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Home  >  Hiking   >  Frary Peak, Antelope Island State Park
Central Utah

Frary Peak, Antelope Island State Park

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

Hiking Frary Peak – The Highest Point on Antelope Island

Frary Peak (6,596 ft) is the highest point on Antelope Island State Park, located in the Great Salt Lake of northern Utah. This stunning hike offers panoramic 360° views of the lake, the Wasatch Mountains, and surrounding valley cities. It’s one of the most rewarding summit hikes close to Salt Lake City and a must-do for outdoor enthusiasts visiting the island.

Contents hide
1 Share the love!
2 Hiking Frary Peak – The Highest Point on Antelope Island
2.1 When to Hike Frary Peak
2.2 Wildlife & Scenery
2.3 More to Explore on Antelope Island
2.4 What’s That Smell?
2.5 Trail & Visitor Tips
2.6 Trail Info
2.7 Directions
2.7.1 Hiking Frary Peak: What to Expect
2.8 Official Trailhead
2.9 Ridge & Trail Split
2.10 Frary Peak Summit
2.10.1 Check out my video & Subscribe!
2.11 Trail Map
2.12 Recommended Hikes
2.13 Save me on Pinterest!
2.13.1 Share the love!

When to Hike Frary Peak

The best time to hike Frary Peak is during the cooler months (November through March) when biting horseflies and no-see-ums are dormant. From spring through fall, the bugs can be intense—bring a head net if hiking after March.

Despite the insects, spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and clear skies for excellent views of the Great Salt Lake, Wasatch Front, and even distant peaks on a clear day.

Wildlife & Scenery

One of the highlights of this hike is the chance to see free-roaming bison, pronghorn antelope, mule deer, and various small mammals along the trail. The island is also a haven for birdwatchers—millions of migratory birds stop along the lake’s shores, including avocets, pelicans, and gulls.

More to Explore on Antelope Island

Besides hiking, Antelope Island State Park is popular for cycling, trail running, and birdwatching. Several races and endurance events are hosted on the island each year.

Don’t miss a visit to the Fielding Garr Ranch, located at the southern end of the island. It’s significant for two reasons:

It is the oldest continuously inhabited Anglo home in Utah.

It’s also the oldest Anglo-built home still on its original foundation in the state.

The island itself is part of the Basin and Range Province, which stretches from the Wasatch Mountains in the east to the Sierra Nevada in the west. Antelope Island covers 28,000 acres, is 15 miles long, and about 5 miles wide at its broadest point.

What’s That Smell?

If you’re crossing the Antelope Island Causeway and notice a strong rotten-egg odor, don’t worry—it’s temporary. The Great Salt Lake contains halophilic (salt-loving) bacteria that produce hydrogen sulfide, which causes the smell. Once you reach the island, the odor usually disappears.

Trail & Visitor Tips

Entrance Fee: $15 per vehicle (as of 2025)

Restrooms: Available at the Visitor Center and trailheads

Water: Bring plenty—there are no water sources on the trail

Sun Protection: Very little shade—wear a hat and sunscreen

No Dogs: Pets are not allowed on the 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

 

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: What to Expect

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.

 

Official Trailhead

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.

 

Ridge & Trail Split

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 Summit

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

My track via Gaia GPS – the best tracking app! Get your app here for a discount.

 

Recommended Hikes

The Top 10 Peaks to Bag in SLC!v

The Top 10 Peaks to Bag in salt lake city

Save me on Pinterest!

Hiking Frary Peak, Antelope Island State Park

 

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March 23, 2020
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