Great Salt Lake 2-Hour Guided Minibus Tour from Salt Lake City
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Salt Lake City, USA
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
The Great Salt Lake is one of Utah's top natural attractions—but it can be challenging to get there if you don't have a car. Enjoy a hassle-free way to explore on this guided tour from Salt Lake City, complete with round-trip transportation. Along the way, learn insider information and local lore about the lake; upon arrival, discover its scenery independently, or bring your bathing suit to enjoy a swim.
- Round-trip transit from Salt Lake City makes getting there easy
- Have free time to explore as you wish, including time to swim
- Learn more from your guide's commentary than you would if going alone
- This tour is a great options for visitors who don't have a car with them
What's Included
- State Park Entrance Fees
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional Tour Guide
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Radisson Hotel Salt Lake City Downtown215 W S Temple St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, USA
Tour bus parks curbside on the street in front of Radisson Downtown Hotel 10-15 minutes before tour to begin boarding. Wait outside main lobby doors at this time. PARKING available across the street (address of lot entrance: 40 John Stockton Drive).
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Start time.2:30 pm
Itinerary
1
Great Salt Lake
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 13 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.3
based on 205 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Linda_S, Jul 2026
No changing rooms. No electricity in Visitor Center… flys, smell but nice driver. Would benefit from nicer pavilion & access to water.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Those parts of the experience are controlled by the locations we visit, not by the tour operator.
We do appreciate you mentioning that the tour guide was pleasant. That matters, because our part of the experience is guiding guests and using storytelling and narration to bring this "Dead Sea" to life.
Guests who enjoy unusual landscapes, wide-open views, and a very different kind of natural setting tend to appreciate it most. Guests looking for polished beach amenities, changing rooms, electricity, or a nicer pavilion may be disappointed.
Thank you for still recognizing our tour guide.
BethCarol_B, Jun 2026
Unless you want to swim in the lake there is not much to see. The visitors center has a good video and you can check seeing the lake off your bucket list. The trip there is on busy highways so there is not much to see. Our guide was energetic and knowledgeable so my review is no reflection on her.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
The Great Salt Lake is such an incredible destination, though its true value isn't always found in obvious, postcard-style scenery. Because it is an ancient desert ecosystem, it really rewards travelers who bring a bit of curiosity and an appreciation for history and science.
We understand it isn't everyone's cup of tea. It is a rugged, mysterious desert ecosystem rather than a tropical waterfall landscape, which is exactly why having a fantastic guide along makes all the difference in the world.
On your own, that quick 20-minute drive through the desert surrounded by mountains is just a silent highway, and it’s easy to look right at the landscape and miss the significance of what’s there. Our guides love filling that short ride with the deep historical context and hidden mysteries that bring the environment to life—giving the whole experience that rich, Discovery Channel-style depth.
We are so genuinely happy to know that our guide's exceptional energy and knowledge made the trip enjoyable. We will definitely pass your lovely compliments along to her!
Sang_K, May 2026
Valorie was the best tour guide I could have hoped for. She has a fun personality and knows how to entertain people, yet she was also very kind and helpful. I'm glad I've done this tour and I recommend people to also do this tour!
Response from Host, May 2026
Sang, thank you so much for this and for recommending Valerie so warmly to every traveler considering the Great Salt Lake Guided Bus Tour. 🙏 Valerie is going to absolutely love reading this and our entire City Sights team is so grateful you took a moment to share it.
Fun, entertaining, kind and helpful. That is the complete package and exactly the standard a three generation family of lifelong Utah locals has spent over 45 years holding every City Sights guide to. Because the Great Salt Lake deserves that level of guide. This is one of the most genuinely remarkable natural wonders in America and most visitors have no idea what they are actually looking at when they arrive. The science of the saltiest lake in the Western Hemisphere, the extraordinary migratory bird populations, the fascinating and turbulent history of Saltair Resort on the shores of Great Salt Lake State Park, the opportunity to actually float in water so dense it holds you effortlessly at Silver Sands Beach. Valerie brings all of that to life with the kind of warmth and personality that makes every single minute of the two hour tour feel genuinely worthwhile.
That is the difference between driving yourself out to the Great Salt Lake and standing at the edge wondering what you are supposed to be appreciating, and experiencing it the way Valerie delivers it. One is a stop on a checklist. The other is a story you carry home.
Speaking of experiencing Salt Lake City as a story rather than a checklist, if you have more time in Utah we would love for you to experience our City Sights Salt Lake City Guided Bus Tour where your expert local guide hops off the bus with you at Temple Square, the Utah State Capitol and This Is The Place Heritage Park for the most comprehensive and insightful half day introduction to Salt Lake City you can have. And for the most purely entertaining way to fall in love with Salt Lake City, our City Sights Trolley Adventure Tour of Salt Lake City features three theatrical guides performing live comedy, music and Salt Lake City history on a vintage trolley. All ages love it and there is genuinely nothing else like it in Salt Lake City.
Best prices and real-time availability for all City Sights tours at SaltLakeCityTours.org 🚌✨
Gratefully,
The Team at City Sights Salt Lake City Tours
Carole_H, Nov 2025
It’s a nice intro to Great Salt Lake. Saves driving it yourself. Would have appreciated more information about the industries and businesses along the route. Those seem to be exploding and must be having significant environmental effects.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Carole, thank you for the 4-star note and for saying this was a helpful intro to the Great Salt Lake—it’s exactly the kind of easy, enjoyment-filled overview we work for. I’m sorry we didn’t go deep enough on the industries along the route and their environmental effects.
On the Great Salt Lake Guided Bus Tour from Salt Lake City, our live narration usually focuses on the lake’s geology, ecosystem, water levels, and history, with time for questions at the lakeshore/photo stop. Your feedback is spot-on: guests are increasingly curious about the industry corridor (salt and mineral operations, brine shrimp, logistics) and how activity around the lake intersects with air quality and habitat. We’re already sharing your note with our guide team so we can fold more of that context into the drive out and back—without rushing the viewpoints.
For anyone planning this bus tour: if you’re especially interested in industry and environmental impacts, tell your guide at check-in and we’ll aim a few minutes of the narration there and leave space for follow-ups at the stop.
Thanks again for helping us keep the balance of stories just right for future guests.
Paula_C, Sep 2025
Ayer studying the great Salt Lake in grade school, this was on my to do list. We made this the priority upon a stay in SLC. Our tour guide Valerie was knowledgeable and added an amusing twist of humor. Glad we were lucky enough to be on her tour.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
What a beautiful review to receive—thank you for sharing this! It’s wonderful to know that visiting the Great Salt Lake was high on your list and that the tour lived up to the anticipation. Valerie will be thrilled to hear your kind words—her blend of knowledge and humor is exactly what makes the journey out to the lake so memorable and enjoyable.
We’re delighted this experience was a highlight of your stay in SLC and that you found it both educational and entertaining. Guests like you are the reason our guides love what they do.
With gratitude,
City Sights SLC Tours Team
Dennis, Sep 2025
The guide was very experienced and knowledgeable about the lake and Utah in general. An excellent experience!
Be careful when swimming in the salt lake though. That salt can burn especially if you have cuts! And there are showers but it's just a hose out in the parking lot. Just be aware of that.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you, Dennis, for sharing such kind words! We’re delighted to hear that your guide’s experience and knowledge made the tour stand out—that’s exactly what we strive for on every outing. At City Sights, we’re proud to pair friendly, professional guides with well-planned tours that take the guesswork out of exploring. Comfort, insight, and memorable storytelling are what set our experiences apart, and it’s wonderful to know you felt that throughout your tour. Your feedback means so much to our team.
City Sights SLC Tours Team
David_L, Sep 2025
It was our last day in Salt Lake City and our tour was called off just a couple of hours before starting,
Disappointed because there was not enough people signed up. Kind of ruined our last day. We were never advised that this could happen
Response from Host, Sep 2025
We are truly sorry for the disappointment you felt on your last day in Salt Lake City. Canceling a tour is something we avoid whenever possible, because we genuinely love sharing the Great Salt Lake with visitors—it’s a remarkable experience we’ve proudly offered for decades.
On very rare occasions, when minimum participation isn’t met, we are left with no choice but to make this difficult decision. We regret deeply that this impacted your day and understand how frustrating it must have been, especially with such limited time in the city.
Your feedback is invaluable, and while words can’t undo the disappointment, please know how much we care about every guest’s experience and how committed we are to ensuring the Great Salt Lake tour continues to inspire and delight future travelers.
Christina_B, Sep 2025
This was the perfect afternoon tour for something different and quick to see! Come prepared with a bathing suit and sandals so you can enjoy the full experience and float! My tour guide was fantastic! So knowledgeable and friendly. Made the ride fun!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
What a joy to read—thank you for the 5 stars! We’re thrilled the Great Salt Lake made for a quick, memorable afternoon and that floating was a highlight. Big smiles here for the shout-out to our guide, too—knowledgeable, friendly, and fun is exactly what we aim for. And your tip about bringing a bathing suit and sandals is spot-on for first-timers!
If you’re ever in the mood for more SLC fun, our Trolley Adventure is celebrating its 10th year as the most entertaining way to experience the city. Or pair your lake day with our classic Salt Lake City Tour—going strong for 44 years and often called the best first thing to do in town.
City Sights SLC Tours Team
Natalie_H, Aug 2025
Valorie was a great tour guide. There were 7 on our tour and it was a perfect number. The van was very nice and trip was the right amount of time.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you, Natalie! We’re so glad you joined us for the Great Salt Lake tour and that it felt just right in every way—from the comfortable van and small group size to the pacing of the trip. Valerie will be delighted to know you enjoyed her guiding; she has a real gift for making the lake’s story come alive.
We hope the experience gave you a new appreciation for this one-of-a-kind natural wonder. If your travels bring you back to Salt Lake City, we’d love to welcome you aboard another City Sights tour.
– The City Sights SLC Tour Team
Nancy_W, Aug 2025
If you want to swim bring a change of clothes. They have showers available. Great family experience!
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Nancy, thank you for choosing our Great Salt Lake tour and for the five stars. Your tip about bringing a change of clothes is gold—those showers make it easy for families to float, rinse, and roll on with the day.
That effortless, buoyant float is such a one-of-a-kind feeling. We keep the logistics simple so you can relax and enjoy the experience while our guide brings the lake’s story to life.
We’d love to host you again on your next visit to SLC.
- City Sights SLC Tours
Eric_W, Aug 2025
Captain Valerie is one of the most energetic, fun tour guides you will ever have. She LOVES taking visitors to the Great Salt Lake. The energy starts the moment you get on the bus and continues until you get off. She even gets in the water with you! She said that she has never had a "sinker stinker" in the GSL, and I told her I accepted her challenge, as I don't float at all.
She pointed out landmarks and gave history on the way there, including a quick stop to take pictures (from a distance) when she spotted an antelope under a tree on the side of the highway. Once we got to the GSL, she took a picture for each of us next to the sign, then went to the water where she told us all about the brine flies and shrimp. I gladly lost my challenge, and for the first time in my life, floated on water without assisted devices.
The tour overall was about two hours - long enough to make it worth the while, but not so long that it took up the whole day. For the price, it was a great deal. highly recommend!
Response from Host, Aug 2025
What a treat to read your five-star review—thanks for spending part of your day with us on the Great Salt Lake Tour. We’re glad the big-sky views, peaceful time by the shoreline, and your guide’s local stories all clicked for you. We design the outing with easy pacing so there’s room to linger for photos, watch the light shift on the water, and ask questions without rushing. Notes like yours help fellow travelers know what to expect and keep our team energized. We’d be happy to host you again whenever you’re back in SLC.
—The City Sights SLC Tour Team
Shristi_A, Aug 2025
Tour guide was very interactive, explaining all things in detail and was very friendly person. He made sure that all the traveller enjoy the trip.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you, Shristi, for sharing such kind words! We're so glad you had a great time and felt well taken care of throughout the tour. An engaging, friendly guide can make all the difference, and it’s wonderful to hear that yours brought the experience to life with both personality and insight.
We’re proud to offer guided tours that are not only informative but also genuinely enjoyable—helping every traveler feel part of the journey. Thanks again for riding with us!
Mary_M, Jul 2025
Highly recommend going to the Great Salt Lake! Beautiful, interesting smell (it’s not a bad smell) and definitely worth the time. Mark, our guide, did a great job sharing information and preparing us for what to expect at the lake.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you so much, Mary! We're delighted you had such a memorable time visiting the Great Salt Lake with us. It’s wonderful to hear how much you appreciated Mark’s insights—he truly has a knack for making every tour enjoyable and informative. And you're absolutely right; the lake has its own unique charm (interesting smell included!). We're glad you found the experience so worthwhile.
Hope to welcome you aboard again soon—perhaps for another scenic adventure around Salt Lake City!
Warm regards,
The City Sights SLC Tour Team
Zimeng_W, Apr 2025
Valerie is a great guide:) She introduces us about the wildlife in the salt lake area. I absolutely love how energetic she is. Absolutely wonderful experience, taken some best shots there too.
Response from Host, May 2025
Thank you so much for the fantastic review! We’re so glad you enjoyed your time with Valerie and that her energy helped make your experience memorable. She truly has a knack for sharing the beauty and uniqueness of the Salt Lake area, especially when it comes to its wildlife.
It’s great to hear that you were able to capture some amazing shots—Salt Lake City definitely offers some breathtaking views. We’re thrilled you had such a wonderful experience, and we hope to have the pleasure of showing you even more of the area next time!
Warm regards,
The City Sights Utah Team
Sally_S, Apr 2025
It was a beautiful day to visit the Great Salt Lake. Met some really nice people on the same tour. I enjoyed seeing the lake and I learned a lot. But, the tour guide mocked my speech and my colloquialisms and I found it embarrassing.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thank you so much for joining us on the tour and for sharing your experience. We’re truly glad to hear that you enjoyed the beauty of the Great Salt Lake and connected with fellow travelers—that’s what makes these moments so special.
However, I want to sincerely apologize for the discomfort you felt during the tour. It’s never our intention to make any guest feel embarrassed or disrespected, and I’m truly sorry that this was part of your experience. Your feedback is important, and we’re taking it seriously. We will be speaking with the guide to better understand what happened and to ensure all of our team members are always mindful and respectful in their interactions.
Thank you again for bringing this to our attention. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back in the future and provide a more positive and inclusive experience.
ChiuKit_T, Sep 2024
The Viator driver picked me to the City tour by mistake, but Viator refused to compensate for their mistake!
Response from Host, Oct 2024
I'm truly sorry to hear about this mix-up. That sounds frustrating, especially when it affects your plans. Your feedback is valuable, and I'll make sure it's passed along to avoid such errors in the future. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.
Maya_C, Sep 2024
Tour guide was very friendly, a good driver, and knowledgeable. The bus was very clean and the AC worked well! We had plenty of time at the Lake too to explore and take photos.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Thank you for sharing your experience! It’s great to hear that you had a friendly and knowledgeable guide and that the trip to the lake gave you plenty of time to explore. Glad the bus was comfortable with good AC—always a plus! We appreciate you taking the time to let us know how it went.
Chelsea_D, Aug 2024
Definitely not kid friendly on sand storm days which is what happened. Mother Nature decided to have a storm, causing sand to go all over my baby’s face. A little scare! But otherwise the adventure was incredible. The host was absolutely welcoming and even safe guarded my baby and items as I rushed her to shelter out the storm. Now the views and education was mind blowing. Seeing the wonders of Salt Lake City was insightful and nothing short of spectacular.
Thank you
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Thank you for sharing your experience! It sounds like Mother Nature had some unexpected plans that day, and we’re sorry to hear about the sandstorm, but we're relieved that your baby is okay. It’s wonderful to know that despite the weather, the adventure was incredible and the host took care of you during the storm. We're glad the views and educational aspects of the tour made it a memorable experience. Thank you for your kind words and for joining us on this unique adventure!
maryann_L, Aug 2024
It was very cool to be able to float in the lake without effort. My son and I kept getting up and then sitting down to float again and again.
Our guide was helpful and informative.
I even liked the treat of salt water taffy that she gave us. It was so good… had to buy some.
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Thank you for sharing such a delightful experience! It sounds like you and your son had a fantastic time floating in the Great Salt Lake—what a unique and fun way to enjoy the day together. We're glad to hear that your guide was both helpful and informative, and that the salt water taffy was a hit! It’s those little touches that make the experience even more memorable. Thanks for choosing our tour and for sharing your wonderful day with us!
Rajesh_S, Jul 2024
The guide was friendly and witty. She was knowledgeable and it was great visiting with the family. We enjoyed the guided tour
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Thank you for your review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour and found the guide friendly, witty, and knowledgeable. It's wonderful to know that it was a great experience for your family. Thank you for sharing your positive experience!
Stephen_C, Apr 2024
Our guide was good, energetic and shared some new information about SLC and the lake. Unfortunately, on a cool rainy day there was no need to spend 45 minutes at the stop. We had hoped for several stops along the tour. We had read a lot about the lake so we could have driven out on our own to get a similar experience and saved some money.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. We're glad to hear that you found our guide energetic and informative, providing new insights into Salt Lake City and the lake. However, we apologize that the tour did not fully meet your expectations in terms of the duration at stops, especially on a cool, rainy day. We strive to balance our tour stops to suit various interests and weather conditions, and your input is invaluable as we look to improve this balance and ensure a more enjoyable experience for all our guests. We appreciate your honest perspective and hope to have the opportunity to offer you a more satisfying tour in the future.
Walter_H, Apr 2024
Tour guy was quite knowledgeable and pleasant. When you don’t have a car, this is a great way to see this natural wonder.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
We're glad to hear that you found the tour guide knowledgeable and pleasant, and that our tour provided a great solution for exploring the area without a car. It's wonderful that you were able to enjoy this natural wonder with ease and comfort. Thank you for your positive feedback, and we hope that your experience encourages others to join us for a hassle-free and informative exploration of the sights. We look forward to possibly welcoming you again in the future for another adventure!
Lawrence_B, Oct 2023
A truly great tour guide who was funny and very knowledgeable led to an enhanced experience in and around the great salt lake. Not to be missed!
Bobbie_V, Oct 2023
Learning about the physical and biological makeup of the lake. Our guide Vivian was great. Loved seeing the wildlife along the way.
Response from Host, Oct 2023
We are delighted to hear that the Great Salt Lake Tour was a 5-star experience for you! Thank you for sharing your review and mentioning your guide by name. She'll be happy to hear your praise!
TeresaM_L, Aug 2023
Grant, our tour guide, gave us a thorough and very informative overview of the city and it's history.
Response from Host, Aug 2023
Thank you so much for touring with us! We do appreciate your review and for mentioning your tour guide by name. He'll be delighted to hear your praise!
Caroline_A, Jul 2023
Tour was good. Guide knowledgeable. Guide was rude a few times. Overall okay..agree with other post you can save your money and go yourself without being insulted.
Response from Host, Aug 2023
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We do apologize for any rudeness you may have experienced. We certainly don't want any of our guests to feel that way after joining us on a tour. Please reach out to us to using the address in your email confirmation to share the details so we can see how we can improve.
Elizabeth_D, Jul 2023
The tour was excellent. The tour lady was exceptionally knowledgeable about the lake, the city and Utah in general. It’s not a long ride but the guide made it go by super fast with her facts and fun stories mixed in. When we got there several of us went swimming on our clothes and we were floating! Lots of neat views of the lake, the marshlands and the mountains. The bugs were not bad at all. They are little flies but they do not bite and they scatter it there are any as soon as you walk by. The water was very warm for being mountain run off. Definitely recommend to anyone traveling. They were also very timely which was helpful if you’re on a schedule
Rebecca_D, Jun 2023
Our tour guide was excellent. He knew a lot about the Great Salt Lake and the history of SLC. The Great Salt Lake is beautiful. I highly recommend it!
Judy_B, Jun 2023
Guide provided interesting information on our trip to the lake as well as after we arrived. She shared stories about the lake and surrounding mining activities and guided one of our party out into the lake itself. She made it both informative and fun.
James_R, Jun 2023
Learning about the history of the Great Salt Lake. We were lucky in that it had recently rained so lake looked better.
Response from Host, Jun 2023
Thank you for your review. The desert lake does look different to some after a rain. Surrounding desert plants have fresh water to bring out their beautiful desert colors and the cooler air gives everyone a renewed feeling from the desert heat.
From $69.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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