Local Activity Guide

Are you looking to soar to new heights on your next trip to Bear Lake? If so, you’ll want to explore the Bear Lake Ropes Course at the Bridgerland Adventure Park. Situated in the heart of Garden City, Utah, the park has over 70 exciting elements up to 42 feet tall. This aerial ropes course offers a fun and affordable excursion for everyone in your group.

Book your luxury cabin today, and you’ll be right in the heart of the action for enjoying the beautiful Bear Lake and this exhilarating ropes course.

About the Bridgerland Adventure Park

• Price: $
• Address: 722 S First Lgt Dr, Garden City, UT 
• Website: blap.rocks
• Open: Seasonal; open from Memorial Weekend through Labor Day Weekend.
• Hours: Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 am until 5:30 pm.

The Bear Lake ropes course is located inside Bridgerland Adventure Park in Garden City, Utah, only a skip away from Bear Lake. The park is an exhilarating, family-friendly amusement park with several fun activities in addition to its famous ropes course. 

In addition to the ropes course, Bridgerland Adventure Park has several other fun activities, including”

• A zip line
• Free fall 
• Rock climbing wall
• Giant swing
• Axe throwing
• Bungee tramp
• Bounce house
• Miniature golf
• Kid’s train
• Tubing. 
• Free playground 
• Disc golf course

About the Bear Lake Ropes Course

The shining jewel of Bridgerland Adventure Park is the Bear Lake ropes course. This outside obstacle course has more aerial elements than any other in Utah. 

The Bear Lake ropes course has four different levels, which increase with difficulty as they increase. Each level has 18 elements and takes about 45 minutes to complete. 

Thanks to the level system, the Bear Lakes ropes course is suitable for various ages and skill levels. Younger kids and people scared of heights will do fine on the lower levels, and brave, adrenaline-seeking people will have a blast on the upper levels. 

Here’s a breakdown of the features of each level.

• Level 1: Includes fun features like pipe multi-vines, a footprint bridge, a tunnel, and a series of ropes to climb through. The elements on this level are at a height lower than the rest. 
• Level 2: Slightly higher than Level 1 and involves elements like painter’s planks, a ladder traverse, a pirate plank, a climbing traverse, and a tube. 
• Level 3: Slightly higher and more difficult. It involves a swinging log, climbing pegs, lily pads, a kitten crawl, and a catwalk.
• Level 4: The highest and most difficult of the levels. It involves difficult elements like a sliding hold climbing traverse, a skywalk, a Burma bridge, and more. 

If you’re curious about the different levels and elements, you can check out images of the different elements on the Bridgerland Ropes Course page. 

What to Know Before You Go

Who can do the Bear Lake Ropes Course?

The Bear Lake ropes course was created to be fun for all fitness levels and people of all ages! With that said, it does have two restrictions. Only kids eight and up can do the ropes course, which has a 275 lb maximum weight limit for participants due to safety reasons. 

How much does it cost?

The Bear Lake ropes course is perfect for affordable family fun. To participate, you purchase a ticket to do two levels of the course. Tickets for two levels cost $13.50 as of the 2023 season. If you want to do all four course levels, you can buy two tickets. 

How much time to spend at the Bear Lake Ropes Course?

Each level of the course has 18 elements, each taking about 2.5 minutes. If you plan to complete two levels, it’ll take you approximately 90 minutes. 

You should plan to spend at least two hours on the Bear Lakes ropes course, which gives you time to go through the safety measures,  get harnessed up, and go through at least two courses. 

If you plan to complete all four levels, it will take you at least three hours. It’s best to plan on only doing two levels, as it gets quite strenuous, and very few park visitors ever complete more than two levels. 

What to bring and wear to the Bear Lake Ropes Course?

To complete the Bear Lake ropes course, you should bring athletic clothing you feel comfortable climbing in. Shoes with a heel strap are required. 

Further, we recommend bringing tennis shoes with at least a little grip. This will make some of the climbing elements easier. We also recommend wearing sunscreen and bringing some water to drink after the course. 

Safety at the Bear Lake Ropes Course

Climbing on a 35 foot aerial ropes course may seem daunting, but rest assured because the Bear Lake ropes course has implemented several safety measures.

• Harnesses: You won’t be free climbing this aerial course; you’ll be strapped in with a safety harness the entire time. 
• Helmets: Required on the course at all times, protecting your head. 
• Trained instructors: You don’t have to brave the Bear Lake ropes course alone! All of the facilitators of the course are well-trained by a certified ropes course trainer. They all know the course and all of its elements inside and out. 
• Facilitators: There are facilitators perched on each level of the course who can help you with the elements and give instructions. If needed, the facilitators can even go onto the course with you and help you get off the course at any time. 
• Closed in bad weather: If there are any strong winds, heavy rain, or lightning the course closes.

Enjoy a Bear Lake Aerial Adventure

When you rent a vacation home on Bear Lake, you’ll find that there are plenty of options for adventure. The Bear Lake ropes course is the perfect group bonding experience. We’ll see you in the clouds!

Are you looking for a unique outdoor adventure that’s not yet on the radar of other travelers? If so, consider a visit to Mud Lake, on the northern edge of Bear Lake, Idaho. This lesser-known lake may not have much to offer in the way of amenities, but it still offers plenty for those interested in fish and game activities.

If you want to get off the beaten path, Mud Lake, Idaho, is only a short drive from your Bear Lake vacation home.

About Mud Lake, Idaho

Mud Lake, Idaho, is a waterbody part of the larger Dingle Marsh wetland system located immediately north of Bear Lake. The Dingle Marsh wetland system, also known as Dingle Swamp, is an 18,000-acre protected refuge. Both Mud Lake and the more popular Bear Lake were once part of a large prehistoric lake that filled the entire valley.

It’s important to note that the majority of the southern half of Mud Lake is closed to entry, as it’s a highly protected part of the refuge. Check the National Park Service’s map to know exactly where you can and can’t go.

Why is it called Mud Lake?

The name “Mud Lake” might not sound appealing at first glance, but it perfectly captures the natural allure of this biologically diverse area of marshland. Mud Lake and its surroundings present a thriving ecosystem with a rich diversity of wildlife. It’s essentially a playground for several types of waterfowl, fish, and various mammals, like jackrabbits, foxes, and coyotes.

Bear Lake’s marshy wetlands

Mud Lake isn’t just unique because of its ecological diversity but also because of its geographical positioning. Mud Lake sits comfortably right on the northern rim of beautiful Bear Lake, creating a striking contrast between the crystal-clear waters of Bear Lake, the marshy wetlands surrounding Mud Lake, and the entirety of the Dingle Swamp.

Why explore Mud Lake?

If you’re visiting Bear Lake in the summer and have a little extra time, exploring the northern part of the Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge can be a fun adventure into the more unpolished parts of the area. Mud Lake and the whole Dingle Marsh area have a unique ecosystem and present fantastic opportunities for wildlife spotting, particularly birdwatching!

The Best Time to Visit Mud Lake, Idaho

Mud Lake and the surrounding marshlands can be visited year-round. However, the best time to visit Mud Lake is between early spring and late fall, when temperatures are warmer, and the wildlife is particularly active. Winter can also be an interesting time to visit Mud Lake as mule deer spend their winters here, along with bald eagles and rough-legged hawks.

Driving around Mud Lake in winter can be difficult as many roads become impassable due to icy and snowy conditions. However, this does present opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Things to do in Mud Lake, Idaho

While Mud Lake doesn’t offer all the amenities of its three-hour south neighbor Bear Lake, you certainly won’t find yourself bored! These are some of the classic activities around the lake.

Birding

Mud Lake is truly a paradise for birdwatchers. You can spot Canada geese, northern pintails, and mallards by early springtime.

As temperatures warm up by April and May, even more birds arrive, including Sandhill Cranes preparing to make their nests, Franklin’s gulls, white-faced ibis, herons, egrets, and grebes. There are also several species of ducks, including redheads, canvasbacks, and lesser scaup.

Through spring and summer, all of these species of birds make the marshlands their nesting sites. In late fall and winter, almost all birds prepare to leave as more precipitation comes to the area, and the marshlands start to freeze.

Birding is one of the best reasons to come to Mud Lake, Idaho. To have the best birding experience, bring binoculars and a bird field guide to help you identify the species you see. If you wish to take any photos, bring a long-lens camera. If you’re visiting in the summer, you’ll also want to bring plenty of insect repellent, as it gets buggy here.

Fishing

With a valid Idaho fishing license, anglers are allowed to enjoy fishing in Mud Lake’s marshy waters. It’s also not uncommon to fish just north of the Lifton Pumping Station. Check out the Idaho Fishing Planner for more information about current bag limits, special restrictions, and what people are catching.

Hike and Explore the Nearby Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge

The best opportunities for exploring lie to the far north of Mud Lake, in the heart of the National Wildlife Refuge. Just south of the Salt Meadow Unit are wildlife viewing facilities and ample opportunities for hiking, canoeing, and even horseback riding. If you do wish to hike, keep in mind that many of the trails and roads are only open until January 15th. You can also snowshoe on the trails and roads during that time.

Boating

Motorized and non-motorized boats are permitted in specific boating areas from September 20th to January 15th. Boat rentals are plentiful around Bear Lake. The canoe trail, which presents a fantastic opportunity for wildlife spotting, is open from July 1st to September 20th.

Hunting

Hunting is permitted in certain areas surrounding Mud Lake, Idaho. However, only geese, ducks, snipe, mergansers, cottontails, gray partridge, coots, and sage grouse can be hunted. All other species are protected by the refuge.

It’s Time for a Mud Lake Adventure

Mud Lake’s rugged uniqueness is an amazing place to balance Bear Lake’s polished beauty. A Bear Lake vacation home is the perfect home base to explore the biologically diverse wetland surrounding the lake. Book your Bear Lake vacation rental today!

When the dog days of summer roll in and the scent of fresh raspberries fill the air, there’s no better place to be than Garden City in Bear Lake. 

In addition to luxurious cabin rentals and refreshing waters, Bear Lake is also home to the annual summer celebration known as the Bear Lake Raspberry Days festival.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Bear Lake Raspberry Days as a first-timer.  

About Bear Lake Raspberry Days

• Location: Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, Utah
• Website: gardencityut.us/raspberrydays
• When: Every August

Bear Lake’s annual Raspberry Days is a three-day festival held during the first full weekend of August. The Raspberry Days festival celebrates not just the sweet, delicious raspberry that the region is known for but also symbolizes the community’s pride and unity and offers an opportunity for the whole community to come together. 

Thanks to the fertile soil, elevation, and unique microclimate of Bear Lake, the Bear Lake region hosts the perfect conditions for raspberries to grow. The raspberry has been an essential element to the region’s economy for generations. To this day, the raspberry holds a special place in the heart of the Bear Lake community.

Today, the celebration of the raspberry in Bear Lake is a fun, family-friendly event that includes concerts, contests, and many other events that thousands flock to every year to partake in. For the most part, the festival takes place in Garden City, although the rodeo takes place in Laketown.

Raspberry Days 2023: What to Expect

The Raspberry Days Festival 2023 will include the same fun-filled atmosphere of previous years, with a few fun additions. The exact schedule of the Raspberry Days 2023 festival has yet to be released, but it will be released by July of 2023, so you can plan your weekend. 

We do know that the festival takes place August 3rd-5th, 2023, and most of the Bear Lake Raspberry Days festivities take place at Heritage Park in the town of Garden City.

Bear Lake Raspberry Days Activities

Highlights of the annual event typically include a rodeo, a 5k fun run, a parade, a firework show, a variety of live performances, and of course, plenty of delicious raspberry-infused food and drinks. Stalls lining the streets overflow with everything raspberry – jams, pies, shakes, you name it. Vendors sell locally crafted goods and artwork, making for perfect souvenirs. You don’t want to miss it.

Here are the specific Bear Lake Raspberry Days Activities you have to look forward to!

The Main Festival and Fair

One of the most popular events of Raspberry Days is the Fair, which takes place at Heritage Park in Garden City.

The fair has games and rides for kids, booths of vendors selling both food and crafts, live music, and other fun events. 

While you’re at the fair, be sure to grab a raspberry shake to sip on to really get into the Raspberry Days spirit.

The Raspberry Days Parade

One of the biggest draws of Raspberry Days is the vibrant parade that weaves its way down Main Street in Garden City. Participants of all ages put on a delightful show with colorful costumes, floats, antique cars, and performances. 

Each year, the parade has a fun, new theme, which keeps it fresh and new for repeat Raspberry Days attendees. 

Annual Pie Eating Contest

For anyone who really loves raspberries, you can check out the raspberry pie eating contest. Contestants race to finish their pie, spectators receive a special tee shirt with their entry fees, and winners of the pie-eating contest receive prizes. 

The Raspberry Days pie eating contest never fails to amuse the crowd, and if you really love raspberries, you can even enter the contest yourself.

Concerts

The Raspberry Days festival is anything but quiet. Throughout the entirety of the weekend, there are live concerts performing all day long. 

Rodeo in Laketown

In true Western style, the Bear Lake Raspberry Days festival features a rodeo in Laketown. Cowboys and cowgirls showcase their skills in various events, adding a dash of adrenaline and culture to the Raspberry Days. 

The Laketown Rodeo features broncos, bulls, and roping from expert rides. The rodeo also features calf and goat chasing for the kids and mutton bustin’.

5K Fun Run

If you’re someone who loves to stay active even while on vacation, you won’t regret participating in the Bear Lake Raspberry Days 5k fun run. Participants run, jog, or walk through the scenic surroundings of Bear Lake, turning the competition into a celebration of nature and health. If you love this lake and a fun run, return in June when the beloved Bear Lake Trifecta happens, traversing three states around the lake! 

Zumba

Another way to incorporate fun and exercise into the Raspberry Days festival is to participate in the free Zumba classes! You’ll move, dance, and exercise to the beat with the crowds at the festival under the instruction of an experienced Zumba instructor. 

Bingo

Feeling lucky? Relive the simple joy of a classic game of Bingo at Raspberry Days. Bingo during the Raspberry Days is a crowd favorite, and there are several prizes available for winners. Bingo games occur throughout the festival, so you’ll have a few different chances to join in on the fun.

Golf Scramble

The Bear Lake Raspberry Days festival puts a fun twist on traditional golfing with their famous Golf Scramble. 

The Golf Scramble includes teams of 4, a shotgun start, a breakfast, 18 holes, and various prizes for contestants and winners. 

The Golf Scramble takes place at the Bear Lake West Golf Course, about 4 miles north of Garden City.

Boat Light Parade and Fireworks

At the end of the Raspberry Days festival, the Bear Lake Yacht Club puts on the boat light parade, which features a parade of boats adorned with lights gliding from Blue Water Beach to the Bear Lake State Park Marina. 

The boat light parade and festival conclude with a grand fireworks display lighting up the night sky, a fitting end to the celebration of raspberries, community, and summer fun. The best place to watch the firework show is Heritage Park. 

Tips for First-Time Visitors

Don’t Miss the Parade

The parade is one of the most fun and engaging parts of the Bear Lake Raspberry Days, and is not to be missed. It usually kicks off the first evening of the festival. 

Bring Cash

The Raspberry Days festival is a cash-friendly event, and some of the stalls and food vendors may not take cards. You’ll especially need to bring cash if you want to go to the rodeo in Laketown. 

Enjoy the Bear Lake Raspberry Days Festival

The Raspberry Days Festival perfectly encapsulates the beauty of summer, the Bear Lake community, and of course, tart, delicious raspberries. 

When you rent a vacation home in Bear Lake, you’re in the perfect place to attend all of the Bear Lake Raspberry Days festivities, make some sweet summer memories, and enjoy the beauty of the lakeshore!

Featured Image Credit: Alena Haurylik

Bear Lake is quite simply a mountain biker’s paradise. This incredible area is famous for its stunning blue lake that straddles the line between Utah and Idaho, but it is also well-known for its copious biking opportunities for various skill levels.

Whether you want to zoom around the lake on water skis, relax in your rental home while enjoying peaceful views, or bike along steep mountain trails, Bear Lake is perfect for you. This 109 square-mile lake is surrounded by incredible trail systems that are perfect for getting some mountain biking during your stay at a Bear Lake Luxury rental.

This region is ideal for summertime activities, including its expansive trail options for mountain biking. Offering high-mileage road routes, family-friendly paths, steep and challenging mountain trails, and everything in between, there is something for all levels of bikers in Bear Lake. 

Here is your guide to mountain biking around Bear Lake!

Mountain Biking Trails Around Bear Lake

Bear Lake and its surroundings are amazing for bike enthusiasts. From casual, paved rides through town to exhilarating single-track routes and jump trails through forests, canyons, and even beaches, there is something for every rider. 

If you don’t have your own bike and equipment or simply don’t feel like hauling them along on your vacation, there are multiple outfitters in the region where you can rent bikes, helmets, and other gear for the day. They’re also extremely knowledgeable and can give you the inside scoop on the Bear Lake trail systems.

Bear Trail

For a casual ride suitable for the whole family, check out the 4.5-mile paved Bear Trail. This easy ride follows the Bear Lake shores and provides unforgettable views. As you pass through Garden City, stop for a famous raspberry shake at the charming Hometown Drive In. 

The trail begins at Ideal Beach or Harbor Village and is a point-to-point route. Free parking is available on either end of the route. 

The Bear Lake Road Biking Path

Consider the Bear Lake Road Biking Path around Bear Lake for a more challenging road bike route with unbeatable views. Start this 52-mile route in Garden City and enjoy incredible views of Bear Lake as you bike past Meadowville and St. Charles.

The high mileage may be intimidating, but the route is only moderately challenging as it is generally flat with a few rolling hills. There are plenty of places to stop along the way for snacks, drinks, the restroom, or even a leisurely meal. Locals recommended riding this loop clockwise for the ideal views of Bear Lake. 

Hodges Canyon Trail #28

Hodges Canyon Trail #28 is a fantastic option for a fun and fast downhill ride! This 6-mile trail starts at the Upper Hodges Canyon parking area and winds downhill on a dirt road toward Bear Lake. You can pick up quite a bit of speed on this ride, making it a lot of fun for intermediate to experienced riders. 

It is generally recommended that you run a shuttle for this route, leaving one car parked at the bottom and taking another to the top parking area. If you only have one car, start at the bottom so you can end your ride on the fun downhill. 

Bear Lake Summit to Meadowville Trail

Enjoy the unique terrain on this 15.5-mile point-to-point trail. You will bike through mixed conifer forests and through a unique area of depressions in the ground known as the Sinks. 

Start your ride at the Bear Lake Summit for an easier downhill ride, or start in Meadowville for a more difficult trail. If you want to complete this trail as a one-way ride, be sure to park a car at each trailhead or plan another transportation option. The trail can be ridden as a 31-mile out-and-back trail for those seeking a difficult workout. 

You will be glad that this route is only open from mid-June to mid-October. The second coldest temperatures ever recorded in the continental US were along this trail! 

Laketown Canyon Trail

Check out the Laketown Canyon Trail if you are an experienced biker looking for a fun and challenging ride. This 7-mile out-and-back trail begins at the rodeo arena in Laketown before heading off into a remote tract of wilderness. You will follow a winding dirt road through an exposed area before reaching a gorgeous aspen forest. 

Prepare to get wet because you will be crossing a babbling stream seven times each way on this ride. A reservoir halfway up the trail and a spring at the top are great locations for spotting wildlife. 

This trail is open to ATVs, horses, and hikers, so remember the right-of-way rules along the trail and always yield to horses. 

Swan Creek Mountain and Hiking Trail

For a moderately challenging 4.5-mile loop that is open from April through November, check out the Swan Creek Mountain Trail. Starting in Lakota, this trail is mostly flat, with a few steep sections to get your heart rate up. Part of the trail is along US 89, and you should be cautious in the summer months when traffic may be heavy along the road. 

Logan Canyon Trails

The Logan Canyon National Scenic Byway is home to over 20 bike trails of varying difficulty. This area is only a short drive from Bear Lake and is a perfect destination for an exciting day filled with mountain biking. 

Check out the Beaver Creek Family Ride, which, as the name suggests, is a great route for groups with kids or less experienced bikers. For experienced riders, consider the Bunchgrass, Steam Mill Canyon, or Perry Canyon trails, all rated as more difficult options. 

Outfitters and Rentals

Bike Barn

• Address: 485 N Bear Lake Rd, Garden City, UT 
• Phone number: (435) 946-3454

Located at the Bear Lake KOA in Garden City, the Bike Barn is a great option for all kinds of bike rentals and is also a bike shop if you need any repairs. Some of their offerings include traditional mountain bikes, e-bikes, trikes, banana bikes, and the unique four-person surrey. They have bikes suitable for children and adults. 

Firefly Power Bike Rentals

• Address: 2089 S Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT 
• Phone number: (877) 446-2453

Rent an e-bike or other outdoor equipment at Firefly Power Bike Rentals in Garden City. The e-bikes can be pedaled like a normal bike, or flip the switch and enjoy an easy ride as the battery-powered motor propels you along! An e-bike would make the 52-mile loop around Bear Lake easy enough for anyone. 

Epic Adventure Center

• Address: 201 N Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT
• Phone number: (435) 946-3742

Open year-round and offering rentals of just about any outdoor equipment you can think of, Epic Adventure Center in Garden City is a great place to get your bike rental. They have e-bikes for summer use, which are perfect for paved trails, dirt roads, and mild off-road trails. In winter, you can rent a fat tire mountain bike which is suitable for groomed snowy areas or dirt trails. 

Grab Your Bike and Go!

When you rent a vacation home in beautiful Bear Lake, there is endless potential to get in touch with the wild surroundings. This stunning area is a fantastic destination for outdoor recreation, such as mountain biking. Pack your bags and your bike helmet, it’s time to see Bear Lake from the trails!