Buffalos, Salt Flats, Pink Water and Wide-Open Wonder!

If you're ever in Salt Lake City and looking for something unexpected, you don’t have to go far to feel like you’ve stepped into another world. Just a short drive from the city, Utah offers one of its best-kept secrets: a day trip that includes wild buffalo, pink salt water, and views that look straight out of a sci-fi movie. For this specific trip you probably need to budget at least 4-5 hours. It could definitely be more if you wanted it to.

Antelope Island: Yes, There Are Buffalos Here

Antelope Island State Park sits in the Great Salt Lake, and despite the name, the main event isn’t antelope—it’s the bison. Yes, real-life, massive, thundering American bison roam freely across the island. It’s surreal to see them up close, grazing near the road or silhouetted against the mountains. They’re wild, so keep your distance, but you’ll feel like you’re on a safari without ever leaving the U.S.

The island itself is stunning—rolling hills, wide-open plains, and panoramic views of the Great Salt Lake. There are hiking and biking trails, picnic spots, and a peaceful vibe that feels totally different from the buzz of Salt Lake City just an hour away.

Pro Tip: The East Side Road is paved all the way down to Fielding Garr Ranch. Keep going past the ranch on the dirt road. There may be more buffalo south of the ranch and we lucked into about 100 head of bison crossing the road all around us. It was amazing!

Stansbury Island: Pink Salt and Otherworldly Vibes

Drive a little further west and you’ll hit Stansbury Island—not an actual island anymore, but still home to one of the Great Salt Lake’s coolest visual tricks: naturally pink salt flats and water. Depending on the season and the lake levels, the salt and water around Stansbury can turn brilliant shades of pink due to algae and mineral content. It’s like nature’s own Instagram filter, and it’s absolutely worth the detour.

The landscape out here is quiet, stark, and strangely beautiful. There’s a kind of Martian-meets-desert vibe—perfect for photographers, nature lovers, or anyone who just wants to see something totally different.

Why It’s Worth the Trip

What makes this part of Utah so cool isn’t just the sights (though they’re incredible). It’s the contrast. One minute you’re in a modern city, grabbing coffee and checking your phone. The next, you’re surrounded by wildlife, salt flats, and pink water that looks like it belongs on another planet. It’s the kind of day trip that resets your brain and makes you feel like you’ve actually gone somewhere—without going far at all.

So if you’re in Salt Lake City and have a free afternoon, skip the typical tourist spots. Grab some snacks, hit the road, and go find the buffalo and pink lakes. Utah’s wild side is closer than you think—and it’s unforgettable.