Let's get one thing straight right away: Bear Lake's nickname, the "Caribbean of the Rockies," isn't just clever marketing. The first time you crest that hill on Highway 89 and see that slab of impossible turquoise stretched out below, you'll get it. This isn't your typical mountain lake. It's a massive, 109-square-mile body of water straddling the Utah-Idaho border, famous for its mineral-driven blue hue, endless summer fun, and a shockingly good raspberry shake. I've been coming here for over a decade, and I still find new corners to explore.
What's Inside This Guide
Where Exactly is Bear Lake and How Do You Get There?
Bear Lake sits in a high mountain valley, about 2.5 hours northeast of Salt Lake City. The main hub is Garden City, Utah—a charming, if slightly sprawling, town on the lake's west side. Logan Canyon (Highway 89) from Logan, Utah, is the most scenic route, winding through stunning aspens and limestone cliffs. From the Idaho side, you come in through Montpelier.
Quick Logistics
Address for Navigation: Use "Bear Lake State Park - Rendezvous Beach" or "Garden City, UT" as your destination.
Parking & Fees: Day-use at Utah State Parks beaches is $15 per vehicle. An annual Utah State Parks pass ($125) is worth it if you visit multiple parks.
Closest Major Airport: Salt Lake City International (SLC), a 2.5 to 3-hour drive.
Pro Tip: Fill your gas tank in Logan or Montpelier. Options in Garden City are limited and can be pricier in peak season.
One common mistake first-timers make is thinking the whole lakeshore is easily accessible. It's not. Large sections are private property or marshy. Your best bets for public access are the Utah State Park facilities (Rendezvous Beach, Marina, Eastside) and the Idaho State Park units (North Beach, East Beach).
Things to Do at Bear Lake: Beyond the Obvious
Sure, you'll swim and lounge. But the lake's size and unique setting offer more.
On the Water: Rentals and Rules
Renting a boat, jet ski, or pontoon is a summer ritual. Companies like Bear Lake Fun and Bear Lake Water Adventures are right at the Utah State Park Marina. Reserve online weeks ahead for summer weekends—they sell out. A pontoon for 8-10 people runs about $450-$600 for a full day.
My personal favorite? A simple paddleboard at sunrise. The water is glassy, and you have the colors all to yourself. Kayaks and paddleboards can be rented by the hour at several beaches.
Here’s a quick comparison of the main beach areas:
| Beach Area | Best For | Facilities | Crowd Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rendezvous Beach (UT) | Families, large groups, swimming | Picnic tables, grills, pavilions, restrooms, sandy beach | High on weekends |
| North Beach (ID) | Long walks, spacious sandy shore | Basic restrooms, concessions | Moderate to High |
| Eastside (UT) | Wind sports (kitesurfing), views | Vault toilets, limited shade | Lower |
| Sunset View Beach (ID) | Quiet sunset watching | Minimal | Low |
Off the Water: Hikes, Caves, and History
When you need a break from the sun, drive the 45 minutes to Minnetonka Cave. It's a guided, half-mile walk through nine rooms of impressive formations. It's a constant 40°F inside—a perfect afternoon escape on a hot day. Tickets are first-come, first-served at the cave entrance.
For a hike with payoff, the Limber Pine Trail in nearby Logan Canyon is an easy 1.4-mile loop suitable for all ages, featuring an ancient, sprawling limber pine. More ambitious hikers can tackle part of the Bear Lake Overlook Trail for that iconic photo.
The Great Bear Lake Raspberry Shake Debate
You cannot leave without trying one. The local raspberries are legendary, and they're blended into thick, creamy milkshakes sold at several roadside stands. This sparks a friendly but fierce debate: who has the best?
- LaBeau's: The most famous. Consistently good, often a long line. They use real raspberry syrup and ice cream. It's the classic.
- Quick 'n' Tasty: My personal sleeper hit. Their shakes taste fresher, maybe a bit fruitier to me. Less touristy vibe.
- Zipz: Known for massive size and creative flavors alongside the classic raspberry.
Try two and decide for yourself. They're all within a block or two in Garden City. A large will cost you around $7-$9. Is it worth it? Absolutely. It's part of the experience.
Where to Stay: Camping, Cabins, and More
Accommodations book up incredibly fast, especially for July and August. Here’s the breakdown.
Camping (The Classic Experience)
This is how many locals and repeat visitors do it. Utah State Park campsites (at Rendezvous Beach and the Eastside) are the gold standard for location but are snatched up the minute reservations open (6 months in advance on ReserveAmerica).
Pro Camping Tip: If the state parks are full, look at private campgrounds like Bear Lake RV Campground or KOA Garden City. They have more amenities (pools, Wi-Fi) but less of that "right on the lake" feel. For true solitude, look into dispersed camping in the nearby Wasatch-Cache National Forest, but be prepared for no facilities and pack out everything.
Cabins, Condos, and Hotels
Garden City is lined with condo complexes and cabin rentals. They range from dated but functional to quite luxurious. VRBO and Airbnb have hundreds of listings. For a hotel, the Best Western Plus is reliable and has a pool. The newer Lakeview Lodge offers modern rooms with balconies.
My advice? If you're with a group, rent a cabin or condo with a kitchen. Grocery options are decent (there's a decent market in town), and cooking some meals saves money and hassle during the busy dinner rush.
Putting It All Together: A Sample 3-Day Itinerary
Here’s how a perfect summer long weekend might look:
Day 1: Arrival & Lakeside Immersion
Check into your spot. Head straight to Rendezvous Beach to dip your toes. Grab an early dinner (try the burgers at Cooper's) and cap the night with your first raspberry shake. Watch the sunset from the marina docks.
Day 2: Adventure Day
Morning paddleboard or kayak rental. After lunch, drive up for a tour of Minnetonka Cave (remember the jacket!). On the way back, stop at the Bear Lake Overlook for photos. Have a casual cookout at your campsite or condo.
Day 3: Choose Your Own Adventure & Departure
Option A: Relax on North Beach, build a sandcastle, and soak up the last of the sun.
Option B: Get active with a hike on the Limber Pine Trail.
Grab a final shake for the road.
Your Bear Lake Questions, Answered
Bear Lake isn't a place you just check off a list. It's a feeling—the shock of that blue water, the grit of sand between your toes, the brain-freeze from a raspberry shake, and the quiet of a mountain morning by the shore. It demands a bit of planning, especially for lodging, but the payoff is a uniquely vibrant mountain-lake experience that keeps people coming back for generations. Now you know how to do it right.
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