10 Lakes You Should Check Out in Utah
Spending time by the water is something that gives many people pleasure when they are taking a break. Not only are areas with water considered tranquil and calming, but they are also a place where you can enjoy various water-based activities. You do not necessarily need to head to the coast to enjoy the water, as there are many lakes inland that have beautiful surroundings and are ideal for having some fun while you are away. If you are visiting Utah and want to include spending time by the lake in your break, there are some stunning lakes to visit in this state. Here are ten lakes you should visit in Utah.
10. Deer Creek Lake
The Crazy Tourist recommends visiting Deer Creek Lake, which is the main feature of Deer Creek State Park. It is possible to spend longer than just the day at this lake, as there are 75 campsites within the park. There are also picnic areas and two boat ramps. Visitors can enjoy a range of water-based activities against the backdrop of Mount Timpanogos. There are also multiple activities on-land, including hiking, hiking, and zip-lining. Furthermore, golf enthusiasts can play a round of golf at the nearby Wasatch Mountain Golf Course.
9. Electric Lake
Electric Lake is a 425-acre body of water that is in the Panoramaland and Castle Country regions of Utah. It sits within the Manti-La Sal National Forest. Although the lake is too cold for swimming and only warm enough for water skiing in the summer months, it is a popular place for fishing. Visitors can also go boating on this lake, as there is a boat ramp.
8. Navajo Lake
Located in the Dixie National Forest in Kane County, Navajo Lake is a 700-acre natural lake that sits on the Markagunt Plateau. The activities that visitors can enjoy on and around this lake vary depending on the time of year you visit. In the summer, visitors enjoy kayaking, boating, hiking, canoeing, fishing, and swimming. Winter activities include ice fishing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.
7. Panguitch Lake
You will find Panguitch Lake in the Dixie National Forest. The lake is at an elevation of 8,200 feet above sea level, and it is surrounded by ponderosa pines, aspen, and spruce. It is known as a fishing destination, even in the winter when ice fishing is popular, as the lake is full of various trout species, including brown, cutthroat, brook, and rainbow. Boating is another way that visitors like to spend their time, and there is a marina where they can rent boats.
6. Fish Lake
Vacation Idea lists Fish Lake as one of the Utah lakes to visit. Set against the Mytoges Mountains and measuring 2,500 acres, Fish Lake is Utah’s largest natural mountain lake, and it is the highlight of Fishlake National Forest. If you enjoy water-based activities, then this is a fun lake to visit, as there is swimming, fishing, jet skiing, water skiing, boating, and scuba diving. In colder weather, other activities include snowmobiling, cross country skiing, and ice fishing.
5. Mirror Lake
The sheer beauty of Mirror Lake is what has made it one of Utah’s most popular lakes to visit. It sits in the Uinta Mountains, and it has a campground with excellent amenities. There are miles of trails for hiking and cycling surrounding the lake. This lake is also a fantastic place for activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.
4. Bear Lake
Known as the Caribbean of the Rockies, Bear Lake is Utah’s deepest lake. It has sparkling turquoise waters because of the limestone deposits, and it is surrounded by lush greenery. The lake is more than 250,000 years old, and it is 5,900-feet high. Its calm waters make this the perfect lake for enjoying activities such as jet skiing, wakeboarding, and sailing. Bear Lake is also one of the most popular fishing destinations in Utah, especially for carp and whitefish. Along the shores, some activities to enjoy are camping, mountain biking, and hiking. Bear Lake straddles the border between Utah and Idaho.
3. Silver Lake Utah
One of Utah’s most scenic lakes is Silver Lake Utah, which sits on top of the Big Cottonwood Canyon and is part of the Brighton Ski Resort. In the winter months, most people visit the lake while they are skiing at the resort, while in the summer, visitors hike, bike, or fish. However, the best time to visit is during the fall, as there are moose around the lake and the leaves on the trees turn various shades of red, brown, yellow, and gold.
2. Lake Powell
Lake Powell spans the border between Utah and Arizona. Not only is it one of the largest lakes in Utah, but it is also considered one the best lakes in the United States. It boasts almost 2000 miles of shoreline, and its clear blue water is perfect for swimming in good weather. Lake Powell is a manmade reservoir rather than a natural water body like most of the other lakes on the list. There are many coves to explore along the shore, along with gorgeous sandy beaches. A popular activity on this lake is hiring a boat to see more of the lake views.
1. Great Salt Lake
According to Sky Scanner, the best lake to visit in Utah is the Great Salt Lake. It is the Western hemisphere’s largest and most famous saltwater lake, and it is the namesake of Utah’s capital city, Salt Lake City. In addition to the size of the lake, it is famous for its wildlife, as its shores are home to multiple bird species, bison, pronghorn antelopes, and coyotes. The lake is surrounded by hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, or you can take to the water to enjoy kayaking, fishing, boating, or paddleboarding.