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Frary Peak, Utah, Antelope Island State Park, Frary Peak maps

Frary Peak on Antelope Island State Park is not only the highest point on the island, but also a beautiful trail that offers 360 degree views of the Great Salt Lake, the Wasatch Mountains, and views of the cities.

About

This hike is best to hike between November-March when the horseflies are gone for winter. After March, it is recommended to wear head nets to protect your face against the flies. Along this trail you may see Buffalo, Antelope, and other small animals.

In addition to hiking, Antelope Island is popular for cyclist and runners, and a few races are held on the island. Millions of birds congregate along the shores, offering unparalleled opportunities for bird watching. The Fielding Garr Ranch House (located at the southern end of the island) is an important part of the island and distinctive for two reasons. 1) it is the oldest continually inhabited Anglo home in Utah, and 2) it is the oldest Anglo built house in Utah on its original foundation. Antelope Island is part of what is known as the Basin and Range, stretching from the Wasatch mountains to the east Sierra Nevada mountains to the west. Antelope Island encompass 28,000 acres, stretching 15 miles long, and about 5 miles at its widest.

 

What’s that smell??

The Great Salt Lake supports bacteria whose byproduct is rotten-egg smelling hydrogen sulfide. The worst smell is while crossing the causeway. Once you reach the island, the smell goes away.

 

Directions

From SLC head north on I-15, and take exit 332 for Antelope Drive. Drive across the causeway, and at your first road split, veer left. Turn left again following the signs for Frary Peak Trail.

Hiking Frary Peak, Antelope Island State Park

 Frary Peak, seen from the Causeway.

Hiking Frary Peak, Antelope Island State Park

Follow the signs for Frary Peak Trail.

Trail Info

Distance: 7.2 miles RT

Elevation gain: 2,015 ft

Time: 3-4 hours

Dog friendly? Yes, on leash

Kid friendly? No

Fees? $10 entrance fee per car

Hiking Frary Peak, Antelope Island State Park

 Frary Peak Trailhead

Frary Peak, Utah, Antelope Island State Park, Frary Peak maps

Hiking Frary Peak, Antelope Island State Park

 The trail begins steeply, working it’s way up for about the first mile.

 

Hiking Frary Peak, Antelope Island State Park

 You’ll notice that the whole island does not have any shade nor water. Be prepared to carry a minimum of 3 L of water per person, and wear and hat and bring sunblock.

Hiking Frary Peak, Antelope Island State Park

 At 0.7 miles stay left at the trail split. Going right takes you to Dooley Knob.

Hiking Frary Peak, Antelope Island State Park

 First view of the Great Salt Lake to the West.

Hiking Frary Peak, Antelope Island State Park

The trail is marked every 1/2 mile with a brown mileage sign.

Frary Peak, Utah, Antelope Island State Park, Frary Peak maps

 The trail cuts through this large rock area, with the trail going into it, then coming out the other side.

Frary Peak, Utah, Antelope Island State Park, Frary Peak maps

 My friend Dave poses after coming out of the rock outcropping.

Frary Peak, Utah, Antelope Island State Park, Frary Peak maps

 Working your way up the mountain, there are several overlooks for photo opportunities. This is one of the first overlooks. I just love seeing the Wasatch mountains from a distance with the snow covered peaks!

 

Hiking Frary Peak, Antelope Island State Park

 The trail stays close the ridge, but more on the West side.

Hiking Frary Peak, Antelope Island State Park

 Getting closer – in Spring this trail can still be muddy especially after recent rains or snow melt.

Hiking Frary Peak, Antelope Island State Park

 Reach the tower.

Hiking Frary Peak, Antelope Island State Park

 Once you reach the weather tower and mile 3, you have two options for reaching the peak. My recommendation is to head right, down the more popular route, and up to the peak. It gets very steep in parts, but I prefer hiking up steep trails rather than hiking down steeply.

Once you are at the top, I like to come back along the ridge, hiking in a counter clock-wise direction. However, if you are feeling super adventurous you can hike up and down the ridge.

Frary Peak, Utah, Antelope Island State Park, Frary Peak maps

 We started off going right, down the main trail.

Hiking Frary Peak, Antelope Island State Park

 The trail stays on the West slope of the peak, eventually wrapping around the South side of the peak.

Hiking Frary Peak, Antelope Island State Park

Hike up two small switchbacks.

Hiking Frary Peak, Antelope Island State Park

 Last push to the summit!

Hiking Frary Peak, Antelope Island State Park

Looking down the ridge, how I would go back down.

Frary Peak, Utah, Antelope Island State Park, Frary Peak maps

 Finally on the summit!

Frary Peak, Utah, Antelope Island State Park, Frary Peak maps

 Taking in the whole view!

Hiking Frary Peak, Antelope Island State Park

 On the way down, I took the ridge instead of the trail. It’s an easy ridge if you have experience. If you’ve never hiked along a ridge, then I wouldn’t take this route. This route is only fun for experienced hikers/climbers. Passing an old burned tree along the ridge.

Hiking Frary Peak, Antelope Island State Park

My favorite section of the ridge scramble. Be careful as several areas require scrambling and there are big cliffs. If you are careful, and do a little route finding, you’ll never have to jump or need assistance from a friend. I was able to get down on my own.

Hiking Frary Peak, Antelope Island State Park

Love hiking on ridges!

Frary Peak, Utah, Antelope Island State Park, Frary Peak maps

 Almost done with hiking along the ridge.

Hiking Frary Peak, Antelope Island State Park

When I hike down this ridge, everything goes inside my pack including sunglasses. In the past I’ve had stuff fall out and there’s no way to get down to it. Keep your stuff secure on the climbs.

Frary Peak, Utah, Antelope Island State Park, Frary Peak maps

 Work your way down the same way you hiked up.

 Check out my video & Subscribe!

Trail Map

Trail Map via Gaia GPS – the best route tracker. Download yours here!

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Hiking Frary Peak, Antelope Island State Park

 

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