Frary Peak is the highest peak of Antelope Island, the largest island in the Great Salt Lake that is so prominent from much of the Salt Lake Valley, Davis and Weber Counties. Because of the moderate elevation the peak can be climbed early in the season when the other Wasatch peaks remain buried in snow. Because it is part of Great Salt Lake State Park, there is an $8 per vehicle fee to drive across to the island, and the trail is closed for part of the spring for the Bighorn sheep lambing season. Call the park ahead of time for the most current prices and trail accessibility. The trailhead is well-marked with signs along the road, and easy to find.
The trail begins with a series of fairly steep switchbacks that climb to the ridge above, before going around onto the west side of the island. In the morning, the west side is shaded and makes for pleasant hiking. After a gentle stretch, a steep ascent leads back to the ridge where you get a good view of the peak ahead, which almost looks like a Colorado fourteener because of the lack of vegetation. The trail continues, steep in parts, mild in others, all the way to a false peak where you get a view of the summit about 1/4 mile to the south, seperated by a pretty rough ridge. The well-maintained trail deteriorates a bit as it descends about 200 feet on the west side below some rugged rock bands, and children or novice hikers may be intimidated by the trail in spots. A steep ascent leads back to the ridge just before the summit.
The summit views are outstanding. To the west you can clearly see Deseret Peak, and far in the distance, Ibapah Peak. Continuing south you'll have a good view of the northern Oquirrh Mountains and Stansbury Island. Much of the Wasatch range is visible on a clear day, from Mount Nebo in the south, all the way to Willard Peak in the north (and even Box Elder/Wellsville Cone further north), although most of Mount Timpanogos is blocked by Lone Peak. The views are particularly good of the peaks along Farmington Ridge (Francis and Thurston) and Mount Ogden across the lake. The trip is 7.5 miles roundtrip, gains roughly 2,000 feet and took me about four hours to complete.
