Antelope Island State Park is preparing for the 40th annual Bison Roundup and the adjacent Roundup Rendezvous, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, according to a Oct. 15 report.
The event will feature dozens of riders pushing bison herds from the east side of the island toward corrals on the north side.
The roundup is expected to begin around 9 a.m. starting near Fielding Garr Ranch. Riders will push the herds over the ridge toward White Rock Bay, where the Roundup Rendezvous will begin at 10 a.m. This event allows the public to view the bison herd as it moves toward the corrals while participating in festivities including food trucks, vendor booths, musicians, pony rides, and face painting.
Park Manager Doranne Pittz stated that bison are typically pushed into the corrals between noon and 3 p.m., though timing may vary. To ensure a smooth experience, a cap of 500 vehicles will be implemented on the east side road, which opens to the public around 8 a.m.
The island is home to an estimated 700 to 800 bison. Following the roundup, the public is invited to observe the Working of the Bison from Oct. 27-29, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. each day.
During this maintenance period, officials will vaccinate, perform pregnancy checks, inoculate, and cull the herd. This process includes separating cows from calves and bulls from cows and calves to either place them in sail pens or release them back onto the island. The new Antelope Island State Park Visitor Center will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the event, with normal daily rates applying.
To facilitate the roundup and allow riders to manage any bison left behind during the initial push, trail closures will be in effect throughout the island from Oct. 23-27.
Regarding herd management, approximately 200 to 250 bison are eventually auctioned to maintain a healthy herd size. This auction is scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026.
For more information regarding the event, visit https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/antelope-island/bison-roundup/.
