Large natural freshwater lake with turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and multiple recreation areas for boating, camping, and swimming.
General Information
Some facilities open seasonally from May 1 to October 23
Day Use – Regular: $15 (UT Resident), $20 (Non-Resident)
Camping: $25–$50 depending on site and season
How to Get There
From Salt Lake City (125 mi): Take I-15 N to US-89 N through Logan Canyon, then follow signs to Garden City and Bear Lake State Park.
Overview
The Bear Lake State Park is a scenic gem straddling the Utah-Idaho border, known for its vivid turquoise waters and sandy beaches. Often called the “Caribbean of the Rockies,” the lake offers a wide range of recreational opportunities including boating, jet skiing, paddleboarding, and fishing. The park is divided into three main areas—Marina, Rendezvous Beach, and the Eastside—each offering unique amenities and access points. Campgrounds, picnic areas, and boat ramps make it a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
The lake’s color comes from suspended limestone particles, giving it a tropical appearance that contrasts with the surrounding mountains. Summer is the peak season, but spring and fall offer quieter visits with mild weather. Whether you're camping under the stars, enjoying a beach day, or exploring nearby trails, Bear Lake provides a refreshing escape into nature with plenty of room to relax and play.
Things to Do
Discover the Caribbean of the Rockies
Bear Lake is a stunning natural freshwater lake that straddles the Utah-Idaho border and is famous for its brilliant turquoise-blue waters. Often called the "Caribbean of the Rockies," the lake attracts visitors year-round with its beautiful beaches, water recreation, scenic mountain views, and family-friendly outdoor activities.
Enjoy Boating and Water Sports
Bear Lake is one of the premier boating destinations in the Intermountain West. Visitors can enjoy power boating, sailing, jet skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, wakeboarding, and swimming. The lake's clear blue waters and expansive shoreline make it ideal for all types of water recreation.
Relax on Bear Lake's Beaches
Several sandy beaches surround the lake, offering opportunities for sunbathing, picnicking, beach games, and swimming. Bear Lake State Park is especially popular for families seeking easy access to the water and scenic lakeside views.
Explore Bear Lake State Park
Bear Lake State Park provides camping, fishing, boat launches, marinas, picnic areas, and recreational facilities. Visitors can enjoy spectacular sunsets, wildlife viewing, and convenient access to many of the lake's most popular attractions.
Experience the Famous Bear Lake Raspberry Tradition
Bear Lake is well known for its raspberry farms and delicious raspberry shakes. Throughout the summer, visitors can stop at local restaurants, cafés, and roadside stands to enjoy raspberry-flavored treats that have become a signature part of the Bear Lake experience.
Drive the Logan Canyon Scenic Byway
The scenic route connecting Logan and Bear Lake travels through Logan Canyon, featuring towering limestone cliffs, forests, rivers, waterfalls, and mountain vistas. The drive is considered one of the most beautiful scenic byways in Utah.
Top Trails
Limber Pine Nature Trail
Length: Approximately 1.2 miles loop
Elevation Gain: Approximately 175 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Located near Beaver Mountain in Logan Canyon, this interpretive trail offers panoramic views of Bear Lake, surrounding mountains, and ancient limber pine trees. It is one of the area's most accessible and scenic hikes.
Garden City Canyon Trail
Length: Approximately 7 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,500 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
This trail climbs through mountain terrain above Bear Lake and rewards hikers with excellent views of the lake, Cache Valley, and surrounding mountain ranges. Wildflowers and wildlife are common during summer months.
Sink Hollow Trail
Length: Approximately 5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Moderate
Difficulty: Moderate
Located in the mountains near Bear Lake, this trail passes through forests and meadows while offering sweeping views of the lake and nearby peaks. It is particularly popular during the fall foliage season.
Bear Lake Legacy Pathway
Length: Approximately 4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
This paved pathway follows portions of the lakeshore near Garden City and is ideal for walking, running, biking, and enjoying scenic views of Bear Lake's famous turquoise waters.
Sources: Utah State Parks official Bear Lake State Park information, including details on boating, beaches, camping, fishing, marinas, water recreation, and visitor amenities.
https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/bear-lake/
Additional information verified through Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau resources covering recreation, raspberry festivals, beaches, scenic drives, local attractions, and year-round activities.
https://bearlake.org/
Further trail and recreation information reviewed through U.S. Forest Service resources covering Logan Canyon, Limber Pine Nature Trail, Garden City Canyon, mountain recreation opportunities, and public lands surrounding Bear Lake.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/uwcnf
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for Bear Lake State Park, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0