With a nickname like the “Caribbean of the Rockies,” it is safe to say that Bear Lake has its fair share of stunning viewpoints. In fact, you’ll have a harder time finding a location that doesn’t have a great view of the lake than not.
When you aren’t admiring the views of Utah’s deepest lake, you can marvel at the Bear River Mountain Range and the picturesque Bear Lake Valley below it, not to mention the premium views that come with a Bear Lake Luxury Rental!
These are the best vantage points around picturesque Bear Lake!
The Shores of Rendezvous Beach
Photo Credit: howderfamily.com via Flickr CC 2.0
Easily one of Utah and Idaho’s most breathtaking green spaces, Bear Lake State Park offers a variety of dramatic views of the lake without even trying. Any pull-off in the park will treat you to views of the lake’s blue waters and sandy beaches, but one viewpoint, in particular, has made quite the name for itself.
Rendezvous Beach has become one of the most popular destinations for lake admiration, and it’s not hard to see why. With easy access to the lake’s crystal clear waters, a beachfront campground, and breathtaking views in every direction, a stop at Rendezvous Beach is a must on any Bear Lake getaway.
Garden City Park
The small town of Garden City is a great place to admire the views of the lake as you sit back and enjoy one of the town’s famous raspberry shakes at its central park. As you walk along Lido Point Road towards the water, you’ll meander through the tall grasses that will take you to a 360-degree view of the lakeshore.
The Trails in Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Photo Credit: asharkyu
Home to various beautiful water birds like the sandhill crane and the snowy egret, Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge offers an additional charm on top of its already great views. Many of these birds are seasonal, so what you see here can vary by the month, but it makes for a great excuse to come back time and time again!
Enjoy a one-way scenic drive throughout the refuge, or opt to take one of two short trails to get a closer look. Both options will offer you amazing views of Bear Lake and the surrounding area.
Pink Bench Overlook
Just like the name suggests, the Pink Bench Overlook in Fish Haven is a singular bench on an isolated hillside overlooking the vast waters of Bear Lake. Get here early or stay late to get the bench all to yourself and sit peacefully as you enjoy a view of Bear Lake, unlike anywhere else.
Most people only arrive here by stumbling upon it, so the Pink Bench Overlook is a hidden gem amongst viewpoints. Now imagine having this place to yourself at sunset!
Oregon Trail Bear Lake Scenic Byway
Photo Credit: summerreader via Flickr CC 2.0
Go for a scenic drive on the Oregon Trail Bear Lake Scenic Byway for amazing views from start to finish. Spanning out over 93 miles, you can choose to spend the day driving the byway from one end to another, or you can just drive a short section. Whatever you decide, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of Bear Lake, the surrounding mountain range, and the lush limber pine forest.
Not to mention the drive will take you through both the Cache National Forest and the Caribou National Forest and fifteen of the historic Oregon Trail stops along the way.
Bear Lake Rest Area
Right at the foot of Logan Canyon, the Bear Lake Rest Area is often the first view people get of Bear Lake as they drive in from Salt Lake City, and boy, is it a great introduction. From here, you will have a wide-sweeping view of Bear Lake down below. Take a moment to read the informational way signs to learn more about the area, and check out the area diagram to learn the names of all the natural features you see around you.
Bear Lake Hot Springs
With views of Bear Lake everywhere you go, why not choose to admire the views from the warmth of a natural hot spring? Located in St. Charles, the Bear Lake Hot Springs has two large mineral pools, each offering incredible views of the Bear Lake Valley and the lake reigning supreme in the center of it all!
The Double Shores of North Beach
North Beach is the only area lake that can boast two viewpoints, one facing the beautiful bear lake and the other looking out over Mud Lake and the Bear Lake National Refuge. Because it is positioned on a narrow swath of land that separates the two bodies of water, it is the perfect place to catch a view of both! This beach is a great option for people willing to wake up early, as the two-mile stretch of beach is incredibly popular and is often closed for max capacity by mid-morning.
Atop the Highline Trail
Photo Credit: NARA AND DVIDS Public Domain Archive via Google Images CCL
Hop on your ATV and make your way up the Highline Trail for a view of Bear Lake that few people ever experience. You can start this 55-mile trail at one of five points (Logan Canyon, Bloomington Canyon, Emigration Canyon, and Paris Canyon), and within minutes you will be rewarded with unmatched views of the Bear River Range. Talk about an adventure!
More than Just a Great View
Only a few hours from Salt Lake City, Bear Lake is a hidden oasis with outdoor activities and breathtaking views galore. This year-round destination offers ever-changing scenic viewpoints that change throughout the season.When you aren’t admiring the views, you can participate in other fun activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding. Book your Bear Lake Luxury Rental today!
