Kayaking is another option to explore the lake, with guides available to teach correct kayaking techniques and information on the lake's history. For more information call 710-7167. Or visit the Web at www.greatsaltlakekayak.com.
If you choose to stay on the island itself, there is the roaming herd of 600 bison, also big horn sheep, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, coyote and a wide variety of birds, Taylor says.
The three-mile Lake Side Trail leaves the Bridger Bay Campground, following the beach around the northwestern tip of the island to the group camping area on White Rock Bay.
It's especially good at sunset, where it might be possible to catch a glimpse of buffalo or other wildlife, the park manager says.
Fielding Garr Ranch contains the oldest continually inhabited Anglo home in the state, from 1848 to 1981, when the island became a state park. It is also the oldest Anglo built house in Utah still on its original foundation, Taylor says.
Taylor offered a brief timeline of the Great Salt Lake. Lake Bonneville was at 245 feet deep in 22,200 B.C. That mammoth lake grew to 1,000 feet deep, as the climate got wetter, by 16,000 B.C., but was well into its receding phase 5,000 years later.
Spanish explorers Escalante and Dominquez reportedly spotted the lake in 1776, as did later explorers, while the first Mormon pioneers bathed in the lake upon arrival in Utah, in 1847, Taylor said.
There is also a visitors center for the island where programs are offered, staff can answer questions, and a variety of books and souvenirs about the lake can be purchased.
For more information call 773-2941 or 652-4946.
tbusselberg@davisclipper.com
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