Frary Peak on Antelope Island

Blog post 100!  What a great hike to write about on this blogging milestone - Frary Peak! on Antelope Island.  I have wanted to do this hike for some time and finally had the opportunity.  OHHH and it was a good one!!  If you are looking for a hike with spectacular views, plenty of wildlife to see and is challenging Frary Peak fits the bill perfectly.  The trailhead to Frary Peak is easy to find.  After crossing the causeway (water levels are extremely low this year) follow the road left to Garr Ranch Road on the east side of the island. Good wildlife viewing all along this road.  After about 5 miles you will find signs for Frary Peak trailhead to the right.  Another 1/2 mile on a steep paved road gets to the trailhead parking.  My best advise for hiking Frary Peak is to get an early start and also plan this hike for early spring or late fall.  Summer can be too hot and very buggy.

 

Frary Peak is about 6.6 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of about 2070 feet.  The first mile and the last half mile to the top are the steepest, but the majority of the hike is a nice gradual climb along a very scenic ridge overlooking the west side of the Great Salt Lake.  The wildlife on our hike this morning was exceptional; from the meadow larks singing to us all morning to spotting a lone coyote.  We saw rabbits, bison, deer, antelope, a coyote, chukars, lizards, butterflys, a hawk.  We also saw a few wildflowers blooming.  Most notably a very pretty pink shade of Indian Paintbrush.

 Wildlife

12 head of deer climbing up the hillside.

This is looking at Frary Peak.  The trail continues to the right following the cairns downward for a little bit and wrapping around the west side of the peak before making a very steep assent climbing up some makeshift steps before reaching the top.  This portion of the trail is challenging and not for the faint of heart.  But the payoff is so worth the effort and fear.

Geological marker at top of Frary Peak

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There is a day use fee of $10 per vehicle or $5 for Utah seniors.  Also Antelope Island State Park has a very nice Visitor Center open year-round so make sure to stop by for a visit (plus this may be your only chance for restrooms).