Great Salt Lake State Park & Marina
Experience the vast, surreal beauty of the Great Salt Lake, from its unique pink waters to breathtaking sunsets.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer flies
Great Salt Lake State Park & Marina
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer flies
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the vast, surreal beauty of the Great Salt Lake, from its unique pink waters to breathtaking sunsets.
"It's one of those places that’s cool to check off your list because of how unique it is."
👟 Wear Shoes!
The lakebed can have sharp salt crystals and other debris. Always wear sturdy shoes, especially near the water .
🚗 Park Fee
There's a $10 per car entrance fee, which covers access to the park and its viewing areas .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunset Spectacle
Throughout the park
Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky in vibrant hues over the vast, shimmering lake. A truly magical experience.
The Marina Serenity
Marina area
Enjoy a peaceful atmosphere with boat slips and calm waters, offering a different perspective of the lake.
Pink Lake Phenomenon
Stansbury Island
Discover the surreal beauty of naturally pink-hued waters caused by algae, especially vibrant on sunny days.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Unique Scent
Prepare for the Brine Flies
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Shoes!
The lakebed can have sharp salt crystals and other debris. Always wear sturdy shoes, especially near the water.
🚗 Park Fee
There's a $10 per car entrance fee, which covers access to the park and its viewing areas.
👃 Brace for the Smell
The lake has a strong, unique odor. Visiting on a breezy day can help, and many find the views worth it.
📸 Pink Lake Magic
For the best pink hues at Stansbury Island, visit on a sunny day.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Shoes!
The lakebed can have sharp salt crystals and other debris. Always wear sturdy shoes, especially near the water.
🚗 Park Fee
There's a $10 per car entrance fee, which covers access to the park and its viewing areas.
👃 Brace for the Smell
The lake has a strong, unique odor. Visiting on a breezy day can help, and many find the views worth it.
📸 Pink Lake Magic
For the best pink hues at Stansbury Island, visit on a sunny day.
💧 Float Safely
The water is extremely salty, making it easy to float. Rinse off afterward if you get in.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often find the Great Salt Lake State Park to be a unique and visually stunning experience, particularly for its sunsets and the surreal pink lakes. However, the strong sulfurous smell and the abundance of brine flies, especially in summer, are frequently cited drawbacks that can detract from the enjoyment. While the natural beauty is undeniable, some feel the $10 entrance fee is high for the limited amenities and the challenging environmental conditions.
"We visited Great Salt Lake State Park in July, and… it was definitely an experience. The view itself is pretty amazing—super wide open, kind of surreal, and the sunset over the lake is definitely worth seeing at least once. That said, a few things kind of threw us off.
First off, the smell. Wow. It hits you the second you step out of the car. Kind of a mix between rotten eggs and musty swamp. We had heard about the “lake stink,” but weren’t expecting it to be that strong. It definitely took away from the vibe.
And then there were the flies—trillions of them. No exaggeration. They’re everywhere around the shore, and while they don’t bite, they’re super annoying and basically form a cloud around you when you get close to the water. Not ideal for a relaxing walk.
Facilities were okay—basic bathrooms, some shaded picnic areas, and a small visitor center. But nothing fancy.
Overall, it’s one of those places that’s cool to check off your list because of how unique it is (and yeah, it’s one of the saltiest bodies of water on Earth), but we probably wouldn’t come back in the middle of summer. Worth seeing once—just don’t forget your nose plugs and a fly swatter."
akshay reddy
"There is some interesting history to learn about here. The lake is a beautiful site to see. They have an informative video you can watch inside. They have a little momento shop with a few snacks.
The lake itself has its own ecosystem going on with rotten shrimp, little bugs, and spiders galore! So expect it to stink.
It cost $10 to park and they have back up camping spots for smaller campers. There is also a large marina for boats."
Nicole B.
"We happened to go on a day that they had no water due to a pipe breaking. They did have port a potties. We paid $10(per car load) to get in to the beach area. While it was beautiful, we were not able to get into the water because there were hundreds of thousands of knats. They would swarm every part of your body. We saw people running away and we did not stick around to find out why they were running, we ran too. The visitor center was also very nice. I would save my money next time as that is all you can see for $10. The little beach area only. I asked if there were other places to drive to see the rest of the lake and the attendant at the visitor center said no. So we left."
Jennifer Quintana
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is conveniently located just west of Salt Lake City, about a 20-minute drive. Take I-80 West and follow signs for the park. For Stansbury Island's pink lake, continue on I-80 West to Exit 84, then follow the road for about 15 miles to the island's tip.
Public transportation options are limited for reaching Great Salt Lake State Park directly. Driving is the most common and convenient method for visitors.
The road to Stansbury Island is dirt and gravel for about 9 miles, but it's generally passable for standard vehicles; 4WD is not required.
Yes, there are parking areas available, including a lot at the tip of Stansbury Island. Parking is free at Stansbury Island, but there is a $10 per car fee for the main Great Salt Lake State Park area.
Drone permits are available for $1.00 at the Great Salt Lake Park if you wish to fly a drone.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is $10 per vehicle for the main park area. Stansbury Island, where the pink lake is located, is generally free to visit.
The park is typically open year-round during daylight hours. However, it's always a good idea to check the official Utah State Parks website for any seasonal closures or specific hours.
Advance booking is generally not required for day use at Great Salt Lake State Park. You can pay the entrance fee upon arrival.
Information on specific discounts is not widely available. It's best to check with the park directly or the Utah State Parks website for any potential passes or discounts.
The $10 fee typically covers access to the park's viewing areas, picnic spots, and visitor center. Some reviews suggest it's for the beach area only.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Activities include enjoying panoramic views, watching stunning sunsets,+2 visiting the marina, exploring the unique pink lake at Stansbury Island,
+1 and learning about the lake's ecosystem at the visitor center.
Swimming is not generally recommended due to the extreme salinity, which can be uncomfortable and potentially harmful if ingested. Floating is possible due to buoyancy.
The lake has a strong, sulfurous odor due to its ecosystem. Many visitors find it noticeable, especially in warmer months. Visiting on a breezy day can help mitigate this.
Yes, especially in summer, brine flies are common near the water's edge. They don't bite but can be numerous. Consider visiting during cooler seasons or focusing on higher ground.
While the park itself is more focused on viewing and marina activities, nearby areas like Antelope Island offer hiking trails with great lake views.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The park has basic facilities, including a small visitor center that may offer snacks and souvenirs. It's recommended to bring your own food and drinks for a picnic.
For a wider selection of dining options, head back towards Salt Lake City, which offers numerous restaurants catering to various tastes and budgets.
Yes, the park provides shaded picnic areas, perfect for enjoying a meal with a view of the lake.
Absolutely! Bringing your own provisions is highly encouraged to make the most of your visit, especially since dining options within the park are limited.
Alcohol policies can vary. It's best to check the official Utah State Parks regulations or contact the park directly for current rules regarding alcohol consumption.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire park offers stunning photographic opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset.+2 The marina and the unique pink lake at Stansbury Island are also popular subjects.
+1
Golden hour, both at sunrise and sunset, provides the most dramatic lighting for capturing the lake's expansive beauty and vibrant colors.+2
Yes, the pink lake is a fantastic subject for photography. For the most vivid colors, aim for a sunny day.
General photography for personal use is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require permits, so check park regulations.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife, and a tripod is recommended for low-light sunset shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be prepared for the lake's distinct smell and the potential presence of brine flies, especially in summer. Visiting during cooler months or focusing on the marina and viewing areas might be more comfortable for younger children. The visitor center offers some educational insights into the lake's ecosystem, which can be engaging for curious minds. Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, as dining options are limited.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the lake and surrounding desert. A tripod will be invaluable for low-light conditions during sunset. Consider visiting multiple times, perhaps at sunrise and sunset, to experience the different moods and lighting conditions. Remember to protect your gear from salt spray and dust.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
A few hours here can provide stunning views and a memorable experience, especially if you time your visit for sunset.For those seeking a more specific visual, a detour to Stansbury Island to see the pink lake is highly recommended and can be done as part of a day trip from Salt Lake City.
Remember to pack essentials like water, snacks, and sun protection, as amenities are basic. The $10 entrance fee makes it an affordable yet impactful addition to any itinerary.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Great Salt Lake: A Unique Ecosystem
This salinity also gives the lake its distinctive appearance and, at times, its characteristic odor.Visitors often remark on the lake's surreal beauty, especially during sunset, when the sky's colors reflect off the vast, shimmering surface.
Understanding the lake's natural processes, including the presence of brine flies and the occasional strong scent, is key to appreciating the Great Salt Lake State Park. It's a place of natural curiosity and stark beauty, offering a different kind of outdoor experience compared to freshwater lakes.
Discovering Utah's Pink Lakes
To reach the pink lake at Stansbury Island, visitors typically drive west of Salt Lake City. The journey involves a 9-mile stretch of dirt and gravel road, which is generally manageable for most vehicles, though 4WD is not necessary.
There's a parking lot and restrooms available at the northern tip of the island, making it accessible for a day trip.For the best photographic opportunities and to witness the most vibrant pink colors, it's recommended to visit on a sunny day.
Navigating the Marina and Park Facilities
It's a pleasant spot for a leisurely stroll or to simply enjoy the views of the water and the surrounding landscape.The park's facilities include basic restrooms and picnic areas, some of which are shaded, providing comfortable spots to relax and enjoy a meal.
Keep in mind that while the park offers these facilities, the overall experience is centered around the natural environment. The $10 entrance fee grants access to these areas, allowing visitors to explore the unique features of the Great Salt Lake.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit