Nestled on the Utah-Idaho border, just two hours north of Salt Lake City, discover the Caribbean of the Rockies — better known as Bear Lake. Nicknamed for its intensely turquoise waters, this 20-mile-long and 8-mile-wide lake is a year-round recreational paradise. Come in winter for skiing, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing or visit in summer for boating, swimming, Jet Skiing, sailing and fishing. No matter when you plan a trip, Bear Lake is sure to dazzle.
Snowy Adventures
While Bear Lake hums in the summer, its winter season is equally spectacular and less busy. Enjoy views of the tranquil teal waters surrounded by brilliant white snow, then venture into the wild to explore this winter wonderland.
Strap on a pair of snowshoes and go for a stroll on the family-friendly Limber Pine Trail. Or explore other scenic trails nearby in Utah’s Logan Canyon or Idaho’s Emigration Canyon. For a bit more cardio, rent cross-country skis and experience Nordic skiing at the base of nearby Beaver Mountain at Beaver Bottoms or Sink Hollow. Find other cross-country trails near the scenic overlook when coming down U.S. Highway 89.
If you’re bringing the family along, head to The Sinks winter trail parking lot to go tubing. It’s popular for all kinds of snow play and is just 10 minutes west of Bear Lake.
Looking for more thrills in your winter fun? Attend Skijoring the Bear or rent a snowmobile in Garden City at Bear Lake Funtime or Epic Recreation and explore more than 350 miles of snowmobile trails. Some trails are accessible from town, but many come to ride the area’s famous backcountry. Snowmobile season goes from late November to late April, so there’s plenty of powder days ahead. If casting a line is more your style, fish Bear Lake throughout the winter.
Skiers will love the area’s local-favorite ski resort: Beaver Mountain. Located just 15 miles from Bear Lake in Logan Canyon, “The Beav,” as it’s nicknamed, is the longest continuously run, family-owned mountain resort in the United States. It offers an old-school ski resort experience with uncrowded trails and a friendly atmosphere. It’s typically open from mid-December to mid-April.
“Whatever your speed of winter fun looks like, you can find your pace in Bear Lake,” says Tami Leonhardt, executive director of Bear Lake Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau. “From high thrills snowmobiling to sledding and tubing with the kids, you name it, our mountains have it. Fat tire biking, ski biking and roasting marshmallows over a fire at one of our wonderful cabins you can rent are just a few other options to consider.”
Lakefront Fun
There’s nothing like summer in Bear Lake. The lake’s 160 square miles provide plenty of space for Jet Skiing, boating and waterskiing without feeling crowded. Try it for yourself by renting watercrafts in Garden City at Bear Lake Fun and Epic Recreation.
The northern half of Bear Lake State Park is in Idaho while the southern half is in Utah. The 20-mile-long Bear Lake provides an ideal atmosphere for boating, camping and fishing and has beautiful beaches and facilities. Grab an umbrella and blanket and take in the sunshine. Or splash in the water by kayaking, stand up paddleboarding or simply swimming along the shoreline.
Escape the heat of a summer day by venturing underground at the Minnetonka Cave up St. Charles Canyon. This cave is 40°F and has 444 steps, so make sure to wear appropriate attire and footwear. See these hundreds of striking stalagmites and stalactites on a 90-minute guided tour through the nine rooms
Another way to cool off is indulging in a famous Bear Lake raspberry shake. You’ll find them all over town, but a few local favorites are at LaBeau’s, Zipz or Hometown Drive In. If you can’t get enough of this fresh red fruit, celebrate the harvest in August at Bear Lake Raspberry Days. This multiday event features a parade, fair, 5K fun run, golf scramble and boat parade on Bear Lake.
There also are plenty of hiking and biking trails to get outside during fair weather, along with area attractions like The National Oregon/California Trail Center, Butch Cassidy Museum, Paris Tabernacle and Wilford Woodruff Home, residence of the early Mormon pioneer leader. Another area lake, Bloomington Lake, is surrounded by hiking trails and offers peaceful surroundings. Also, consider a horseback ride or ATV excursion surround by stunning autumn foliage.
If you fancy yourself an avian enthusiast, Leonhardt recommends visiting the north shore’s Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge in spring, summer or fall. “Grab some gloves, binoculars and a zoom lens and see what birds you can spot,” she says. “Over 1,760 acres of marsh, open water and grasslands have been dedicated to preserving bird and wildlife habitats at this refuge. In the winter, you’re sure to spot mergansers, chukars, bald and golden eagles, and maybe even a great horned owl.”
Whether you come for a snowy winter escape or a memorable summer or fall getaway, Bear Lake is the perfect year-round, family-friendly destination for an outdoorsy vacation. bearlake.org
