6 Ways to Enjoy the “Caribbean of the Rockies,” Bear Lake

If you’ve never been you might ask, why is Bear Lake so special? Often described as the “Caribbean of the Rockies”, Bear Lake is known for its aquamarine blue color which comes from calcium carbonate suspended in the water. Swimming in the lake’s high-mineral-concentrated waters is said to have health benefits, but also its immense beauty makes it just as enjoyable from the shore. Bear Lake’s sapphire waters aren’t the only attraction in the area. Here are six things you shouldn’t miss.

1. Swim, Paddle or Take a Boat Out on Bear Lake

Get out on the water at Bear Lake (Photo courtesy Bear Lake Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau)

Let’s start with the obvious. If you’re going to be in the area, make sure you have a plan for enjoying the lake your way. For many people this means taking a dip at any one of the amazing swimming beaches, located along the lake’s 48 miles of shoreline. If swimming isn’t your speed there are plenty of outfitters in Garden City, Utah where you can rent kayaks, paddle boards, sea-doos, ski boats and more. Or set up camp along the lake on the east side, which tends to be quieter year round. There are plenty of campgrounds to choose from including the Cisco Beach Campground, South Eden Campground, Rainbow Cove Campground and Mountain Fawn Campground, to name a few. At the very least, take in the calming turquoise waters from your car with a scenic drive around Bear Lake on East Shore and Cisco Roads.

2. Explore 300-Plus Miles of Trails

Explore Bear Lake’s many trails (Photo courtesy Bear Lake Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau)

The Utah and Idaho portions of Bear Lake are surrounded by more than 300 miles of trails for you to explore. Not only are there a lot of trails, but there are also a lot of ways to use them. With routes geared towards hiking, biking, horses, ATVs/UTVs, snowmobiles and snowshoeing, no matter the season and no matter your adventure preference, there’s something for you. Some of these trails surround the lake, while others offer up additional local favorites like the 2-mile Bloomington Lake trail, a gorgeous glacial body of water located high up in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. And if hiking up to Bloomington Lake sounds like a lot of work, don’t fret. You can also drive closer to Bloomington Lake and walk a short half-mile jaunt to get there.

3. Discover Oregon Trail and Butch Cassidy History

Butch Cassidy Museum in Montpelier, Idaho (Photo courtesy Bear Lake Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau)

Bear Lake has a fascinating history all its own. Visit the National Oregon/California Trail Center in Montpelier, Idaho and learn from live reenactments (audience participation encouraged) what the Oregon Trail would’ve been like for those traveling on it back in the 1800s. While you’re in Montpelier you can also explore the Butch Cassidy Museum, located in a historic bank that was the site of one of the famous criminal’s heists in 1896. Or you can check out the Paris Tabernacle, which was constructed by Mormons in 1889 using red sandstone from a nearby quarry and today includes a small museum filled with heirlooms and artifacts. Everywhere you turn there is something to learn about the history of the American west.

4. Eat Good Food in Garden City, Utah

All of this learning, exploring and adventuring will have you hungry. Luckily there are lots of places around Bear Lake to grab a bite to eat. For breakfast check out Ruca’s where they serve Æbelskivers, a fluffy danish pancake you hardly ever see in restaurants. Larger groups and especially families will enjoy the kid friendly atmosphere at Cody’s Gastro Garage, an auto themed restaurant where you can eat under an elevated classic car or next to a motorcycle, located at the new Water’s Edge Resort. And if you’re looking for something quick, swing through LaBeau’s Drive In for a burger, fries and, you guessed it, a raspberry shake.

5. Catch a Fireworks Show

The Bear Lake area loves a fireworks display. If you’re traveling through during the summer you very well might catch one at any number of county fairs, Independence Day and Pioneer Day celebrations or Labor Day and Memorial Day festivities. There are also live concerts and dancing happening around Garden City, Laketown, Paris and Montpielier at different venues, as well as theatrical performances at the local Pickleville Playhouse in Garden City (this year they are doing “Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat”).

6. Drink a Famous Raspberry Milkshake

Raspberry milkshake, a Bear Lake staple (Photo courtesy Bear Lake Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau)

The Bear Lake area is also famous for its raspberries. Practically every restaurant you visit in town serves its take on the best raspberry milkshake you’ve ever had. If you want somewhere to start, check out Some Beaches. One of the local places that grows their own raspberries, Some Beaches has a store in Laketown, Utah where you can buy raspberry products like jams and jellies and then pop next door to the burger joint for a famous raspberry shake. If you’re passing through Bear Lake in late summer you might even get lucky and hit the Bear Lake Raspberry Days festival. Starting at the beginning of August this event lasts three days and includes concerts, a craft fair, pie eating contests, raspberry day parade and of course, fireworks.

What Towns Are Near Bear Lake?

Garden City, Utah (Photo courtesy Bear Lake Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau)

There are a number of towns along the shores of Bear Lake. These include Garden City and Laketown, Utah as well as Fish Haven, Idaho. Further afield but still offering great access to the lake are Bloomington, Paris and Montpelier, all located in Idaho. These towns include a variety of options for accommodations, including hotels and vacation rentals. Plus, large group spaces that can sleep up to 100 guests. Just two and a half hours from Salt Lake City International Airport, one of the best things about Bear Lake is its proximity to destinations like Yellowstone, Jackson Hole and the Tetons. Spend a day at this beautiful beachside paradise and the next day be spotting wolves in America’s first national park. It’s the ideal place to stop on a road trip. That off-the-beaten path feel exists with all the amenities and activities one could want.

What are the best months to visit Bear Lake?

Bear Lake is the perfect summer destination (Photo courtesy Bear Lake Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau)

There are fun things to do year round in the Bear Lake area. Most people, however, visit during the summer when it’s warm enough to truly enjoy the lake’s refreshing waters. If you want to aim for the less-crowded shoulder season, June tends to still be a little colder. September, however, is a perfect time to visit. By then things have calmed down after a busy summer season. Many of the restaurants and venues are still open but less crowded with kids back in school. The colors on the trees are starting to change, offering beautiful fall foliage to boot.

Plan Your Visit

For More Information:
Bear Lake Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau
69 N. Paradise Parkway, Building A
Garden City, UT 84028
435-946-2197
800-448-2327 (BEAR)
bearlake.org

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