Trip Report: The Storm of the Century on Antelope Island


The Storm of the Century on Antelope Island
By Frank Bouchard
SOCIAL 10/03/2025 N/A-SOCIAL
The WMC Annual Multi-Sport Antelope Island Campout is a perfect weekend escape from town without the typical long drive. It always attracts an enthusiastic crowd, full of fun activities and quality campfire time.

This year, however, the closer we got to the date, the more ominous the weather forecast became. We all knew it was going to be wet. But a group of us stubbornly decided to keep the tradition alive and face the storm head-on!

People began arriving at Bridger Bay during the day Friday and kicked off the weekend with a hike to the northwest point of the island. In the evening, we gathered around the campfire, sharing dinner and treats in complete denial that the approaching deluge would actually arrive. Around 10 PM the rain started instantly, sending us scattering to our tents. The storm raged all night with heavy rain, thunder and lightning, and fierce gusts of wind that periodically flattened my tent onto my face.

Saturday morning it was still pouring, howling with wind, and bitterly cold. Most campers swiftly packed up their drenched gear and went home with no way of me changing their minds. The majority of folks planning to drive up that morning wisely opted to stay nestled under their warm blankets instead.

Dave and Shelly generously opened the doors of their Airstream camper, providing a sanctuary for the few sopping-wet stragglers. The original plan to hike Frary Peak seemed ill-advised given the conditions, but a few of us still wanted to hike. Ajeeth, Robert, and myself eventually got out and did the five-mile Lakeside Loop.

Dave and Shelly were the only hardy holdouts to camp Saturday night in their faithful Airstream. The weather finally cleared on Sunday, allowing them to bike from the campsite to the lower Frary trailhead and hike to the summit.

News reports confirmed that Saturday saw the highest amount of rain in a single day in Salt Lake City since 1901! A salute to all the WMC members who braved the elements for a record-breaking weekend.

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