Ladyfinger Point | Antelope Island

Hiking Ladyfinger Point - Antelope Island Hiking Ladyfinger Point

Antelope Island

Overview

Thu A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 66. North northwest wind 7 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
66° | 43°
Fri Sunny, with a high near 69. North northeast wind 7 to 12 mph.
69° | 43°
Sat Sunny, with a high near 73.
73° | 45°
Sun Partly sunny, with a high near 77.
77° | 50°
Mon A slight chance of rain showers before noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 75.
75° | 52°
RATING: Easy Hike
SEASON: Any, can be hot and buggy in the summer.
GEAR: Standard Hiking Gear
WATER: None
Thu A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 66. North northwest wind 7 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
66° | 43°
Fri Sunny, with a high near 69. North northeast wind 7 to 12 mph.
69° | 43°
Sat Sunny, with a high near 73.
73° | 45°
Sun Partly sunny, with a high near 77.
77° | 50°
Mon A slight chance of rain showers before noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 75.
75° | 52°
The vast view of the Great Salt Lake from Ladyfinger Point
The vast view of the Great Salt Lake from Ladyfinger Point

Ladyfinger Point is the first trail reached when reaching Antelope Island. At about 0.25 miles, it is more of a stroll than a hike. Though short, this is a stroll I have done often and really enjoy. The point is an excellent viewpoint for taking in the expanse of the Great Salt Lake. Sunsets and sunrises at the point can be exceptional!

The short hike a good one for families. Near the point, large boulders allow seemingly endless climbing and scrambling opportunities for little ones! Our daughter has really enjoyed this hike every time we have done it. Reaching the lakebed from the point is easy and gives kids an opportunity to see the lakebed (or lake depending on water level) up close and look at the lake ecology.

From the point, the small rock outcropping to the west is Egg Island. The island is connected to Antelope Island when the water level is low. Egg Island was named because of the nesting birds that use the small rocky outcrop for nesting. When water levels are high enough to make Egg Island a true island, it is an excellent and pretty secure place to have a nest. To protect nesting birds, Egg Island is closed to access year-round. If you walk toward the island, there is a boundary sign back from the island that you are not allowed to go beyond to visit the island proper.

The large island visible to the north from Ladyfinger Point is Fremont Island. This island was visited and documented by John Fremont and company in 1843. Hoping for game and timber, Fremont named the island Disappointment Island for its lack of resources. History renamed it in his honor.

Note: The area can be very buggy from spring through fall. This is also the site of the Ladyfinger Tent campground which is often easier to get a campsite at than the larger trailer/RV campgrounds on the island.
Just getting started and heading out to the point.
Just getting started and heading out to the point.

Getting There

The trailhead is reach by first getting to Antelope Island. This is off I-15, west of Layton. Take exit 332 off I-15, and head west on Antelope Drive. About 7 miles from the freeway is the entrance to the park.

From the entrance to the park, cross the causeway and go right at the first junction after the causeway. The trailhead is 0.6 miles from the first junction on the right and well signed. There is a pit toilet at the trailhead.

Having fun along the waters edge.
Having fun along the waters edge.

Route Description

From the parking area, which has a restroom, the trail heads north to the point. Our favorite route is to hike the trail to the point, then work down west through the boulders and walk along the lake (or lakebed depending on water level) back to the trailhead.


Photos

Maps

Route / 0.65 miles / Elevation Range 4,196 - 4,249 ft.
Printable Maps:

Trailhead
12T 394983E 4545971N 41°03'30"N 112°14'59"W
Point
12T 394751E 4546150N 41°03'35"N 112°15'09"W
Egg Island
12T 393820E 4546172N 41°03'36"N 112°15'49"W
Egg Island Boundary
12T 394001E 4546190N 41°03'36"N 112°15'41"W

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