This Beautiful State Park In Utah Is Perfect For Serene Lakeside Recreation

Though Utah's "mighty five" national parks often steal the spotlight for outdoor recreation, the Beehive State's incredibly beautiful state parks are also worth a visit for a scenic getaway. Rugged Snow Canyon and the little-known Antelope Island State Park are renowned for their unique wildlife and natural environments, as is the "Caribbean of the Rockies," Bear Lake. The lake's location in the Rocky Mountains and its gorgeous cerulean waters and white-sand beaches make an excellent playground or backdrop for some of the best (and most beautiful) lakeside recreation in the state year-round. Long, summer days are perfect for jumping the wake, while winters are perfect for snow sports and ice fishing.

Bear Lake is an anomaly and a natural wonder with a fascinating backstory. Nestled along the Utah-Idaho border, the lake was formed from seismic activity tens of thousands of years ago and was not affected by the collapse of Lake Bonneville, an ancient lake that covered much of northern Utah and southern Idaho. Seismic activity also kept Bear Lake isolated from the nearby Bear River that fed into Lake Bonneville. The unique lake ecosystem has five endemic species of fish, seven species of mollusks, and microscopic calcium carbonate particles in the water, which give it a deep blue hue.

Bear Lake State Park is approximately a two-and-a-half-hour drive north of Salt Lake City International Airport, the major gateway to the Wasatch Front and the region. It's perfectly fitting that this hidden gem is located just off of U.S. 89, "the most scenic road trip in America," and makes a great stop before or after the Tetons or Yellowstone. Note that entry to the park isn't guaranteed and depends on crowds and water levels, even if you've paid in advance on the Parkspass website.

Utah is widely known as one of the best ski destinations in the U.S. While the snow is largely gone by the summer months, summer is prime time to jet ski or water ski on Bear Lake's smooth-as-glass surface, or just paddle the day away. In Bear Lake State Park, you'll find plenty of ski boats, jet skis, and aquatic toys for rent, including paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks, along with calm waters to play in at Rendezvous Lake State Beach. If you're looking to beat the crowds and not fight the wind, go early in the day. For a more under-the-radar activity — pun intended — set sail for Cisco Beach on the eastern shore of Bear Lake and scuba dive into an underwater cave or around the unique "Car Lot" where cars were deposited in the 1930s to create an artificial reef. Be ready for chilly water!

Travelers looking for endless powder treks on snowshoes or miles of snowmobile trails with lakeside views shouldn't miss visiting Bear Lake in the winter months. The lake often freezes over during the cold winters and has some of the best ice fishing in the region, with trout often reaching up to 20 pounds. The end of January is often bitterly cold, but if you're brave enough, sign up for the epic Monster Plunge, equally a costume contest and a polar bear plunge, during the family-friendly Bear Lake Monster Winterfest. If you're itching for some powder runs, Beaver Mountain Resort is just 20 minutes away (with good road conditions) and has over 400 inches of snow annually, at a fraction of the cost of other Utah resorts along the Wasatch Front.

In addition to clear-blue water, the area around Bear Lake is widely known (and was even featured in The New York Times decades ago) for its raspberry milkshakes. Local raspberries are paired with rich vanilla ice cream for a sweet treat any time of day. If you can't get enough of raspberries, don't miss visiting Bear Lake during July for the harvest or in early August for the Bear Lake Raspberry Days Festival. Outside the state park in nearby Garden City, dive into a delicious Muenster Burger at Zipz. Despite its claim to have the "least famous shakes," reviewers on Tripadvisor and Google Maps rave about them, too. Note that many restaurants, including Zipz, close during the winter.

Bear Lake State Park has no shortage of campgrounds; however, you should still book early if you plan to visit during the busy summer months. You'll find dozens of RV spots, along with power, water, and sewer hookups, in the Birch and Big Creek campgrounds, along with 21 tent campsites at the Cottonwood campground on Rendezvous Beach. If those are full, the Eastside section of Bear Lake State Park also has dozens of lakeside campsites in North Eden and South Eden. They're usually quieter, though weekends can still get busy. All are bookable on Reserve America and are only available four months out. Other options near the state park include several lakeside cabins at Rendezvous Beach and charming hotels in Garden City. You'll find all your essentials, including deli sandwiches for a picnic, at Mike's Market, meaning you won't need to drive an hour to Logan for groceries. Still, Utah's riverside college city is well worth a stop to or from the lake.