What makes a piece of land a State Park versus a National Park? Is it how ‘good’ it is – the best ones getting the best protection at a federal level and the second best getting the State Park consolation prize? I ask because I don’t see a huge difference in greatness between Antelope Island State Park in Utah and the Channel Islands National Park in California. (Brits: not to be confused with the Jersey, Guernsey, etc Channel Islands – also beautiful but not directly relevant to my point).
I guess my point is that many of you may not have heard of Antelope Island State Park (including me) and it’s actually rather good, in an impressively understated State Park kinda way. First there’s the hiking, second there’s the wildlife, and third there’s the scenery.
Our Antelope island hike is the topic of a separate post, so let’s talk about the wildlife. Well… They have bison. Practically puts it up there with Yellowstone. (Or maybe Hearst Castle…). Not just a few bison either. If you’ve ever done a safari in Africa and had that sense of excitement over your first zebra sighting, only to see herds of them thereafter, you’ll know what I mean. Even so, these bulky beasts command a sense of power intriguing to watch: when they stir from a seeming docile state (admittedly not that often – seems to be their favorite pastime) to snort and play fight with their brothers.
Also on the island are Pronghorn Antelope. The fastest land mammal in the western hemisphere (second only to the cheetah), I can well believe it when we saw one dart across the road in front of us. I was secretly hoping it was being chased by a bobcat (also an island native) but no sign.
Lastly, the scenery. Not even sure the photos do it justice. From the surrounding mountains to the expansive grasslands dotted with bison, the silky lake to the tell tale white wave marks on the beaches. Darren wanted to go down there and taste for himself whether Salt Lake was in fact salty. It’s probably a good thing we didn’t have time.
But even if you don’t hike and you don’t like wildlife, Antelope Island is worth a visit for the stunning drive along the 5 mile causeway alone. If you’re ever in the area, don’t miss out because this is “only” a State Park.