Can You Water Ski On The Great Salt Lake?

Utah offers a variety of watersports, including flatwater boating and jet-skiing, as well as adventurous rivers for rafters and canoeists. The Great Salt Lake, the remnant of a giant prehistoric lake that covered much of Utah, is a popular destination for boating, swimming, hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The lake is home to both the Great Salt Lake State Park and Antelope Island State Park, and is known for its incredible scenery and magnificent creatures.

The Great Salt Lake is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere, with warm, shallow, and still waters that allow swimmers to swim and even float on the surface. However, due to warnings of toxic soil in the lake’s bed, actual swimming, scuba diving, or water skiing are impractical due to the extremely high salt content, sometimes as high as 28%. The only sport on the Great Salt Lake is sailing, as the water is far too salty to do much else.

Water recreation in Utah includes houseboating, water skiing, rafting, kayaking, fishing, and swimming. The lake contributes 5-10% to Utah’s famous snow and extends the ski season by 5 to 7 weeks, creating 20,000 jobs and contributing to the economy. The Great Salt Lake State Park Campground is open year-round and offers RV sites that can accommodate up to a 40-foot RV. Campsites provide water and electricity, and boat rentals, jet ski rentals, kayaking, and more are available within an hour’s drive of Salt Lake City.

Sailing is popular on the lake, and full-service marinas are available at Antelope Island and Great Salt Lake State Marina on the south shore.

Can you dive in the Great Salt Lake?

Outdoorsy types will likely know this expansive Western state for its five national parks featuring vast sandstone landscapes, the Bonneville Salt Flats and the Wasatch Range. And it is indeed a land with unusual geographic diversity. The Great Salt Lake is an impressive remnant of modern geological times from when Lake Bonneville covered northwestern Utah entirely. Although this massive lake is not a dive location, six prominent sites are found throughout the Beehive State.

All diving is at elevation and requires altitude consideration, with the lowest site at 3,000 feet in Sand Hollow State Park. Salt Lake City is a good jumping-off point for diving Homestead Crater, Blue Lake and Bonneville Seabase. These sites are warmed by geothermal wells and springs, and are year-round mainstays of Utah diving best visited during winter. Homestead Crater is famous for offering skiing along with scuba diving, and is the most popular and expensive site.

Bear Lake, on the Utah-Idaho border, is also within reach from Salt Lake City. Water temps here reach the low 60s, making it a summer location that is less visited than the other sites. Calcium carbonate found in the limestone gives this natural lake a turquoise-blue color. Cisco Beach, on the eastern side of Bear Lake, is the most popular dive site for its steep drop-off near shore.

Is there fish in the Great Salt Lake?

At its average level of 4,200 above sea level, the lake is 75 miles long and 35 mile wide at its widest point. Are there fish in Great Salt Lake? No. Brine shrimp and brine flies live in Great Salt Lake, and feed off of algae.

Is it safe to swim in Great Salt Lake?

Swimming and sunbathing are popular on the clean, white sand beaches at Antelope Island State Park. The salinity of the water averages about 12%, making it much saltier than the ocean. The water is so buoyant that people can easily float. Freshwater showers are available to rinse off after swimming.

Sailing is popular on the lake and full-service marinas are available at Antelope Island and Great Salt Lake State Marina on the south shore. On overcast days, the horizon on the lake blends into the sky and the landscape takes on a surreal look: skimming sailboats and the lake’s distant islands appear to float midair. However, the lake is shallow (average depth about 20 feet) and even moderate winds can cause rough water. Experience is needed to navigate the lake. Powerboats can also operate on the lake. Motors not rated for saltwater need to be flushed carefully after use. Many people also kayak on the lake.

Wildlife is abundant on Antelope Island and in the lake’s shoreline marshes. Bison, antelope, deer, bobcats, coyotes, and elk roam freely on the island and are often seen by visitors. Bird watching is popular at many spots around the lake, including the federally managed Bear River Bird Refuge and the state’s Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area. The lake’s marshes attract large numbers of migratory birds. Duck and goose hunting is allowed in some areas and is usually very good.

Does anyone boat on the Great Salt Lake?

Tours of Great Salt Lake are back! Come enjoy a simple boat ride, a saltwater float or a spectacular sunset cruise while at the lake.

Boat tours leave the state park marina daily and options include 45-minute group tours, 2-hour tours, floats, private tours, and more.

Exclusive Excursions also offers stand-up paddleboard and tandem kayak rentals for those wanting to paddle out on Great Salt Lake.

Can you water ski on Utah Lake?

Utah Lake is a treasure trove of natural wonders, offering a sanctuary for diverse ecosystems alongside many outdoor activities. Here, you’ll find comprehensive information on lake stewardship, water quality initiatives, and vibrant events. Our commitment ensures that Utah Lake remains a pristine environment for swimming, kayaking, waterskiing, paddleboarding, fishing, and more.

As a cornerstone of Utah’s natural heritage, the lake continues to be a place where friends and family unite in the great outdoors. It’s not just about the fun; it’s about preserving a habitat where life thrives both in and out of the water, making it one of Utah’s premier destinations for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

What to Know About Utah Lake. Utah Lake is 24 miles long and 13 miles wide. This makes it one of the largest natural freshwater lakes west of the Mississippi River. It also means the lake has plenty of surface area for recreation. During the summer, camping, fishing, boating, and picnicking are common activities. During the fall and winter, hunting, ice fishing, and ice skating take the stage.

The lake is home to 18 species of fish, including the threatened June Sucker. You’ll also find a large amount of carp, which were introduced in the 1880s. The carp have destroyed a lot of the vegetation on the lake floor, which has created problems for various fish species and has loosened a lot of sediment. This along with the shallowness of the water can contribute to the lake’s murky appearance, especially on windy days.

Can you water ski in the Great Salt Lake?

Willard Bay State Parkis another option for access, though it’s the least traveled for guests of Great Salt Lake. Willard Bay is a freshwater reservoir on the flood plains of the lake. Both its north marina and south marina are popular for boating, waterskiing and year-round fishing for crappie, walleye, wiper and catfish.

There is a day-use fee per vehicle at all Utah State Parks, check with t​​he park for current pricing. The Annual Utah State Park Pass is accepted.

Help Keep Great Salt Lake Forever Mighty. The Great Salt Lake is essential to Utah’s environment and ecology – 10 million birds visit the lake annually as an essential stopover and breeding ground. But the lake has lost half its water due to human usage. According to the Great Salt Lake Advisory Council, 871 billion gallons of water is diverted annually before it enters the lake and anticipated water demand could lower the lake another 10 feet. Discover simple ways you can conserve water from the Utah Governor’s Water Conservation Team – visit slowtheflow.org.

A Matter of Geological Consent. Written By Darby Doyle.

Is it safe to swim in Utah Lakes?

BE CAREFUL: A harmful algal bloom is present throughout Utah Lake. Algae in the water may be producing dangerous toxins that can make humans and animals sick. Utah County Health Department has issued a WARNING ADVISORY for Utah Lake.

Is Salt lake good for skiing?

SLC undeniably has some of the most incredible ski resorts in the world. Home to Alta & Snowbird in Little Cottonwood Canyon and Brighton & Solitude in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Winter snow totals at these resorts reach amounts of over 500″ in an average winter. The terrain here is staggeringly beautiful and challenging. Steep lines, deep powder, and long descents down groomed runs. Snowbird has the iconic Fields of Glory and Mineral Basin. Alta’s High Rustler and runs off High Traverse will be sure to test the best skiers. Brighton’s Mary Chutes and runs off Great Western Express are where you can find some of the deepest snow. Last but not least by any means, Solitude has a great mix of steep terrain under Honeycomb Cliffs and Eagle Ridge. All in all, these Cottonwood Resorts have an epic amount of challenging terrain (and mellow groomers) for skiers of all abilities. But I will state that it does tend to lean towards the more proficient skiers and snowboarders if I’m being honest.

Of course, with this much good, has to have a downside. And the downside is the horrible traffic on a powder day. The Cottonwoods have been overrun almost entirely due to the IKON pass. Traffic jams going up to the resorts due to volume and plowing the roads can take anywhere from 1-4 hours. And after a long day, the traffic to leave the packed resorts can be equally as bad. The other downside of the Cottonwoods is the distance from town. Staying up at the resorts is staggeringly expensive, and there really is no nightlife at the ski resorts. Most people stay in Salt Lake City when they come to ski, which means you’ll have to fight that same traffic I previously mentioned.

Beyond just the actual skiing, of course, there is the culture and “vibe” to each of the ski resorts. Alta tends to be more a local scene with an unfortunate amount of localism taking place. Snowbird is almost exclusively tourists traveling from the east coast. Brighton is a snowboarders’ heaven, and trends more on the younger riders side. And lastly is Solitude, is where nearly everyone goes, simply because the IKON pass allows for unlimited skiing all year.

Why is it difficult to swim under water in Great Salt Lake?

The Great Salt Lake is a large lake with high salinity. People are able to swim in normal water very easily. Butit became difficult in this lake because of the high amount of salt present in it.

Can you scuba in the Great Salt Lake?

Outdoorsy types will likely know this expansive Western state for its five national parks featuring vast sandstone landscapes, the Bonneville Salt Flats and the Wasatch Range. And it is indeed a land with unusual geographic diversity. The Great Salt Lake is an impressive remnant of modern geological times from when Lake Bonneville covered northwestern Utah entirely. Although this massive lake is not a dive location, six prominent sites are found throughout the Beehive State.

All diving is at elevation and requires altitude consideration, with the lowest site at 3,000 feet in Sand Hollow State Park. Salt Lake City is a good jumping-off point for diving Homestead Crater, Blue Lake and Bonneville Seabase. These sites are warmed by geothermal wells and springs, and are year-round mainstays of Utah diving best visited during winter. Homestead Crater is famous for offering skiing along with scuba diving, and is the most popular and expensive site.

Bear Lake, on the Utah-Idaho border, is also within reach from Salt Lake City. Water temps here reach the low 60s, making it a summer location that is less visited than the other sites. Calcium carbonate found in the limestone gives this natural lake a turquoise-blue color. Cisco Beach, on the eastern side of Bear Lake, is the most popular dive site for its steep drop-off near shore.

Are there fish in Great Salt Lake?

Because of the abundant algae and halophiles, as well as the high salinity, the lake does not support fish — but it teems with brine shrimp and brine flies, which provide essential nutrition for migrating birds.