Frary Peak (Antelope Island)

Overview

Frary Peak is the high point of Antelope Island, the largest island in the Great Salt Lake (though in times of low water, the island becomes a peninsula). There are great views in all directions, especially back east to the Wasatch Mountains. The well-maintained trail is gaining popularity and for good reason, it is a great option early or late in the year, when the high peaks are under snow.

There are many interesting features of Antelope Island and Frary Peak that make the trip worthwhile. For geology buffs, Frary Peak has some of the oldest rocks on earth, at 2.7 billion years old. Interestingly, some of the youngest non-volcanic rocks also reside on the island. The tufa rocks were deposited by lake Bonneville 10,000 to 15,000 years ago.

The island is also home to much wildlife. The most famous residents are the bison, which herd is one of the largest and oldest in the United States. Pronghorn (known as antelope), bobcats, deer, coyotes, bighorn sheep, and much bird life also make the area their home.

Native Americans (dating back to at least 8000 years ago) visited the island as did John C. Fremont and Kit Carson. Fielding Garr was the first permanent settler of the island. Garr was sent to the island by the LDS (Mormon) Church to establish a ranch for the church. The ranch house was built in 1848, the year after the Mormon pioneers reached the Salt Lake Valley. The last of the ranching activities on the island ceased in 1984.

A visit to Frary Peak and Antelope Island is very attractive for all of the above reasons.

Getting There

Take I-15 exit 335 (Syracuse/Antelope Island) and head west through Layton and Syracuse to the entrance station to Great Salt Lake State Park. At this writing, there is an $10 per vehicle fee to access the island. Once across the causeway, take the left fork for 0.6 miles, make another left and follow this road along the lake shore for 5.2 miles, then make a right up a steep road for another 0.5 miles to the trailhead. There is plenty of parking, and the trail is obvious.

Routes Overview

There is only one trail to the top of the peak and off trail travel is not allowed, thus this is the only route.

From the trailhead, the well marked trail reaches the ridge and more or less follows it south to the summit. The trail is 3.5 miles each way with 2050 feet elevation gain.

Since the peak is isolated and there are no other higher peaks in the area, there are great views from the summit in all directions.

Red Tape

Entrance fees (includes causeway and wildlife fees):

Entrance fee: $10 per vehicle up to 8 people

Senior entrance fee (Utah residents over 62 years of age): $5 per vehicle up to 8 people

Bicycles and Pedestrians: $3 per person

Commercial Groups (including over 8 people per vehicle): $3 per person and $5 per bus

Educational Groups: $1 per person with prior reservation

he trail is also closed for part of April and May each year for the Bighorn sheep lambing season. Call the park at 801-773-2941 (entrance gate) or 801-550-6165 (park headquarters) for details.

No dogs or horses are allowed on the trail. No other routes besides the official trail are allowed.

When To Climb

Best climbed in spring (when open) and late fall. Winter warm spells are also a good time to climb. Because of the low elevations and lack of shade, summer ascents are usually hot and uncomfortable.

Camping

Camping is only allowed at designated campgrounds. Click on the link for information.

Camping fees:

Bridger Bay Campground (includes entrance fee to the park):

$15 for the first night, $12 each additional night. Fee covers one vehicle.
$13 fee for an additional vehicle.
Maximum site capacity is eight people and two vehicles.
Fires allowed in fire pits only.

White Rock Bay Campground (includes entrance fee to the park):

$30 for the first night, $24 each additional night. Fee covers two vehicles.
$13 fee for additional vehicles.
Maximum site capacity is 16 people and four vehicles.
Fires allowed in fire pits only.

Lakeside Group Campsite (includes entrance fee to the park):

$160 per night
Maximum site capacity is 80 people and 20 vehicles.
Fires allowed in fire pits only.

Ladyfinger Campground (includes entrance fee to the park):

$15 for the first night, $12 each additional night. Fee covers one vehicle.
Maximum site capacity is four people and one vehicle.
No fires allowed. Charcoal and propane only.

Reservations are recommended. Reservations can be made through the Reserve link at the top of the page or by calling (801) 322-3770.

Mountain Conditions

CLICK HERE FOR WEATHER FORECAST

Weather and climate data for Antelope Island is below. *National Weather Service Data 1952-1972.   This is representative of the trailhead.  Temperatures on the summit will be 5-10 degrees cooler than

Images

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