Mountain hike on island is one peak experience

You'll find nothing else quite like it in Utah: an accessible mountain peak in the center of a desert island in the middle of an inland sea in the midst of a Great Basin valley, 20 miles or so from a million people.

The summit of Antelope Island's Frary Peak — tantalizingly visible to residents of the populous Wasatch Front, yet long off-limits until about five years ago — can be reached via an approximately 4-mile trail.

The backside of Antelope Island has all the flavor of the back country in a national park — serene, isolated and spectacular.

Late spring is a great time to take this trail, which is closed earlier in the season because of lambing on the island. Summer is usually too hot to enjoy this low elevation path.

Trail rating: three stars.

Scenic rating: four stars.

Distance: 3.75 miles, one-way.

Elevation gain: about 2,100 feet.

Difficulty: Moderate.

Time required: two hours for racers, three to five hours for most.

Directions to the trailhead: To reach Antelope Island, take I-15 exit 335 and go west on U-108/127 ("Antelope Drive") about five miles to the entrance to the state park. A 7.5-mile paved causeway leads to the island. Once on the island's tip, veer left on the island road and take another left turn to head for the Fielding Garr Ranch. In about five miles, watch for a turnoff to the right (west) that rises up sharply to the trailhead.

Trail description: Quite steep in the early going. Passes through yellow and dry grassy areas and by large boulders. Easy in the middle section, then steep in the final climb to the summit.

The remains of an old radio tower adorn the summit.

Cost/charges: Entry fee is $8 per vehicle to visit Antelope Island. The cost is $4 for walk-ins or cyclists.

Cautions: Do not approach buffalo, should they be near the trail. They will not threaten you but are still large and generally wild animals. Carry water on this hike. It can be very hot here in summer, with little shade available.

Restrictions: The trail is closed for Bighorn lambing season during April and most of May. No dogs, horses or bikes are allowed on the trail.