Great Salt Lake Birding and Nature Adventure

Salt Lake City , United States

Great Salt Lake Birding and Nature Adventure

Active

(3 reviews)

4h - 6h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The Great Salt Lake is home to millions of breeding waterbirds, and hosts even more during migration offering a unique look at birdlife unlike anywhere else in states. No visit to Utah is complete without a visit to the lake—“Americas Dead Sea”. Our Great Salt Lake Birding and Nature Tour is a perfect opportunity to visit the Great Salt Lake and learn about the Flora and Fauna of this wonder of the world.

Available options

Great Salt Lake Birding and Nature Adventure

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

All Fees and Taxes

Bottled water

We provide a spotting scope to look through to see some birds and animals 30-60x closer!

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

It goes without saying, that any visit to Utah isn't complete with going to the Great Salt Lake. By and far the most requested destination for birders visiting Utah, we have come up with a few options to give any birder a nice introduction to the lake. The lake is the largest remnant of Lake Bonneville, a prehistoric pluvial lake that once covered much of western Utah. In terms of surface area, it is the largest lake in the United States that is not one of the Great Lakes.

Stop 2

No matter the time of year, we always start things off by visiting the actual lake via the Antelope Island Causway. Despite record low water levels the past few years the causeway still provides a great intro to the birds of the Great Salt Lake. Year-round we will see the Utah State Bird--the California Gull--ask us about the history and we'll happily share the story of this unique state bird! Moving on to the island we'll spend some time looking for American Bison, Pronghorn, Coyote, Burrowing Owl, and Great Horned Owl among other species!

Here where freshwater meets salt, the brackish areas create an incredible abundance of food, and in turn an increidble number of bird speceis. In the winter Bald Eagles congregate here along wiht gulls, and numerous species of waterfowl. During migration 50-60 species of birds can be seen in a rather short period of time as waterbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl, waders, and divers fuel up on their wasy north and south. In the summer, breeders like Clark's Grebe, Western Grebe, Sandhill Crane, Common Yellowthroat, and Virginia Rail are all possible. If you only have a few hours to go birding and want a taste of what the lake has to offer, this excursion is a perfect way to get acquainted.

What's not included

We do not provide binoculars or cameras to use.

We do not provide snacks, soda, alcoholic drinks, or meals

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City, nestled between the Great Salt Lake and the Wasatch Mountains, is a unique blend of urban sophistication and outdoor adventure. Known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene, it offers a distinctive experience for travelers. The city is a gateway to world-class skiing, hiking, and cultural attractions, making it a versatile destination for all types of travelers.

Top Attractions

Temple Square

The spiritual and historical heart of Salt Lake City, home to the iconic Salt Lake Temple and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free

Great Salt Lake State Park

A unique natural wonder offering saltwater beaches, birdwatching, and recreational activities.

Nature Half day to full day Free entry, fees for camping and certain activities

Park City Mountain Resort

One of the largest ski resorts in the U.S., offering world-class skiing, snowboarding, and summer activities.

Adventure/Entertainment Full day Moderate to expensive (lift tickets, rentals, and lessons)

Natural History Museum of Utah

A premier natural history museum featuring exhibits on Utah's geology, paleontology, and cultural history.

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate ($14.95-$19.95 for adults)

Red Butte Garden and Arboretum

A beautiful botanical garden and arboretum featuring a variety of plant collections, walking trails, and seasonal events.

Nature 1-2 hours Moderate ($12-$15 for adults)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Fry Sauce

A popular condiment made from a blend of ketchup and mayonnaise, often served with fries and burgers.

Condiment Contains dairy and eggs (mayonnaise).

Pasties

A savory pastry filled with meat, potatoes, and vegetables, originally brought by Cornish miners.

Snack Can be vegetarian or vegan if made without meat.

Green Jell-O

A unique dessert made with green gelatin, often served with cream and whipped topping.

Dessert Gelatin is not vegetarian or vegan.

Popular Activities

Skiing and snowboarding at Park City Mountain Resort Hiking in the Wasatch Mountains Mountain biking at Park City or Moab Spa treatments at local resorts Picnicking at Red Butte Garden Strolling through Temple Square Visiting the Natural History Museum of Utah Attending a performance by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Best Time to Visit

December to February (winter) and June to August (summer)

Winter is ideal for skiing and snowboarding, while summer offers hiking, biking, and festivals. These are the busiest times with the most activities and events.

Winter: -7°C to 2°C (19°F to 36°F), Summer: 21°C to 35°C (70°F to 95°F) Winter: 19°F to 36°F, Summer: 70°F to 95°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Mountain Time Zone (MT), UTC-7 (standard time), UTC-6 (daylight saving time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Salt Lake City is generally safe for visitors, with low crime rates in most areas. However, as with any urban destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded areas and at night.
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps to avoid scams.

Getting there

By air

Salt Lake City International Airport • 6 km (4 miles) from city center

By train

Salt Lake City Intermodal Hub

By bus

Salt Lake City Intermodal Hub

Getting around

Public transport

Easy to use, clean, and efficient. Covers major attractions, downtown, and airport.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Sugar House The Avenues

Day trips

Park City

40 km (25 miles) • Half day to full day

A charming mountain town known for its world-class skiing, historic Main Street, and outdoor activities.

Antelope Island State Park

50 km (31 miles) • Full day

A scenic island in the Great Salt Lake offering hiking, wildlife viewing, and stunning views of the lake and mountains.

Moab and Arches National Park

400 km (250 miles) • Overnight or multi-day trip

A stunning desert landscape featuring iconic red rock formations, hiking trails, and outdoor adventures.

Festivals

Sundance Film Festival • January Salt Lake City Jazz Festival • June Utah Pride Festival • June

Pro tips

Visit Temple Square early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the beautiful gardens and fountains.
Take advantage of the city's extensive public transportation system, including the TRAX light rail and UTA bus system, to get around easily and affordably.
Explore the city's diverse culinary scene, from farm-to-table restaurants to international cuisines and craft breweries.
Plan your trip around major events and festivals, such as the Sundance Film Festival and the Salt Lake City Jazz Festival, to experience the city's vibrant cultural scene.
Be prepared for changing weather conditions, particularly in the winter months, by dressing in layers and bringing appropriate gear for outdoor activities.