Great Salt Lake State Park
Parts of Great Salt Lake are as much as nine times saltier than the ocean and second only to the Dead Sea in salinity. What makes this massive body of water so briny? There's no outlet to the ocean, so salts and other minerals carried by rivers and streams become concentrated in this enormous evaporation pond. Easy access to this wonder is possible at this state park on the lake's south shore, 16 miles west of Salt Lake City. A pavilion, souvenir shop, and dance floor honor the park's glory days when ballroom dancing and the lake brought thousands of visitors to its shores.
The state park used to manage the beaches north of the pavilion, but the lake is generally too shallow here for floating (Antelope Island State Park is better for that). What you can do here is walk down the boat ramp to Great Salt Lake State Marina and stick your legs in the water to experience the unique sensation of floating on water that won't let you sink. Your feet will bob to the surface, and you'll see tiny orange brine shrimp floating with you. Depending on water levels, you can also rent boats and stand-up paddleboards here and shower off at the marina.
