Bear Lake is located on the Utah-Idaho border and is often called theCaribbean of the Rockies because of its intense turquoise blue water. With a number of recreational and entertainment activities available, Bear Lake is fast becoming one of the premier family vacation destinations in the West. Below are the top 10 “must-do” activities in the area!
Bear Lake and its surrounding areas are full of beautiful hiking trails for nature-lovers of all ages and fitness levels. For a short, simple hike less than 10 minutes from the lake, try the Limber Pine Trail (only 1.5 miles round trip).
Bear Lake has several options for UTV rentals and plenty of great backroads and trails to spend a day exploring. Bear Lake Funtime Rentals, Epic Recreation, and Performance Rentals are all great shops eager to get you squared away with the machines you’ll need and instructions on the best places to ride.
Fifteen miles from Garden City you’ll encounter this enormous limestone cave featuring 9 rooms and a half mile of fascinating under-earth adventure. Guided tours are offered mid-June through Labor Day. Be sure to bring cash (no cards accepted) and warm clothes. The cave stays at a chilly 40 degrees fahrenheit year round!
A couple of hours on a course overlooking one of the most stunning lakes in the world? Yes, please! The Bear Lake Golf Course on the Utah side and Bear Lake West Golf Course on the Idaho side are the lake’s beautiful well-groomed mountain courses with scenery unlike anywhere you’ve ever played.
A 20 minute drive from downtown Garden City, Beaver Mountain is one of Utah’s best kept winter secrets! With over 800 skiable acres, 4 lifts and a magic carpet, “The Beav” is the perfect ski experience for families of all ages and abilities. During summer months they also offer tent camping spots and RV hookups. A perfect location to enjoy surrounding hiking and mountain bike trails.
A gorgeous 20-minute drive through Logan canyon will get you to Beaver Creek Lodge where they offer guided horseback tours for ages 7 and up. “Find your inner cowboy or cowgirl or cow- … person. Giddy up pard’ner!”
… or one of hundreds of other flavors if raspberries aren’t your thing! Bear Lake’s restaurants are known for serving some of the most delicious shakes in the world. Some favorite spots for great shakes: Zipz Drive Thru, LaBeau’s, and the Chevron gas station on the way out of town towards Logan Canyon!
Is there anything better than a beach day with family and friends? Bear Lake is surrounded by beautiful beaches where you can play in the water, throw a frisbee, read a book, build a sandcastle, and work on your tan. Rendezvous Beach on the Utah side and North Shore Beach on the Idaho side are known for great sand, ideal for a sun-filled day of fun. Just don’t forget your sunscreen because the Bear Lake sun takes no prisoners!
Boating, skiing, wake boarding, surfing, tubing, kneeboarding, parasailing, kiteboarding, jet skiing, sailing … do we really need to go on? Dock your water toys at one of the 5 public boat ramps and let the good times roll!
Experience a delightful evening of live entertainment at Bear Lake’s own Pickleville Playhouse. For over 40 years Pickleville has been known for charming audience members of all ages with its musical theatre productions which play mid-May through October. Featuring lighthearted Broadway musicals and Pickleville’s hilarious, one-of-a-kind modern melodramas, it’s a perfect place to create a lasting memory with those you care about most!
Shows play up to 3x per day during peak times in the cozy 300-seat log cabin theatre. Productions are always family-friendly and feature a cast of professional artists hired from various states across the US. Consistent quality and family-centered atmosphere have made it an unmissable tradition for tens of thousands!
You can also take in a delicious meal at the Pickleville Grill served each show night in the open-air pavillion right next to the theatre. With kids meal options and soft drinks + dessert included, you won’t find a more low-stress, mouth-watering and affordable dining experience in the area.
Visit PICKLEVILLEPLAYHOUSE.COM for tickets!
