Swimming in the Great Salt Lake (Provo, Garden City: garden, activities, area)

[Chango]

Go to Willard Bay. It's blocked off from the GSL so it's fresh water and isn't as nasty, but is technically still the GSL so you can still mark it off your list of things to do before you die.

[stycotl]

Originally Posted by vmellen

I went to the Spiral Jetty and swam in the pink/blue water. Smelly with brine shrimp, BUT it was a fascinating and almost primal experience, floating as if in an isolation chamber, laid out flat on my back, bobbing right on top of the water (only three feet deep after hundreds of yards of walking) in the hot air. Any cuts/holes will sting so beware. And make sure you use shoes because the bottom is often sharp salt-covered rock. Go naked if you can!

you know, i don't think i've ever been skinny dipping in the gsl. i might have to make that a priority.

swimming there can be fun; i almost caught a snake last time (for those that don't know me, that would be a good thing)!

you have to prepare to shower ASAP though, because the salt itches like crazy once it dries to your skin, and as others have said, can burn too. it is worth it though. good experience. i'd second antelope island, though i haven't actually been to saltair for a few years.

[Lamborgotti]

Originally Posted by Katzpur

Don't go to Saltair!!!! It is ugly and stinky.

If you want to see the Great Salt Lake, do so from Antelope Island. I wouldn't discourage you from going for a "swim" (a "float" actually, because you can't really swim in the Great Salt Lake). I'd just want to make sure that you knew what you were getting into. The lake is very shallow for starters. You'll probably have to walk out into the water for quite a ways before it becomes deep enough for you to actually float. Do everything possible to keep from splashing water. If you do get water in your eyes, resist the impluse to try to wipe it out with your hand. It will just make the burning sensation worse. Instead, suck the salt off your fingers or thumb and then use them to wipe your eyes. Get out prepared to be coated with salt. It's not a bad experience, just a very unusual one. I personally love Antelope Island. It's an almost surreal spot. I would highly recommend that every new Utahn visit it, not necessarily to swim, but just to enjoy the scenery.

Agree 100%. If you really do want to experience the GSL, Antelope is definitely the best place to do it at. There are also bison there... which is pretty exciting compared to the water you'll be in. Be sure to bring some water, like maybe 3 water bottles for your eyes, nose, and throat, because you'll need it. Goggles wouldn't be a bad idea either, and some sandals would probably be good too.

[marnie000]

We will be trying out the Salt Lake in August. Is there any place on Antelope Island to shower afterwards?

[coolcats]

Originally Posted by marnie000

We will be trying out the Salt Lake in August. Is there any place on Antelope Island to shower afterwards?

Yes, the beach a short drive west of the visitor's center has showers -- the outdoor kind you see at the beach for rinsing off.

[BruceAdama]

How muddy is the GSL? Are we talking just some puddles here and there, or like vast areas of "be prepared to take a mud swim" muddy?

[dreameyes]

Originally Posted by BruceAdama

How muddy is the GSL? Are we talking just some puddles here and there, or like vast areas of "be prepared to take a mud swim" muddy?

The times I've been out there I didn't notice any mud. Once you get past the billions of brine flies the water's fine.

[Chango]

Originally Posted by BruceAdama

How muddy is the GSL? Are we talking just some puddles here and there, or like vast areas of "be prepared to take a mud swim" muddy?

The water is actually surprisingly clear in most places and the bottom is sandy, not muddy. It's the millions of dead brine flies and 150 years of accumulated mercury from the mines that make it *unappealing* to swim in.

[markg91359]

I think there is a subtle bottomline to most of these posts. That is if you are visiting Utah, swimming in the Great Salt Lake should not be at the top of your priority list. Its not easy to find a good beach (Although the trip out to Antelope Island is worthwhile). The brine flies are multitudinous. You don't want the salt water in your eyes and certainly not in your mouth. The smell isn't nice either.

There are so many other things to do in Utah. I think tourists see the Great Salt Lake on a map or read about how you "just can't sink" in the water and it catches their imagination. Swimming there is not really a good idea though. Many of those who have done it, don't try a second time.

[dreameyes]

Originally Posted by markg91359

Many of those who have done it, don't try a second time.

That is true however many who go skydiving only do it once but that doesn't mean it wasn't a worthwile experience.
There certainly is plenty of other things to do in Utah but IMO swimming in the gsl is a fun experience.