Best Things to See and Do near Bear Lake, the “Caribbean of the Rockies” (Utah, Idaho)

Jul 23, 2025

Bear Lake is known as the “Caribbean of the Rockies” thanks to its stunning cerulean-hued waters, though you won’t find any dolphins or swim-up bars here. This lake is made for immersive nature retreats, rugged adventures, outdoor enthusiasts, a detox from your 9-to-5, and top tier camping! With 109 square miles of natural freshwater lake real estate and split between Idaho and Utah, there’s no shortage of year-round fun, but summer is where it’s at for sure. It’s a great summer escape from oppressive heat, with milder temperatures and wonderful lakeside breezes, making it a must-visit destination with a unique beauty all its own and a surefire hit for the whole family. So, let’s hit the road in your new car from Classic in Waukegan, and get the adventure started with a drive through the Logan Canyon National Scenic Byway and onwards to Bear Lake!

Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge has been protected land since 1968, and includes Dingle Swamp, Mud Lake, and Bear Lake. The refuge encompasses 18,000 acres of grasslands, mountain terrain, cattail marsh, open water, and flooded meadows. This refuge provides a valuable habitat and colony for 160+ species of waterfowl, nesting water birds, and migratory birds. You’ll want to be on the lookout for Avocets, White-Faced Ibis, Forester’s Terns, Trumpeter Swans, White Pelicans, Blue Herons, and even Sandhill Cranes. Other animals in the area include moose, mule deer, black bear, coyotes, raccoons, and more.

Bear Lake Valley is a trail enthusiast’s dream – whether you love hiking, horseback riding, or biking, you’ll find more than 350 miles of groomed trails at your disposal for hiking, and numerous miles of marked but ungroomed trails for your enjoyment. Limber Pine Nature Trail is a favorite of visitors, and is very family friendly at 1.3-miles for the whole loop, and done in under 40 minutes; it’s mostly shaded and you’ll find fantastic views of Bear Lake. The Great Western Trail passes through the Bear Lake region and extends from the border of Arizona all the way up through to Canada! Bear Lake Road Bike path is a 52-mile loop around the lake with stunning lake views. Beaver Creek Family Ride is a smooth dirt road running along a mountain stream.

For those who crave a little more adrenaline, you can also rent an ATV/UTV and explore the off-road trails for backcountry excitement! The surrounding mountains of Logan Canyon are also perfect for challenging hikes and treks as well as rock-climbing on the limestone cliffs.

Just a short drive out from Garden City, there’s an enormous limestone cave with 9 incredible “rooms” to explore and a half mile trek of underground excitement, Minnetonka Cave. Tours run every half hour through the limestone caves beneath Cache National Forest. You’ll take a 90minute guided tour to learn the history and science behind this spectacular underground wonder with stalactites, stalagmites, and banded travertine. Visitors recommend doing this earlier in the day and bringing a picnic lunch along for a nice day out. Note that there are a fair amount of stairs to climb during the tour, so be prepared with good footwear.

If you’re looking for water activities and aquatic sports, you’ll find a haven here at Bear Lake State Park with beaches and dock opportunities for waterskiing, sailing, jet-skiing, canoeing and kayaking, scuba diving, fishing, swimming, and even inflatable marine trampolines! Arrive early to the lakefront and catch the sunrise reflecting in those glistening waters, because it’s unparalleled. North Beach located on the northern shoreline and Rendezvous Beach on the southern shore offer long stretches of sandy beaches that are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and of course – sandcastles building. For anglers, Bear Lake is home to four species of fish that aren’t found anywhere else in Idaho or Utah – Bonneville Cisco, Bonneville Whitefish, Bear Lake Whitefish, and Bear Lake Sculpin plus plentiful species like cutthroat trout, late trout, and bass.

For Camping in the area, you’ll have numerous options in different regions close to the park. Eastside offers South Eden, Cisco Beach, Rainbow Cove, and North Eden (some are first-come first served, some are reservation); Cisco Beach is a primitive campground that’s first-come first served; South Eden offers RV hookups and two group campsites; Rendezvous Beach offers Birch campground, Beach Campground, and Cottonwood Campground for RV and Tent options.