View west over the Great Salt Lake Antelope Island Biking

Antelope Island, in the middle of the Great Salt Lake, can be biked virtually year round.  Early spring and late fall are best.  In summer, ride the day after a rain storm -- the rain hardens the loose debris kicked up by horses on the trails. This view is near the beginning of the 9.2-mile White Rock Bay loop, looking west. The unusual rock formations are Tintic Quartzite, a rock dating from the Precambrian Era over a billion years ago. The White Rock Bay Loop ("Backcountry Loop") trailhead GPS is N 41° 01.445' W 112° 14.412'.

May 18, 1998 by Bruce Argyle

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On a short side-trip from the middle of the White Rock Bay loop, climb up to the ridgeline, where a rolling single-track takes you to Elephant Head with its spectacular view of Split Rock Bay.  From here, you can see the Split Rock Bay Loop trail, which is a nice add-on ride.

May 18, 1998

The ol' hardtail looks down from Elephant Knob

The mountainous south end of the island (seen on the left of the picture above) is mostly dark highly-metamorphosed rock such as quartzite and schist from the Precambrian Era (3.5 to 0.5 billion years ago), while the north end is sedimentary rock such as Tufa, a conglomerate laid down by prehistoric Lake Bonneville. In between there's a band of lighter-colored quartzite. The transition from light rock (for example, the quartzite in the photo below) to dark rock is abrupt.

The East Side Trail is singletrack curving along the eastern shore of the island. This is a flatter area, with views of the Wasatch Front. This trail is still being extended at the south end. To find the trailhead, fork left as you reach the island (near the marina). A tiny ways down the road, at the next fork, you'll find the trail on the left side of the road.

Dominic heads south along the Lakeside Trail The Lakeside Trail is another excellent ride; 3 miles of curving single-track beginning at the camping area at Bridger Bay on the far north end of the island. The middle mile of the ride is insanely rocky and rates an "expert" in technical difficulty, but you can easily hike through the areas that make you nervous. You can ride the trail back, or head overland by dirt road. (Or, you can zip 1/2 mile down to the White Rock Bay trail!)

North (Bridger Bay) trailhead GPS N 41° 02.394' W 112° 15.727'. South (White Rock Bay) trailhead GPS N 41° 01.669' W 112° 15.060'.

Dominic Bria hits the Lakeside Trail. Former CEO of Mad Scientist, Dominic played the part of respiratory therapist in multimedia Cardiac Arrest!
Photo Bruce Argyle March 18, 1999, Canon Rebel G.
A similar photo is available as wallpaper.
One of Antelope Island's permanent residents eyeballs a biker.  Among the wildlife in this nature preserve are 900 bison.  The big guys aren't usually aggressive, but they are wild. And they're definitely BIG. Don't get close during the calving or breeding seasons.

May 18, 1998 by Bruce Argyle
Canon A-1, 55  mm

You looking at ME? Are YOU looking at ME?
Antelope Island Trail Map There are overnight camping spots and picnic tables, and nice swimming beaches with bathrooms and shaded picnic areas. The visitor's center can sell you a Coke or a T-shirt, or teach you about the history and geology of the island.

Getting there: Just drive I-15 towards Syracuse (south of Ogden, north of Salt Lake City). Exit at the "Antelope Island" sign and turn west (away from the mountains, towards the lake). You'll be on Antelope Drive. Just drive west until you hit the lake. There's a $7 fee that includes payment to use the causeway over the lake, and your admission to the state park. With payment of the fee, you'll receive a road and trail map of the island.

For a one-page printable ride summary of this trail, click here!

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For additional information, including nearby lodging, rentals, camping, and current conditions, may we suggest:
Camping, guides, rentals:  http://www.utah.com/stateparks/antelope_island.htm 
General info on all of Utah's State Parks:  http://www.stateparks.utah.gov/index.php
Ogden area lodging and activities:  http://www.ogdencvb.org/