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Stansbury Island Trail

Tooele County, Utah

2.8/5
based on 8 reviews

Details

Distance

8.87 miles

Elevation Gain

2585 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Eric Bennett

Unique scenery you won't find many other places. Amazing sunrises and sunsets. Incredible reflection photography shots.

Rarely will you ever see another person at the underrated Stansbury Island, the second largest island within the Great Salt Lake in Utah - even though a dirt causeway connects it to land, it is still considered an island. The lack of crowds make this a good place to hike, take photos, and enjoy the sunrise or sunset. Just about an hour drive from Downtown Salt Lake City, you will find Stansbury Island and its many lakes. The lack of crowds also includes a lack of rangers or maintenance so the place is pretty rugged - as always, be careful and stay safe.

Par of this land is BLM owned, but a portion of it is PRIVATE LAND, so please stay on trail, keep an eye out for signs, and be sure to be respectful of these land owners. During the winter months it gets very chilly and windy here so bring good, warm gear!

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Features

Photography
Hiking
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Food Nearby
Groups
Lake
Picnic Area
Scenic

Stansbury Island Trail Reviews

This place is terrible for finding BLM vs private property. There are guys here riding around cursing at everyone who goes anywhere (marked or not) by private property signs. It’s terrible. Guys were cursing up a storm and we didn’t even deter off the main road yet. This place is terrible. I highly recommend going ANYWHERE else!!! I agree with others who had the same experience.

So much is private property, there are no trespassing signs everywhere. Gnats are so awful. Lots of people shooting guns. So if you do that- it’s a great spot for it. The burs are terrible and all over the ground- not great for dog feet. #turdburger

I went last night, my first time there in many years. I spent the night. It hasn't change too much. It's not clear to me if it's a combo of private land and BLM land, or BLM land that's leased. Not sure it matters. A huge section of the island is clearly posted as no camping, or even stopping. Where you can camp is regularly visited by gun enthusiasts out there shooting--frequently. Yes, a cool place, but not exactly the kind of land uses happening that make for a comfortable and relaxing camping experience. Good hiking and mountain biking regardless.

A lot of reviews talk about how the whole area is private property. I found the best spot to go to is on the southern tip of the island, turn off onto some of the dirt roads at the base of the mountains. You'll see lots of ranges where people go shooting. Be careful. A great access to the tops of the mountains as at Tabbys Canyon (again on the southern end of the Island)

The info that you can camp almost anywhere on the island is quite the opposite. The best 8 mile stretch of the island is leased by a guy on a four wheeler with guns that runs people off of his property. If you camp in these areas you face a fine of 500 to 4000 dollars. You have to camp either right near the shooting ranges on the southern edge or on the very north end. The island is a beautiful sight to see despite the mining and raping of the land from these people that lease it. I thought when I came here it was blm land for the public but I guess they rent it for money. The people dig holes in the ground taking all the rocks. I tried to go camp on the east side of the mountain and there is a sign there as well saying both sides of the road is private property. It seems everywhere you go there's signs and people telling you that you're not allowed there. I wanted to explore the cliffs but as always it's off limits. How is it the BLM rents our lands out to these people who take the resources and we can't even go there without facing fines and jerk face so called owners. If your looking for the same experience without the drama the area by lone rock may be a better choice. The best place I found to camp was at the very beginning of the mountain just beyond a four way intersection. If you get to the no trespassing sign you've gone too far.

Had a great time boondocking and exploring the area. We only saw one other camping group there and had plenty of space to ourselves. Climbed a little peak (~6,000') next to the road for great views of the salt flats and lake. Definitely drive to the end of the island to the viewpoint, where there are pink salt flats! Whoever said this is a "gay nudist swinger" hangout must be a very judgmental and lonely person. We didn't see any nudists 😂 but even if we did I'm sure they would have been nicer than that reviewer. Definitely a great spot for free camping, fun exploring, and lots of solitude 🌄❤️

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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