Looking for clear blue water without flying across the world? Bear Lake, on the border of Utah and Idaho, is your perfect getaway! Nicknamed the “Caribbean of the Rockies”, this 20-mile-long lake is famous for its bright turquoise water that looks straight out of a tropical paradise.
Why Is Bear Lake So Blue?
Bear Lake is over 250,000 years old and gets its stunning blue color from calcium particles in the water, which reflect sunlight. On sunny days, the lake turns a magical shade of turquoise.
Fun Things to Do
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Swimming & Beaches: North Beach (Idaho) and Bear Lake State Park (Utah) are great for safe, shallow swimming. Some spots like Garden City Park are even free to enter!
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Boating & Water Sports: Rent a Sea-Doo, kayak, paddleboard, or pontoon and explore the lake in style.
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Fishing: The lake is home to rare fish like the Bonneville whitefish. Try your luck at Cisco Beach or the Bear Lake Marina.
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Winter Fun: In winter, enjoy ice fishing, snowmobiling, skiing, and cross-country skiing with snowy mountain views.
Explore the Area
Beyond the water, hike scenic trails, go horseback riding, or golf with lake views. In winter, head to Beaver Mountain Resort for skiing and snowboarding.
Best Time to Visit
Summer is perfect for swimming and beach fun. In August, don’t miss Bear Lake Raspberry Days with pie contests, music, and parades. Or visit in January for the Winterfest, with snow sports, a chili cook-off, and even a lake plunge!
Getting There
Fly into Salt Lake City (SLC) and drive a little over 2 hours to Garden City, Utah. You can even include Bear Lake in a road trip to Jackson Hole, Grand Teton, or Yellowstone.
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