This Lake in the Western U.S. Is Called the ‘Caribbean of the Rockies' for Its Vibrant Turquoise Water

Travel + Leisure

2 days ago

Travelers will fly halfway around the world to find calm, crystal-clear, blue water, from the Bahamas to the Seychelles and the Gili Islands. There are, however, some locations that are closer to home for American travelers—and they're just as photo-worthy. Case in point: Bear Lake. Part of the 20-mile-long, eight-mile-wide body of water is located in the southeastern portion of Idaho, while the rest of it is located in Utah. But no matter which state you enjoy it from, you'll get to witness the famous blue waters that have earned the lake its nickname: the 'Caribbean of the Rockies.' Busy beach along Bear Lake, Utah.
Believed to be one of the oldest lakes in the U.S.—it's estimated to be more than 250,000 years old—Bear Lake contains microscopic particles of white-colored calcium carbonate, mostly from the limestone of the neighboring Bear River Range. These particles reflect the water's color back to the surface—hence the relatively intense turquoise hues. Depending on how sunny or cloudy the day is, the water can appear in varying shades of blue. A man kayaks in Bear Lake.
Merely looking at the water is only one way to enjoy majestic Bear Lake; it's also known for incredible swimming, with several areas featuring a gradual slope that allows visitors to enter the water easily. North Beach on the Idaho side and Utah's Bear Lake State Park's Eastside are great places to spend a day paddling about the vibrantly colored shallows. Notably, some parts of the shoreline feature more dramatic drop-offs. While many of the more trafficked beaches will require an entrance fee, there are a handful that are free—including Garden City Park & Beach, Bear Lake Rest Stop Beach, and several roadside beaches between Ideal Beach and Rendezvous Beach.
The stunning blue water isn't the only fascinating feature of the lake. Bear Lake is also home to four endemic fish species: the Bear Lake sculpin, Bear Lake whitefish, the Bonneville whitefish, and the Bonneville cisco. You may also come across other native species, including the Bonneville cutthroat trout and the redside shiner. Fishing is permitted anywhere on the lake, and popular spots to try to catch something (while not on a boat) include Bear Lake State Park Marina and Cisco Beach on the Utah side of the lake. In the winter, the lake freezes over, allowing those who want to ice fish a chance to catch trout or cisco. Just make sure you have the appropriate fishing license and have read up on both states' latest regulations beforehand.
If you'd prefer to see Bear Lake by boat, you have several options. For those seeking speed, Sea-Doos, ski boats, and wake boats are available to rent from various locations around the lake. Anyone who prefers a slower pace will enjoy renting a pontoon boat, kayaks, canoes, or stand-up paddleboards.
The land surrounding Bear Lake is also ripe for adventure. There are several hiking trails, plus golfing with Bear Lake Golf Course and horseback riding in nearby Logan Canyon. During the colder months (from late November into April), Bear Lake Valley turns into a certifiable winter destination, with over 350 miles of groomed trails for snowmobiling. Cross-country skiers also have plenty of room to roam at Bear Lake Golf Course. And if you're a downhill skier? Beaver Mountain Resort has 48 runs across 828 acres—plus an average annual snowfall of more than 400 inches.
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Best Lake Vacations in the U.S. Aerial view of a Bear Lake beach.
Unsurprisingly, summer is the most popular time to visit Bear Lake. The warm weather is ideal for swimming, boating, hiking, and all sorts of other outdoor adventures. Come August, travelers come from near and far to experience Bear Lake Raspberry Days in Garden City, Utah, an event that celebrates the harvest of the famous sweet, juicy berries with a parade, live music, a talent show, a pie-eating contest, and more. Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is a major draw in January. The two-day family-friendly affair has a lineup of exciting events, including a chili cook-off and a monster lake plunge, plus the chance to try your hand at cross-country skiing, tubing, or snowmobiling at Beaver Creek Lodge in Garden City.
The closest major airport to Bear Lake is Salt Lake City (SLC). The drive to Garden City, one of the gateway towns to this part of Utah, is a little over two hours. Bear Lake is also the perfect stopping point for anyone embarking on a major Western road trip. You can continue on to Jackson Hole, Wyoming (around three hours away) and Grand Teton National Park, before rounding out your trip with a drive through Yellowstone.