Is Antelope Island Wheelchair Accessible?

We had a great time at Antelope Island State Park. The trails and beaches were easily wheelchair accessible with the Extreme Motus All-Terrain Wheelchair. This was my first visit to Antelope Island and boy did we choose a cold and windy day to do it. Visiting in the winter isn’t all bad because there are a few months in the summer when the bugs are unbearable.

One of the rangers was worried the chair would struggle in the sand on the beach. We learned from her that it isn’t really sand. It’s calcified brine shrimp poop. If you look closely at the “sand” you can see it’s actually millions of little balls of poop. We tried it out and with our giant tires found the poop to be no different than other types of sand we have encountered.

Making Antelope Island Wheelchair Accessible

The Extreme Motus team was at Antelope Island for a demonstration of mobility devices. There were many different manufacturers and non-profits there to demonstrate how their equipment could make the state park wheelchair accessible. There was a Huckleberry, Action Trackchair, and more. After a brief explanation of the equipment, we went for a short hike using the Extreme Motus and Huckleberry. The trail was too steep and rocky for the Action Trackchair. In my experience, a lightweight manual chair can go so many more places than heavy mobility devices like the Action Trackchair.

The Utah State Parks system is making great steps in the right direction to increase accessibility for all its parks, and Extreme Motus is excited about the possibility of more accessibility devices on location so people with mobility challenges can enjoy these beautiful places with their families.

There are 42 state parks in Utah. With plans to provide all-terrain wheelchairs at or near each of these state parks Utah State Parks could quickly become the most accessible state parks in the country. Creating a blueprint for all other state parks to follow.

Know Before You Go:

Antelope Island State Park is a beautiful destination located on the largest of the Great Salt Lake’s islands, about 25 miles north of Salt Lake City, Utah. Here are some highlights:

Key Features:

• Wildlife: The island is home to free-roaming bison and antelope herds, along with other wildlife such as mule deer, coyotes, and a variety of bird species.
• Scenery: The park offers stunning views of the Great Salt Lake and surrounding landscapes. The island features white-sand beaches, rolling hills, and rugged rock formations.
• Activities: Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and scenic drives. There are also opportunities for camping, kayaking, paddleboarding, and stargazing, as the park is an internationally-certified dark sky park.
• Trails: The park has 36 miles of hiking and mountain bike trails, including popular routes like the Lakeside Trail and the Frary Peak Trail.
• Events: The park hosts annual events such as the Bison Roundup, where visitors can see the bison being herded and learn about the island’s history and wildlife management.

Things to Know:

• Insects: During warm months, insects can be present on the island, especially biting gnats in the spring. It’s recommended to bring fine mesh head nets1.
• Safety: Bison are very fast and should never be approached. The island also has gentle cycling on rolling paved roads, but caution is advised.
• Camping: There are several campground options, including sites for families, small groups, and large groups. Flush toilets and shower facilities are available at the Bridger Bay Campground.

Antelope Island State Park is a fantastic place for outdoor adventures and wildlife viewing, offering a unique experience in the heart of Utah’s stunning landscapes. Have you visited the park before, or are you planning a trip?