Local Activity Guide

Often referred to as the “Caribbean of the Rockies,” Bear Lake is possibly best known for its gorgeous vibrant blue color. The lake has a unique topography that lends itself to fantastic activities in warm and cold weather seasons. 

Summer in Bear Lake is the perfect season to make the most of the lake itself, with swimming, water sports, SCUBA diving, fishing, and kayaking as some of the most popular activities. Around the lake, you can head out for hiking, horseback riding, and other outdoor recreation in this stunning region of the United States. 

Take your summer vacation to the next level when you book a trip to beautiful Bear Lake. Equally divided between the scenic states of Idaho and Utah, this mesmerizing lake is home to endless exciting activities to make your vacation unforgettable. Read on for what you can look forward to on a Bear Lake getaway this summer. 

Hiking

There are nearly endless hiking opportunities in the area surrounding Bear Lake, and hiking is one of the top activities for a summer vacation. From easy strolls through Bear Lake State Park to intense backcountry hikes and everything in between, there are great hiking trails for everyone at Bear Lake. 

Limber Pine Trail

Set high above Bear Lake along the Logan Canyon National Scenic Byway is the 1.4-mile Limber Pine Trail. This loop provides a stunning hike, culminating in the massive 560-year-old limber pine for which the trail was named. This ancient tree is actually five trees growing together and is an amazing sight. 

Throughout the loop, you can catch glimpses of the turquoise waters of Bear Lake far below. Stop at one of the benches along the trail for a picnic lunch with an unforgettable view. 

Laketown Canyon Trail

Starting at the rodeo arena in Laketown, this 7-mile out-and-back trail takes you through aspen groves and sagebrush-covered hills. The Laketown Canyon Trail is perfect for a summertime hike because you will cross a stream seven times, giving you a chance to cool off in the cool mountain water. 

There is a reservoir halfway up the trail and a spring at the top of the trail, providing opportunities for spotting thirsty wildlife. This trail is also open to mountain bikers, horseback riders, and ATVs. 

Sink Hollow Trail

About 20 minutes from Bear Lake, you will find the trailhead for the beautiful Sink Hollow Trail. Near the Beaver Mountain ski area, this trail is much more pleasant to hike in the summer months when it isn’t covered in feet of snow. The 9-mile route takes you through sagebrush meadows, aspen groves, pine forests, and finally to Horse Lake, the perfect place to stop for lunch before heading home. 

Bear Trail

This 4.5-mile paved trail is fantastic for an easy walk along the lake and through the charming town of Garden City, where you can stop for a mid-hike coffee or ice cream treat. Enjoy beautiful views of the lake on this family-friendly hike that is easily accessible for everyone. Bear Trail is also suitable for bikes and horses. 

Bear Lake Water Sports

With over 160 square miles of stunning turquoise water, there is plenty of room for all kinds of water sports at Bear Lake. Lake activities here are heavy on the watercraft! Think water skiing, wake boarding, and jet skiing to experience the lake like the locals! 

Explore the beautiful lake with a canoe or kayak rental for a quiet day. This is a great way to get up close to wildlife that might be scared off by a boat’s motor and allows you to enjoy tranquil views of the lake. Afterward, you can laze around on the beaches that surround the lake.

Certified SCUBA divers are able to dive in the clear blue water, providing beautiful underwater scenes. The thriving marine life and ideal water conditions make Bear Lake one of the top dive sites in Idaho and Utah. Cisco Beach, along the east shore of Bear Lake, is considered the best dive spot in the lake. 

Pontoon boats, speedboats, fishing boats, jet skis, kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, and accessories can be rented at various outfitters around Bear Lake. 

Fishing

Bear Lake has fantastic fishing opportunities year-round. There are numerous local outfitters where you can rent a boat and gear or charter a guided fishing trip. The lake is home to a trophy cutthroat trout fishery producing record-breaking fish. Lake trout can also be found in the lake, sometimes reaching up to 30 lbs. 

In addition to trout, four species of fish are endemic to Bear Lake, providing a unique opportunity for anglers. These species are Bonneville cisco, Bonneville whitefish, Bear Lake whitefish, and Bear Lake sculpin. 

Please familiarize yourself with all the fishing regulations for the lake. A valid fishing license in Idaho or Utah is required to fish in Bear Lake. It is important to remember that all cutthroat trout with all fins intact (unclipped) must be released to protect the native fish population. 

Horseback Riding

The Bear Lake area is very popular for horseback riding due to the high number of horse-friendly trails and endless stunning scenery. Whether you are a total beginner looking for a unique experience during your vacation or an expert equestrian seeking new trails, Bear Lake has something for everyone. 

You are welcome to bring your own horses, or you can book guided rides with one of the local tour operators. Pony Express Horseback Rides and MW Quarter Horses are great local guide services options.

Mountain Biking

Trail adventurers will find many fantastic opportunities for mountain biking in the Bear Lake area. From casual rides through town to challenging routes through canyons, you have no shortage of memorable trails to bike during your vacation. 

Bear Trail

Bear Trail is 4.5 miles of paved surface, perfect for a casual ride with the whole family. Following along the shores of Bear Lake, the scenic ride takes you through quaint towns where you can stop for a snack or drink, especially the famous raspberry shakes in Garden City. 

The Bear Lake Road Biking Path

Enjoy incredible views of the entirety of Bear Lake when you ride this 52-mile loop around the lake. Though the mileage is high, the Bear Lake Road Biking Path is considered easy to moderate due to the relatively flat terrain. You can make stops in towns throughout the ride for snacks, drinks, or a restroom break. 

Pro tip: Ride this route clockwise for the best views. 

Bear Lake Summit to Meadowville Trail

This 15.5 point-to-point trail takes you through varying terrain, including mixed conifer forests and depressions in the landscape known as The Sinks. Either plan to park two cars, one at each trailhead, or make this a 31-mile round-trip ride.

Be glad you’re riding the Bear Lake Summit to Meadowville Trail in the summer; the second coldest temperatures ever recorded in the continental US were in the Sinks along this trail! 

Laketown Canyon Trail

Experienced bikers will love the Laketown Canyon Trail. This 7-mile out-and-back route starts at the rodeo arena in Laketown and takes you along a winding dirt road with multiple creek crossings. Watch out for horses and hikers, but there are plenty of opportunities for some fast sections along this trail. 

Weather

The weather in the Bear Lake area can vary wildly depending on the season. While the region is cold and best suited for skiing and snowboarding over the winter, summertime at Bear Lake is perfect for those who enjoy warmth and sunshine. 

Living up to its nickname as the Caribbean of the Rockies, temperatures can reach the mid-80s in the heat of July. Therefore, June through September are the best months to visit to play in the water and avoid the chilly temperatures common in the other months. 

Summertime Perfection Around Bear Lake

Have the summertime lake getaway of a lifetime when you book a vacation home at the stunning Bear Lake. So pack your swimsuit and sunscreen and prepare for an unforgettable summer at your Bear Lake Luxury Rental.

Bear Lake, tucked right between Idaho and Utah, is a beautiful freshwater lake that lures visitors in from all over the world. With breathtaking mountain views and vibrant blue waters, it’s no surprise that kayaking has become one of the most popular ways to explore Bear Lake! 

While popular activities like paddle boarding, jet skiing, and water skiing are often the first things that come to mind at the lake, nothing beats a peaceful paddle. Whether you’re a kayaking aficionado or are simply looking for a fun peaceful activity out on the water while staying with Bear Lake Luxury Rentals, you’ll be truly enchanted the one of a kind kayaking here. 

To get in on the fun, you don’t even have to own a kayak, as there are a plethora of options for Bear Lake kayak rentals. In this guide, we’ll cover all the best options for kayak rentals on Bear Lake, along with some insider tips on how to have the best experience kayaking Bear Lake. 

Kayak Rentals Options

There are several fantastic options for Bear Lake kayak rentals, no matter what part of Bear Lake you are staying at.

Bear Lake Fun

• North Beach Rentals: 535 East Shore Rd, St. Charles Idaho
• Rendezvous Beach Rentals: 1153 W 1220 N, Laketown, UT 
• Marina Rentals: 940 Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT
• Website: bearlakefun.com

Bear Lake Fun is a larger rental group based at Bear Lake that specializes in motorized rentals like sea-doos, fishing boat, and ski boat rentals but also rents a few different types of non-motorized watercraft rentals like stand up paddle boards (SUPs), water trampolines, and kayaks.

One of the kayaks available for rent is a single-person, sit-inside style kayak. The other kayak style they have available for rent is a two-person, tandem kayak where you sit on the top rather than inside. Additionally, Bear Lake Fun even has a three-person canoe on-site for rent. 

There are three different Bear Lake Fun rental locations around the lake that offer kayak rentals. All of Bear Lake Fun’s kayak rentals include paddles and life jackets. 

Bear Lake Water Adventures

• Address: 2126 South, Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City UT 
• Website: Bear Lake Water Adventures

Bear Lake Water Adventures is a small, locally-run rental shop located right on the water at Garden City Park Beach. Leo, the owner, will carry your paddle board rental equipment right to the edge of the water to help make your rental experience as seamless as possible. 

All kayak rentals from Bear Lake Water Adventures include paddles and life jackets, and you can either rent by the hour or elect for an all-day rental. 

Pro Tip: Bear Lake Water Adventures has some of the lowest rates for Bear Lake kayak rentals, so this is a fantastic rental option if you’re looking for a good deal with friendly service. 

Epic Recreations

• Epic Adventure Center:  201 N Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City UT
• Epic Rentals and Marina: 2410 S Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City UT
• Website: epicrecreation.net

Located in Garden City, Utah, Epic Recreations is a group in North Beach State Park that specializes in renting outdoor recreation equipment. Within their vast selection of water sports and winter equipment, Epic Recreations has two-person, sit-on-top style kayaks available for rent to use on Bear Lake. 

If you would like to rent a kayak from Epic Recreations, you can stop by the Epic Rentals and Marina location to splash in directly in front of the rental area, or if it’s more convenient you can grab a kayak rental from their Epic Adenture Center and drive it to a load in spot of you choice around the lake! 

The benefit of the latter is that you are able to take your kayak rental anywhere on the lake, unlike with other companies where you might have to stay within set boundaries. 

Bear Lake Rentals

• Address: 2126 South, Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City UT 
• Website: bearlakerentals.com

Bear Lake Rentals is located within the private Blue Water Beach Resort, where only hotel guests and guests renting from Bear Lake Rentals can access the private beach. 

Along with boats and jet skis, Bear Lake Rentals has two-person sea kayaks available for rent, including life jackets, paddles, and instructions. 

Pro Tip: Bear Lake Rentals is an excellent place to rent a kayak if you want to enjoy access to a private beach and beat the Bear Lake summer crowds. 

North Bear Rentals

• Address: 120 N Main St, Bloomington, ID 
• Website: northbearrentals.com

North Bear Rentals has the biggest variety of kayaks available in their fleet of any of the other Bear Lake kayak rental options. At North Bear Rentals, you can choose from a kids kayak, single kayaks, a double-person kayak, and even a triple-person kayak! North Bear Rentals also has some of the lowest rental rates around. 

If you want to rent from North Bear Rentals, be sure to arrive early,  although they have four different options for kayak rentals, they only have one or two of each kayak available in their fleet. 

North Bear Rentals is located about a 10-minute drive from the beach, so you will need to either transport your kayak rentals to the beach in your own vehicle or inquire about their trailer service to help get your kayaks to the beach. 

Keep in mind you will need to be 18+ with a valid driver’s license to rent kayaks from North Bear Rentals. 

Family Fun Kayaking Around Bear Lake

Kayaking Bear Lake is a fun solo activity and also a fun activity for the entire family to enjoy lake time together. Although some rentals have an age criterion for renting, once you are on the water, the paddling is easy enough for beginners. 

Kayaking in Bear Lake is a fantastic way to enjoy the thrill of boating without the hassle or expenses associated with renting a motorboat. Kayaks are lightweight, easy to maneuver, and easy for beginners to learn how to ride!

Kayaking is a fantastic workout as well and a fun way to explore the lake while staying active. Paddling a kayak around Bear Lake is a great way to explore the lake’s different features and take in the scenery of the surrounding mountains from a unique perspective. 

Requirements for Bear Lake Kayak Rentals

Requirements for kayak rentals on Bear Lake vary, although some rental shops have a checklist to tick before renting. Some of the criteria include:

• Age and ID: An adult aged 18+ with a valid driver’s license to be the one renting the kayaks. 
• Life Jackets: Additionally, each person in the kayak needs to have a life jacket on board at all times while in the water. 
• Waiver: You will likely also need to sign a waiver.
• Boundaries: For safety reasons, most Bear Lake kayak rental shops will require you to stay within a specific boundary on the lake. 

Happy Paddling on Bear Lake

In conclusion, Bear Lake is a fantastic destination for kayaking enthusiasts and beginners alike. With its crystal clear waters and breathtaking scenery, kayaking on Bear Lake is a remarkable experience. These kayak rental shops also happen to be close to our Bear Lake vacation home rentals. From modern lodges to Cedar farmhouses, we can accommodate large groups. Come for the comfort; stay for the adventure!

Are you planning to participate in the Bear Lake Trifecta race for the first time? Or maybe you’re just planning to observe the event and support your friends or family members who are running? Either way, you’re in for a treat because this fun event is rapidly becoming one of America’s most beloved races.

Since 2008 the Bear Lake Trifecta has offered a challenging but rewarding three-day running event that takes place in not one, not two, but three of the most beautiful states that surround the 109 square miles of Bear Lake. 

Book your vacation home rental, and grab your running shoes or your pom poms! Here’s everything you need to know to make the most out of attending the Bear Lake Trifecta. 

About the Bear Lake Trifecta

The Bear Lake Marathon Trifecta is a three-day event that takes place in three different western states: Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming. The event features both full and half marathons each day, and Utah even includes a 5k in addition to their half and full marathons. All of the races feature rolling hills and beautiful mountain views to make for a challenging but fun run. 

The Bear Lake Trifecta values simplicity. The emphasis of the event is on the races themselves and the scenic surroundings of the courses. The Bear Lake Trifecta does not have live music or elaborate expos, but all runners DO receive excellent support along the course and fantastic SWAG bags along with phenomenal views of Bear Lakes’ best beaches and mountain topography.

Where

If you’re striving to visit all 50 states or to run a marathon in all 50 states, the Bear Lake Trifecta is a fantastic opportunity to knock off three of the most beautiful from your running bucket list. 

All of the start and finish lines are within 45 minutes of one another, meaning you can easily base yourself right on Bear Lake and be within just a short drive of each race, whether you wish to participate or spectate in the races. 

When

The Bear Lake Trifecta always takes place in early June over the course of three separate days. At this time of year, the weather is usually quite pleasant and not too hot for racing! While 2022 was a bit warm, the temperature for the races in past years has averaged from the high 60s to the low 70s. 

What to Expect

The Bear Lake Trifecta is a relatively small event, and historically, there have only been about 50 people in each marathon, which makes for a fun and intimate race experience. 

Each race also takes place somewhere between 6000 and 6500 feet above sea level. Although aside from rolling hills, the races have relatively little elevation change. The majority of the terrain for each race consists of unpaved trails. 

The Races

Here is a breakdown of the three states’ participation in the event! 

Idaho Races

• Races: Full and Half Marathon
• Starting Point: St. Charles, ID

The Idaho Full Marathon and Half Marathon courses start just outside of North Beach State Park. The course features rolling hills, lake views, and fully stocked aid stations. The courses are out and back and rated as fairly easy, despite the hills, which bring about a little elevation gain. The race starts in St. Charles, Idaho. 

Wyoming Race

• Races: Full and Half Marathon
• Starting Point: Cokeville, WY

The Wyoming segment of the Bear Lake Trifecta takes place in the quaint small town of Cokeville, Wyoming. The course is out and back, with aid stations located about every 2 miles. The Wyoming course is the flattest of the three, although you’ll still experience some elevation gain and beautiful views over the course of the race. 

Utah Race

• Races: Full Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K
• Starting Point: Garden City, UT

Finally, the Utah race of the Bear Lake Trifecta takes place right in the popular summer destination of Garden City, Utah. This out and back also features long rolling hills and lake views, and it’s also the race with some of the biggest hills and highest elevation gain. 

Cost of the Bear Lake Trifecta

Historically, each race of the Bear Lake Trifecta costs between $135 and $165 for the half and full marathons, respectively, and around $42 forth 5K in Utah. 

If you plan to run all three races, you can receive a discount by purchasing race entry for all three as a bundle. Typically, the earlier in advance you register for the races, the less you’ll pay.

Registration for the races also lands you a commemorative T-Shirt, medal, and a SWAG bag full of goodies from the race’s sponsors.  

2023 Bear Lake Trifecta

• Idaho Dates: June 8th
• Wyoming Dates: June 9th
• Utah Dates: June 10th
• Pre-race Packet Pick Up: 88 S. Bear Lake Boulevard, Garden City, UT
• Website: runbearlake.com

The 2023 Bear Lake Trifecta takes place from June 8th to June 10th. The pre-race packet pick-up takes place June 7th at the Water’s Edge Resort from 4 pm to 7 pm. However, no worries if you can’t make it on June 7th because competitors can also pick up their packets the morning of race day. Check the race website for pick-up locations.

Awards will be distributed to the overall age group winners after each race, and there will also be an award ceremony on Saturday afternoon.

Once participants cross the finish line, they can refuel post-race at the food vendors that are set up at the finish line for each race. 

Starting Locations

All races start at 7 pm with these starting places: 

• Idaho: Epic North Beach, 6668 North Beach Road, St Charles, ID
• Wyoming: Hideout Motel, 10763 US Hwy 30, Cokeville, WY
• Utah: Firehouse Pizzeria, 50 S Bear Lake Boulevard, Garden City, UT

Time Limits

For safety reasons, all races have a time limit of 7 hours for the Full Marathons and 5 hours for the Half Marathons. 

Spectating the Bear Lake Trifecta

Not a runner? No problem! Spectating the Bear Lake Trifecta is a fun, easy, and highly appreciated way to be a part of this event. The Bear Lake Trifecta is a smaller, more low-key race, which means spectating areas are relatively quiet, and additional cheer sections are always appreciated!

Running a marathon, half marathon, and even a 5k is hard work, and having people watching the race along the course and cheering makes a huge difference and makes the race that much easier.

You can find each course map on the Bear Lake Run under the routes and schedule section of the event website, so you know exactly where to go to cheer on the runners. 

Get Ready to “Conquer the Bear” in the Bear Lake Trifecta

With its scenic routes, rolling hills, and beautiful mountain views, this three-day marathon event Bear Lake Trifecta is a three-day unique, and challenging event. 

Let Bear Lake Luxury Rentals help you find the perfect place to train and recover! We have luxury vacation homes to fully accommodate you and your cheering squad! So mark your calendars for June 8th to June 10th, start training, and get ready to be a part of this fun event!

Nestled in the mountains of Utah and Idaho lies the stunning Bear Lake. With crystal-clear waters, breathtaking mountain vistas, and luxurious cabin rentals, Bear Lake is the perfect place to spend long summer days on the water, soaking up the sun and enjoying the natural freshwater lake.

One of the best ways to explore Bear Lake is by taking up one of the many available water sports with rental options around the lake. We’re talking kayaks, jet skis, sea doos, getboards, waterskiing, fishing boat rentals, and of course, stand-up paddle boards (SUPs)!

Not only do paddlers get a great workout, but it’s also a fantastic way to explore the lake as a family or group.

If you don’t have your own paddle board to use at Bear Lake, you’re in luck; there are several fantastic options for Bear Lake SUP rentals all over the lake. In this guide, we will cover all the places where you can rent paddle boards in Bear Lake.

The Best Places for Bear Lake Paddle Board Rentals

No matter where you’re staying on the lake, you won’t be far from a place to rent a paddle board! Here are the best places for Bear Lake paddle board rentals.

Bear Lake Fun

• North Beach Rentals: 535 East Shore Rd, St. Charles, ID
• Rendezvous Beach Rentals: 1153 W 1220 N, Laketown, UT
• Marina Rentals: 940 Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT
• Website: bearlakefun.com

Bear Lake Fun is a large rental company in Bear Lake that owns several different rental shops all over Bear Lake, including St. Charles, Laketown, and Garden City. Each offers different adventure options, including kayaks, wakeboards, and stand-up paddle boards!

Bear Lake Fun rental shops have two types of paddle boards available for rent: a premium lightweight fiberglass SUP and a plastic SUP.

Paddle board rentals are available in increments of 2, 4, 6, or 8 hours.

Pro Tip: There is also a location in North Beach State Park, making it an ideal way to access one of the lake’s best beaches by paddle board!

Bear Lake Water Adventures

• Address: 390 S Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT
• Website: Bear Lake Water Adventures

Bear Lake Water Adventures is a small rental shop on the water in Garden City, Utah, that offers standard paddle board rentals at hourly and full-day rates.

Their all-day rate is one of the best deals for Bear Lake paddle board rentals, so this shop is a great rental option if you want to save money.

Epic Recreations

• Epic Adventure Center: 201 N Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City UT
• Bear Lake Boat Tours: 2410 S Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City UT
• Hot Springs and Rentals: 6668 North Beach Road, St Charles, ID
• North Beach State Parks: 3890 N Beach Rd, St Charles, ID
• Website: epicrecreation.net

Epic Recreations is an outdoor recreation sports rental company in Bear Lake that offers all types of recreation equipment, including e-bike rentals, water trampolines, standard paddle boards, and blow-up paddle boards from several locations around Bear Lake.

Epic Recreations offers an 11’6” stand-up paddle board for rent and an XL paddle board that holds a whopping eight people. Their XL paddle board is 17 feet long and comes with eight life jackets and eight paddles.

Paddle boards from Epic Recreations are available in increments of 1,2,4, and 8 hours.

Additionally, Epic Recreation offers paddle boarding tours around the lake! However, tours are only available from their Bear Lake Boat Tours location in Garden City.

Bear Lake Rentals

• Address: 2126 South, Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT
• Website: bearlakerentals.com

Bear Lake Rentals is another fantastic place to rent paddle boards on Bear Lake. Bear Lake Rentals is located in Garden City, within the private Blue Water Beach Resort.

Although it is a private beach resort, anyone renting recreation equipment from Bear Lake Rentals is welcome to use the beach and access the lake from within the resort.

Bear Lake Rentals has fiberglass paddle boards available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis. Unlike with their motorized rental equipment, they do not take reservations for paddle boards.

This is the best Bear Lake paddle board rental option if you’re looking to beat the crowds, as you have access to the private beach at Blue Water Resort when you rent from Bear Lake Rentals. Just keep in mind parking here is $10/car.

Paddle board rentals are available for rent in 1,2,3,4, and 8-hour increments.

North Bear Rentals

• Address: 120 N Main St, Bloomington, ID
• Website: northbearrentals.com/beach

Finally, you can rent a paddle board from North Bear Rentals. North Bear Rentals is located in Bloomington, just a 10 minutes drive from the north shore of Bear Lake.

While their location is less convenient than other beachfront paddle board rental options on Bear Lake, their prices are much lower. North Bear Rentals offers inflatable paddle boards and essential beach gear like sun shades, beach wagons, sand castle kits, beach towels, and wood.

So, if you don’t mind a short minute drive from the beach to pick up your paddle board, you’ll get a great deal. North Bear offers all-day rentals for their SUPs.

Reasons to Explore Bear Lake by Paddle Board

Paddle boarding is one of the best ways to experience Bear Lake because it offers a unique way to explore the sparkling, sapphire waters of the lake. Gliding across the waters of Bear Lake is not only fun but also very peaceful and an incredible workout!

Paddle boarding is an excellent way to explore the lake. For the calmest waters, take to Bear Lake on your paddle board earlier in the morning, before the afternoon winds pick up and wake forms from all the motorized boats.

Requirements for Bear Lake Paddle Board Rentals

Requirements for renting paddle boards and other watercraft on Bear Lake vary depending on the store. However, you will typically see these requirements:

• Boundaries: You’ll be expected to stay within certain boundaries of the lake, as instructed by the rental company.
• Age Limit: Some rental stores may require the renter to be over 18 and have a valid driver’s license.
• Waiver: You will likely also need to sign a loss and liability waiver.
• Safety Gear: A life jacket on every paddle board is required for every person on board.

Stay and Paddle on Bear Lake

Bear Lake offers many options for paddle board rentals, making it easy and convenient for visitors to explore the lake by paddle board. Whether you’re looking for a premium fiberglass board or a budget-friendly option, the above rental shops have got you covered.

So, next time you book a vacation home rental in Bear Lake, consider grabbing a paddle and viewing the shoreline from a different perspective!

Photo Credit: Joe Guetzloff

It’s hard to find a place that you can truly call paradise, but Bear Lake, Idaho, is one of them. Nestled between Utah and Idaho, Bear Lake is a beautiful body of water that offers a myriad of activities for everyone.

Nearby Minnetonka Cave is a can’t-miss day trip for the whole family when staying at a Bear Lake vacation rental. As one of the more unique destinations for a day trip from Bear Lake, Minnetonka Cave is one of the largest limestone caves in the state.

It features multiple cavernous rooms and a variety of natural rock formations like stalactites and stalagmites, making this an excellent spot for both photography and exploration.

Here is your guide to exploring this half-mile geological wonder!

Getting There

Photo Credit: SevenMaps

The cave is approximately 20 miles from Bear Lake, and there are several trails and points of interest to explore nearby, making it perfect for a mini road trip.

Located 35 minutes west of St Charles, Idaho, the cave can be found at the end of Minnetonka Cave Road. Parking is available at the road’s end near the entrance to the cave.

About the Caribou-Targhee National Forest

Photo Credit: Kevin Shalkowsky

The Minnetonka Cave is nestled within the expansive Caribou-Targhee National Forest.

This massive forest encompasses over three million acres of land with breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary Idaho terrain stretching to the borders of Montana, Utah, and Wyoming.

The area offers ample outdoor activities like snowmobiling, horseback riding, and all manner of fishing, from trout to steelhead, in nearby streams and rivers.

The national forest also has its own unique history. It was created in 1908 when President Roosevelt set aside 168 million acres of untamed western land to create the first National Forest Reserve. There are also several hiking trails that you can explore within the park near Minnetonka Cave and St. Charles.

Touring Minnetonka Cave

Photo Credit: Matt & Tofu (Jennifer) Straite via Flickr CC2.0

• Location: Minnetonka Cave Rd, St Charles, ID
• Website: fs.usda.gov
• Tours: recreation.gov/ticket
• Tickets: $12 for adults, $9 for kids aged 6 to 15, and free for children five and under.

Minnetonka Cave is a premier limestone cave located in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest in Idaho.

Tour guides offer a wealth of information about cave formation, its natural history, and the unique wildlife that calls this underground environment their home. Each year over 40,000 visitors tour the cave. The guides stop in five or six locations to explain the various geological formations and cave dwellers, including stalactites, stalagmites, towering columns, and five different species of bats!

Tour sizes vary, but usually, the tour guides support groups of up to 30 visitors per tour with opportunities for visitors to stop, explore, and take photos. The lights inside the cave will illuminate the amazing beauty of the stalactites and stalagmites, making for great photo opportunities.

The cave is open each year for guided tours after Memorial Day. Tours are typically 80 minutes and can be booked separately for larger groups. These tours are generally available on the weekends but can be booked throughout the week.

Pro Tip: This cave tour is very popular during the summer months, and reservations, which can be booked two weeks in advance, are highly recommended to avoid a long wait.

Keeping Bats Healthy

Photo Credit : Intermountain Forest Service, USDA Region 4 Photography via Flickr CC2.0

Due to the westward spread of White Nose Syndrome (WNS) in bats, certain restrictions are in place at Minnetonka Cave. Adhering to the restrictions set in place by the caves helps to preserve the cave’s condition and protect the bats from White Nose Syndrome.

Visitors are prohibited from bringing any articles of clothing or backpacks. This helps to prevent the WNS from spreading and affecting the bats.

Planning A Succesful Trip to Minnetonka Cave

When planning a trip to Minnetonka Cave, visitors should make note of the particular limitations and protocols put in place to ensure the cave stays preserved.

• Photography: Visitors to the cave need to be aware that cameras are allowed, but not tripods. It is also important to note that the cave is well-lit, so no additional lighting is necessary.
• Clothing: The cave can get fairly cold, so visitors should be sure to dress appropriately. Pack long sleeves and pants for the 80-minute tour.
• Exercise Caution: Lastly, please use caution when traversing the stairs, and wear appropriate shoes with good traction and ankle support.
• Pack Snacks: Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for before or after the tour as there the closest dining is back in Bear Lake!

Cave Accessibility

The cave is unfortunately not amenable to those with physical disabilities or mobility issues because of uneven ground and slippery surfaces.

It requires a trip down 896 steep stairs, and these steps can be wet and slippery in places. To ensure safety, visitors are advised to take great care when navigating the stairs and use the available handrails.

For those unable to make the journey, there is an observation area with a spectacular view of the cave entrance to enjoy.

Fitness Requirements

The tour will take you on a challenging yet rewarding journey deep below the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. You’ll navigate nearly a thousand stars roundtrip and a total length of 0.8 miles. Although this is considered a strenuous tour, your experienced guide will stop and provide rest stops every five to six locations to make the trip enjoyable.

Pets

Though it would be fun to take fido down into the depths, pets are strictly forbidden inside the cave. The cave is considered a precious natural wonder of the area, and follows protocol to keep it pristine and preserved.

Foot Washing Procedures

At the entrance of each cave, visitors will be guided to the foot wash station. Here you’ll remove any footwear and wear the provided booties after washing your feet with the provided solution.

This foot-washing procedure must be completed before each cave visit to ensure the safety of the caves’ species.

Explore Nearby St. Charles, Idaho

St. Charles is just a 35-minute drive from the Minnetonka Cave. It is the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat and stroll this charming Bear Lake town.

This quaint spot offers visitors picturesque landscapes and plenty of outdoor recreational activities, from boating and fishing on Bear Lake to cycling or riding an ATV through the Green Canyon Trail. St. Charles is also a great jump-off point to explore Bear Lake’s many beautiful beaches.

After exploring the great outdoors, visiting one of the many unique local eateries downtown for one of the best meals you’ll ever have is also worth doing. The Minnetonka Market and Cafe is a favorite for all Americana burgers, shakes, and fries, while Float On is a sure crowd-pleaser for ice cream and loaded french fries.

Idaho’s Geological Gem

If you’re staying around Bear Lake and looking for an unforgettable adventure, a visit to Minnetonka Cave is a perfect choice.

With plenty of opportunities for exploration, photography, and hiking, visitors to this unique destination can experience all the area has to offer while staying at a Bear Lake vacation home rental.