Stretching along the eastern shores of the Great Salt Lake, the Legacy Parkway Scenic Byway offers a surprisingly serene escape just minutes from Salt Lake City. This Utah State Scenic Byway traces a corridor between wetlands and mountain views, revealing a landscape where migratory birds gather by the thousands and the vast, shimmering lake stretches to the horizon.

As you drive, watch for great blue herons, white pelicans, and other waterfowl that frequent the adjacent wetland preserves. Pull over at designated viewpoints to take in panoramic vistas of the Wasatch Range rising sharply to the east while the lake’s salt flats extend endlessly to the west. The contrast between rugged peaks and flat, mineral-crusted shoreline is striking and uniquely Utah.

Stop at nearby Farmington Bay or the Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve for short walks along boardwalks that wind through marshes teeming with wildlife. The byway connects easily to Antelope Island State Park, where free-roaming bison graze against a surreal salt-lake backdrop.

Spring and fall deliver the best conditions — mild temperatures and peak bird migration. Allow one to two hours for a leisurely drive with stops. This is a route that rewards those who slow down and look closely.

Explore Nearby

• Hideout Canyon Camping Area — Public Land in Utah
• Salmon Brook Lake Bog — State Park in Maine
• Red Fleet State Park — State Park in Utah
• Ashley National Forest — National Forest in Utah, Wyoming
• Steinaker State Park Dark Sky Park — Dark Sky Site in Utah