Salt Lake City: Great Salt Lake Wildlife & Sunset Experience

If you’re visiting Salt Lake City and crave a taste of Utah’s wild side, this tour to Antelope Island and the Great Salt Lake might just be what you’re looking for. We haven’t done it ourselves, but from the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions, it looks like an engaging mix of wildlife spotting, scenic views, and a memorable sunset.

What really stands out are the expert guides who seem to know exactly where to find the animals, and the striking sunset views from Buffalo Point. Plus, the opportunity to see herds of bison roaming freely and spot a variety of migratory birds adds a special touch.

One thing to keep in mind is that the hike to Buffalo Point is rated as moderately difficult and isn’t suited for everyone—so if mobility is an issue, you might want to consider that. This tour appears to be best suited for those who enjoy nature, wildlife, and a relaxed but immersive outdoor experience.

Key Points

• Wildlife Viewing: Expect to see bison, antelope, coyotes, porcupines, and migratory birds, with some reviewers mentioning close-up encounters.
• Scenic Landscape: The Great Salt Lake area boasts dramatic, wide-open desert views that are both peaceful and awe-inspiring.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Sarah, Garth, Rick, and others receive praise for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to enhance the experience.
• Sunset Hike: The short, manageable hike to Buffalo Point offers a prime spot for sunset photos and panoramic vistas.
• Group Size & Flexibility: The tour is limited to 9 people, making it intimate and personalized, with flexible cancellation and payment options.
• Cost & Value: At $145 per person, considering transportation, wildlife spotting, binoculars, and guidance, many reviews suggest it’s a good value.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

What’s Included and How It Works

This 4.5-hour adventure kicks off with a pickup from Salt Lake City in a white Ford van marked with Sunnyside Expeditions. The tour is small, capped at 9 participants, which means fewer crowds and more personalized attention. The cost ($145) includes roundtrip transportation, a knowledgeable guide, entrance to Antelope Island State Park, and binoculars to get a closer look at the animals.

You’ll meet your guide in the city, climb aboard, and start your journey away from the urban buzz toward the serene wilderness of the Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island.

The Drive and Arrival

The ride itself is part of the adventure — you get to see Utah’s expansive deserts and rocky landscapes, which set the mood for a day in nature. Since the trip is organized to run rain or shine, it’s good to be prepared for any weather, though most reviews highlight the beauty of clear, sunny days.

When you arrive at Antelope Island, you’ll notice the vastness of the landscape immediately. It’s a wide, open space that invites quiet contemplation and offers plenty of space for wildlife to roam freely.

Wildlife Encounters

This is the core of the tour. As you explore, your guide will help you spot and identify the various animals. The highlight for most visitors is the herd of around 600 American bison that graze openly on the island—close enough for some great photo ops, according to reviews mentioning sightings of “almost all of the bison herds.”

Beyond bison, the island teems with deer, coyotes, bobcats, and porcupines, and if the season is right, you’ll see up to 200,000 migratory birds. One reviewer recalled spotting “rabbits, owls, snakes,” and even more wildlife, describing the experience as “incredible.”

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The Hiking and Sunset View

After wildlife spotting, the tour takes you on a short, approximately one-mile hike to Buffalo Point. The trail is used often, but it’s rated as moderately difficult, with a couple of steep segments. Several reviewers, like Joseph, noted that the climb “is not an easy one” and suggested it might not be suitable for those with mobility issues.

But the payoff? Watching a breathtaking sunset over the lake and the surrounding mountains. Many reviewers describe this moment as truly memorable, with panoramic views perfect for photos. One family avoided the hike due to mobility concerns but still appreciated the sunset spot, thanks to their guide’s flexibility.

The Return Journey

After soaking in the sunset, you’ll hop back into the van for the scenic ride back to Salt Lake City. The windows in the vehicle are large, providing ample opportunity to take in the changing landscape and reflect on the day.

What Travelers Are Saying

From reviews, it’s clear this tour hits the mark for those who love wildlife and scenic outings. Many highlight the knowledge and friendliness of guides like Sarah, Garth, Rick, and Cramon, who seem to go above and beyond to make sure everyone is comfortable and engaged.

The value of the experience is frequently praised — considering the transportation, wildlife spotting, binoculars, and the chance to see truly wild animals in their natural habitat, many think it’s worth the $145 price tag.

One reviewer from the UK captured this well: “The tour was great. It should be longer than 4.5 hours,” pointing out that the experience might just leave you wanting more.

Highlights from the Reviews

• “Seeing hundreds of bison close up was the highlight,”
• “The sunset from Buffalo Point was incredible,”
• “The guides are very knowledgeable and friendly,”
• “The wildlife sightings exceeded expectations,”
• “The short hike is worth it for the view, but it’s not suited for everyone.”

The Practical Side: Logistics and Considerations

Duration and Pacing

At just under five hours, this is a manageable half-day activity. It’s a good choice if you want a taste of Utah’s wild landscapes without committing to a full-day tour. The pace is relaxed, with plenty of opportunities to stop and look for animals, and the guides seem adept at making everyone comfortable.

Group Size and Personal Attention

Limited to nine participants, the small group size really matters. It means less waiting, more chances to ask questions, and a more intimate experience. Many reviews emphasize how guides like Leah or Phil are personable, knowledgeable, and eager to make the tour special for each guest.

Price and Value

At $145, the cost includes transportation, wildlife binoculars, entrance fees, and guiding. Considering how much wildlife, scenery, and expert insight you get, most travelers see it as fair value. The reviews reflect that many feel they received a worthwhile experience for their money.

What to Bring and Wear

Expect to walk or hike for about a mile on trails that are used but can include some steep sections. So, comfortable hiking shoes are a must. Bring water, and sports shoes are recommended in addition to hiking shoes. Since the tour occurs in rain or shine, dress appropriately for the weather.

Accessibility and Suitability

The hike to Buffalo Point, while short, is moderately difficult and involves some elevation gain, so those with mobility issues should consider this. If hiking isn’t your thing, the guides are flexible enough to suggest alternative viewpoints.

Who Is This Tour For?

This experience is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those who enjoy scenic drives and hikes. It appeals to singles, couples, and small groups who want a peaceful day immersed in Utah’s natural beauty. Families with older children who are comfortable walking should find it enjoyable, but it’s probably not suitable for anyone with mobility impairments.

If you’re a fan of stunning sunsets and wildlife, you’ll probably find this adventure very rewarding. If you’re looking for a quick, well-organized trip with expert guides and the chance to see bison, this is a solid choice.

Final Thoughts

This tour to Antelope Island offers a balanced mix of wildlife viewing, scenic landscapes, and relaxation. The guiding staff consistently draws praise for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to enhance the experience. The chance to see herds of bison roaming free and catch a sunset over the Great Salt Lake makes it a memorable outing.

While the hike to Buffalo Point is a highlight, it’s important to consider your comfort with walking on uneven terrain. The small-group format and inclusive price make it a good pick for those wanting a personalized adventure.

If you’re after a genuine connection with Utah’s wilderness, this tour warrants a serious look. It’s a chance to step outside the city, breathe in fresh air, and watch the animals in their natural habitat—all guided by passionate experts eager to share their love for the land.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
While it’s generally a nature-focused outing, the hike to Buffalo Point is moderately difficult and might not be suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable hiking shoes, water, and possibly sport shoes in addition to hiking shoes. Since the tour runs rain or shine, dress accordingly.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 4.5 hours. It’s a half-day trip, making it convenient for travelers who want a quick but immersive experience.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so consider bringing snacks or water. The reviews mention that snacks and water provided in the van were appreciated.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility to adapt your plans.

What makes this tour special?
The opportunity to see herds of bison and other wildlife in their natural setting, combined with a beautiful sunset view, makes this tour stand out. Plus, the knowledgeable guides and small group size create a personalized experience.

If you’re after an authentic, engaging look at Utah’s wild side, with expert guides, wildlife, stunning vistas, and a memorable sunset, this tour is definitely worth considering. It combines nature’s beauty with a relaxed, friendly vibe that leaves many travelers feeling they’ve had a truly special adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: