Great Salt Lake

As the largest saltwater lake in the western hemisphere, the Great Salt Lake is the remnant of a giant prehistoric lake that covered much of Utah. It covers  2,100 square miles, with an average depth of 13 feet. The marina is 17 miles west of downtown.

The Great Salt Lake sits around several islands, and offers outstanding scenery and recreational opportunities. Sunsets over the lake are said to be breathtaking, attracting many tourists and residents in the evenings. The Great Salt Lake also offers soft, white sand beaches, popular among swimmers and sunbathers during the day. The lake, which is two to seven times saltier than the ocean, is also a popular destination for bird watching as it is a major stop for millions of migratory birds.

There are many options for running, so it’s difficult to proscribe a particular route. A few options:

• Great Salt Lake Park. Good option near airport! Park at Great Salt Lake Marina. Follow the frontage road that goes east-west, paralleling I-80. It is 1.9 miles west from the Marina to Black Rock. Heading east, one can go for 10 miles or so, but the first 4 miles or so have the best lake frontage. Popular with bikers. Great sunsets from Black Rock.

• Antelope Island State Park. The spectacular ~7 mile causeway over to Antelope Island can be smelly but has great views. Once on Antelope Island, there are many options. The main Antelope Island Road  goes for another ~11 miles on the east side, and curls around the west side of the island for another ~7 miles. Great wildlife viewing, including 600+ bison.