Great Salt Lake, Salt Lake City May 1997 The southern half of Great Salt Lake and the cities of Salt Lake and Ogden are visible in this east-looking low-oblique view. Great Salt Lake is the largest natural lake west of the Mississippi River and the largest salt lake in North America with an area of 1000 sq. miles (2590 sq. km). The southern half of the lake is deeper and less salty than the northern half. Near the center of the image is Antelope Island, the largest island within Great Salt Lake. Over 15 miles (24 km) long, the island is a state park, and is home to many forms of wildlife, including a large Buffalo (Bison) herd. The snow-covered peaks of the Wasatch Range, a part of the Rocky Mountains, cover the upper quarter of the image. Salt Lake City, the largest city in Utah, is near the right center of the image. To its north, left center lies the city of Ogden at the base of the Wasatch Mountains. Ogden has many aerospace industries, and is the home of Hill Air Force Base and the Ogden Defense Depot