake that sits out west of the Wasatch Front?
It isn’t until you have relatives visit from out of town who think they want to go swimming in the Great Salt Lake that you remember how impressive this lake truly is. Here’s a little reminder:
This photo of the Great Salt Lake was taken from the International Space Station on July 6, 2014.
NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center/flickr
The lake really stands out - even from space!
NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center/flickr
You can see a distinct color difference in the lake in this photo taken from the International Space Station in 2007.
NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center/flickr The straight line separating the two colors is a causeway called the Lucin Cutoff - a railroad line that runs across the lake. Because of different salinity levels, each side has different algae. In the northern portion, a red algae grows in the lake, giving it a reddish-brown color. South of the causeway, a green algae grows, causing that portion of the lake to appear a deep emerald green from space. However, after construction on the causeway in late 2016, both sides now mix together more freely, so it’s likely that newer photos from space will not show such a drastic color difference.
The Great Salt Lake is huge, covering around 1,700 square miles. It stretches from Salt Lake City all the way north past Brigham City, and it provides plenty of recreation opportunities.
Antelope Island is a popular destination for those who enjoy hiking, photography and cycling.
Scott Law/flickr
Cross the causeway to visit this magical place where you can see bison, float in the salty water and visit a historic ranch.
onova2014/Tripadvisor Read our full article to learn more details about Antelope Island. Now is a good time to visit - the pesky brine flies should be settled down with the cooler weather.
East of the lake, you’ll find several preserves that protect wildlife and act as a refuge for migrating bird. This is the Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve, a 4,400 acre sanctuary that you can visit.
The Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve/Facebook For more information on the Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve, Click here to read our full article.
The Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge encompasses 80,000 acres and is home to more than 250 bird species throughout the year. It’s located near Brigham City.
USFWS Mountain Prairie/flickr Learn more about the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. Click here to read our full article.
You can take a sunset cruise to see the lake up close.
Gonzo Boat Rentals and Tours Gonzo Boat Rentals and Tours offers sunset cruises. Take a look at our full article to learn more.
The Great Salt Lake even has its very own ghost.
schweizup/flickr Many people believe that the ghost of grave robber John Baptiste roams the shores of the lake. Click here to read all about him.
Spiral Jetty, a huge land sculpture created by Robert Smithson in 1970, sits near the lake.
Elizabeth Haslam/flickr Take our day trip to see the jetty and more nearby attractions.
What’s your favorite thing about the Great Salt Lake?
NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center/flickr
The straight line separating the two colors is a causeway called the Lucin Cutoff - a railroad line that runs across the lake. Because of different salinity levels, each side has different algae. In the northern portion, a red algae grows in the lake, giving it a reddish-brown color. South of the causeway, a green algae grows, causing that portion of the lake to appear a deep emerald green from space. However, after construction on the causeway in late 2016, both sides now mix together more freely, so it’s likely that newer photos from space will not show such a drastic color difference.
Scott Law/flickr
onova2014/Tripadvisor
Read our full article to learn more details about Antelope Island. Now is a good time to visit - the pesky brine flies should be settled down with the cooler weather.
The Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve/Facebook
For more information on the Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve, Click here to read our full article.
USFWS Mountain Prairie/flickr
Learn more about the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. Click here to read our full article.
Gonzo Boat Rentals and Tours
Gonzo Boat Rentals and Tours offers sunset cruises. Take a look at our full article to learn more.
schweizup/flickr
Many people believe that the ghost of grave robber John Baptiste roams the shores of the lake. Click here to read all about him.
Elizabeth Haslam/flickr
Take our day trip to see the jetty and more nearby attractions.
It might be the largest, but the Great Salt Lake is far from being the only impressive lake in Utah! Here are 10 of the most beautiful lakes in the state. Here’s a hiking trail that takes you to a few of my favorite lakes.
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