Bear Lake Blog

Bear Lake splits its time between being a summer hot spot and a snowy haven in the winter. Take advantage of the peak winter months and see how many activities you can cross off your list this winter.  Snowshoeing is an excellent workout in its own right, but have you…

Unknown to some but familiar to many for hundreds of years, skijoring has become a popular winter sport. If you live in a mountainous town often covered in snow, you might understand why the first person ever strapped himself to a horse or reindeer to be towed across town. Today,…

It’s winter, and Bear Lake is gearing up for its most significant event of the year, the Bear Lake Monster Winterfest. Beginning on January 27th, with a weekend packed with activities, most events will take place at Utah Bear Lake State Park Marina. Since entrance fees to the park will…

Snowmobile the Bear Lake Valley Whether you own a snowmobile or rent, riding the 350 miles of groomed trails in Bear Lake valley is a winter adventure to experience. With challenging runs and spectacular views of Bear Lake, snowmobiling is fun for snowmobilers of all ability levels. The season starts…

Tired of choosing between mountains and the ocean? Allow us to introduce Bear Lake, the Caribbean of the Rockies. The sparkling blue water is foreground to rolling mountains, right on the border of two very ocean-less states. One visit will have you wishing you stayed longer, so why not Work…

With the calming turquoise blue water and the changing trees this fall, why not take the whole month and work remotely with Bear Lake as your backdrop? Utah puts on a stunning display of colors each fall, which can be seen along scenic drives, hikes, or just out your window….

Coming to Bear Lake Valley for the Caribbean Cruze Motorcycle Rally? Extend your stay by coming a day earlier or leaving a day later and participating in the following activities. Get on the Water Enjoy the warm September water on Bear Lake. Either lounge on a beach or get on…

In 1868, Joseph C. Rich wrote an article that was published in the Deseret News. It spoke of a strange, serpent-like creature that inhabited the waters of Bear Lake. Though the creature was part of local Indian lore, Rich wrote of recent appearances as a number of white settlers claimed…

From rough & tumble outlaws, to trailblazing pioneers, Bear Lake Valley is home to hundreds of years of fascinating history   Bear Lake—a shimmering, turquoise gem straddling the Idaho and Utah border—resounds with a vibrant history that stretches back 12,000 years to the first inhabitants of North America.  Between those…

There’s no getting around it: The Bear Lake Valley, with its turquoise waters and Instagram-worthy beaches, is undeniably a summertime hotspot. (Is it any wonder Bear Lake has earned the nickname “Caribbean of the Rockies”?) But those who visit the Bear Lake Valley in winter are rewarded with experiences they…

Bear Lake is rightfully called the “Caribbean of the Rockies” for its distinctive turquoise hue—so it’s only fitting that the 110-square mile lake is the heart of the region and the most popular outdoor attraction around.But in many ways, Bear Lake’s surroundings boast just as many opportunities for recreation as…

What’s your favorite kind of family getaway? Does it involve resting and relaxing on white sand beaches? Learning about local history? Getting active at adventure parks or heading underground in expansive caves?Whatever your preference, you’ll find it all—and then some—in the Bear Lake Valley.Families love the wide variety of activities…

Bridging the Utah-Idaho border, Bear Lake finds countless ways to enchant, delight, and fascinate visitors every summer. It is Utah’s deepest lake and one of its oldest—older than the Great Salt Lake, in fact—and its sparkling surface covers 110 square miles when full. And that’s to say nothing of its…

The deep, strikingly blue waters of Bear Lake have been a draw for visitors dating back to its wild west days when mountain men roamed the surrounding hills and met on the lake’s southerly beach to trade and revel. These days, the lake is abuzz with paddlers, waterskiers and wakeboarders,…

Straddling the state line of Utah and Idaho, 20-mile-long Bear Lake is nicknamed the “Caribbean of the Rockies” for good reason. This recreational center of northern Utah and southern Idaho offers a slice of paradise, with ample sunshine, sandy beaches, turquoise water, and great conditions for boating. In winter, just…

Bear Lake, which has 48 miles of shoreline in southern Idaho and northern Utah, is known as the "Caribbean of the Rockies" for its stunningly blue water and white sand beaches. Just as dramatic as the water are Bear Lake’s sunsets. In all seasons, dramatic colors in the sky are…

Bear Lake’s fame is closely connected to its beauty. Dubbed the "Caribbean of the Rockies," the lake’s strikingly blue water draws thousands of visitors every year. So it’s not a stretch to imagine this is an especially great place for snapping and sharing photos. Of course, this little mountain valley…

The blue, fresh waters of Bear Lake are split equally between Utah and Idaho, and have long welcomed families looking for a close-to-home vacation. But, when you and your crew are exploring the Caribbean of the Rockies, don’t miss the fun that lies beyond the beach. From reenacting life on…

Come for the Cisco Disco, stay for the party and learn about the lake’s monster lore The best part of the annual January morning cookout at Bear Lake? “The Cisco!” says 8-year-old Annie Ballingham, without hesitation. The Bonneville Cisco, makes its home in this solitary, Northern Utah body of water….

The Forest Service has an active timber sale in the Temple Peak and Log Cabin Ridge area. They’ve been working to provide safe snowmobile access via Temple Canyon to the groomed trail system and allow logging activities to continue. Please assist us by sharing this information with your contacts:Winter visitors…

Winter is here! I always say the Winter brings a new level of energy to our hearts. I really love this time of the year. Thanksgiving is coming and we need to start planning where to go! I’ll tell you where, Bear Lake Valley! I couldn’t see myself going anywhere…

Cooler temps and beautiful foliage make fall one of the best times to hike—and Bear Lake Valley is one of Utah’s top destinations to enjoy the autumn spectacle. Hikers will discover scenic footpaths through alpine valleys that feature golden aspen trees, sparkling lakes, and mountain summits with 360-degree views. You…

Dramatic landscapes crisscrossed by the Oregon and California Trails. A raucous, early 19th-century shindig among fur trappers and Native Americans. A bank heist by one of the West’s most notorious criminals. Straddling the Utah and Idaho border, Bear Lake Valley boasts an incredible history that’s just waiting to be explored…

September is almost here. I really love September in Bear Lake Valley! Its like a shoulder month. Kind of quiet yet all the fun places that are open through the summer are still going. The weather is still nice and warm during the day. At night you can bring out…

Straddling the Utah and Idaho border, Bear Lake Valley is more than just a summer playground—it’s a year-round destination for outdoor adventure. The 20-mile-long lake and surrounding mountains offer diverse outdoor opportunities from boating and fishing (including ice!) to hiking and skiing. You’ll also find some of the region’s most…

June has been wonderful! Mark your calendars the first day of summer is sneaking upon us and we are so darn excited! I was able to take a wonderful trip! Let’s start with a wonderful homemade soda. I stopped in Montpelier, Idaho. I got a delicious homemade soda. It had…

Every summer, northern Utah’s Bear Lake area awakes from its winter slumber to welcome visitors who drive up to escape the heat of lower locales. Boats come out, beachside picnic tables fill up, and kids run straight into the chilly ice-blue water without a moment’s hesitation. The town of Garden…

Straddling the Utah and Idaho border, Bear Lake Valley is the perfect destination for summer fun. Visitors will find hot, sunny days to spend on the warm, clear water of the huge lake, which features 48 miles of sandy shoreline. It’s one of North America’s oldest lakes, dating back nearly…

Stradling the Utah and Idaho state line, Bear Lake is often called the “Caribbean of the Rockies” for its naturally brilliant blue waters. Popular with boaters and outdoor enthusiasts for its recreational opportunities, the lake attracts big crowds in summer months, packing the town and lake. If you’re looking to…

Sandwiched between mountain ranges, the gorgeous Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge stretches for almost 18,000 acres across the Idaho and Utah border near Montpelier, Idaho. This wild sanctuary safeguards the crucial habitats that native birds and animals need to survive, free from human development. That said, it is possible to…

I tug my sleeves down over my wrists and look out at the hardened snow covering what’s meant to be the start of the trail. A weathered wooden sign peaks above the mounds of white: “Limber Pine Nature Trail – Loop 1.2 miles.” I stare down at my sneakers in…

As we sail through the silent forest on our sleds, large flakes fall slowly on the Sinks of Northern Utah. The Sinks are a natural limestone sinkhole in Logan Canyon, and have the dubious distinction of being the coldest spot in Utah. They are also known for the second-coldest recorded…