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Utah
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Utah State Parks

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Utah
Northern Region
Bear Lake State Park
Bear Lake State Park Blue World © hiroko primm
Hot summer day beautiful blue green Bear lake state park
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BEAR LAKE STATE PARK
BEAR LAKE STATE PARK
1030 N Bear Lake Blvd
Garden City, Utah   84028

Phone: 435-946-3343
Toll Free: 877-887-2757
Reservations: 435-946-3343
Email: park email button icon
Bear Lake is nestled high in the Rocky Mountains on the Utah-Idaho border. Waterskiing, swimming, scuba diving and sailing are favorite activities. Fishing is for cutthroat, mackinaw and whitefish. In the winter snowmobilers and ice anglers are drawn to the area. Bear Lake is famous for its annual January cisco run. Three state-owned facilities provide boating, camping and picnicking.



Bear Lake Marina has an adjoining campground with 13 sites, each with a table, grill and firepit. The marina to this freshwater lake provides a sheltered harbor, 80-foot wide, 5-lane, concrete launching ramp, 377 boat slips, marina sanitary disposal station, group pavilion, modern rest rooms, hot showers and visitor center. Year round fishing is a popular activity. A concessionaire provides boat rentals, gasoline, fishing/boating supplies and fast-food grill.



Bear Lake Rendezvous Beach is on the south shore near Laketown on State Route 30. It extends for 1.25 miles and offers 220 campsites, modern rest rooms, hot showers and utility hookups. A wide, sandy beach provides excellent camping, picnicking and small watercraft activity. Rendezvous Beach is a popular area for groups and family reunions and the site of an annual Mountain Man Rendezvous. A local concessionaire provides small boat rentals.



Bear Lake Eastside is 10 miles north of Laketown. Activities include scuba diving, boating and fishing. There are six primitive campgrounds and two, 2-lane concrete boat launching ramps. Drinking water is available at the South Eden campground.


History

Bear Lake was formed some 28 thousand years ago by earthquake activity. Its unique aqua-blue color is the result of calcium carbonates suspended in the lake. At an elevation of 5,923 feet, Bear Lake is 20 miles long and 8 miles wide, 208' deep, covering 112 square miles.

Originally Bear Lake was called Black Bear Lake by Donald Mackenzie, explorer for the North West Fur Company who discovered it in 1819 while scouting for fur-bearing animals, largely beaver, to satisfy urban demand for hats. The name was later changed to Bear Lake.

The beach is named for the famous rendezvous of fur trappers and Indians held in the summers of 1827 and 1828. The gatherings were attended by a thousand or more Indians and mountain men including Jedediah Smith. There were so many campfires at the south end of the lake at these trading sessions that one observer called the area "a lighted city."

East Side-Cisco Beach-South Eden-North Eden-1st Point: These primitive areas are located on the east shore approximately ten miles north of Laketown. The terrain is rocky and the water depth drops off quickly to 208 feet.

Cisco Beach is famous for its midwinter fishing with dip nets for the little seven-inch Bonneville Cisco, a member of the white fish family. For a week to ten days in January, swarms of the little fish come close to the rocky shore to spawn. They are easily scooped up by hardy fishermen wading waist-deep in the icy water or through holes in the ice if the lake is frozen.

Cisco Beach is also known for this excellent inland water scuba diving opportunities. The rocky bottom and the steep drop off close to shore make this location a favorite of divers from the Tri-State area. Two diving areas have been marked and designated for this activity. Wooden walkways assist the diver in accessing the water with his needed equipment.
History of the Area
History

Bear Lake was formed some 28 thousand years ago by earthquake activity. Its unique aqua-blue color is the result of calcium carbonates suspended in the lake. At an elevation of 5,923 feet, Bear Lake is 20 miles long and 8 miles wide, 208' deep, covering 112 square miles.

Originally Bear Lake was called Black Bear Lake by Donald Mackenzie, explorer for the North West Fur Company who discovered it in 1819 while scouting for fur-bearing animals, largely beaver, to satisfy urban demand for hats. The name was later changed to Bear Lake.

The beach is named for the famous rendezvous of fur trappers and Indians held in the summers of 1827 and 1828. The gatherings were attended by a thousand or more Indians and mountain men including Jedediah Smith. There were so many campfires at the south end of the lake at these trading sessions that one observer called the area "a lighted city."
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Picnickingyes
 Bike Trailsyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
 Full Hookup Sitesyes
Swimming
1. Bear Lake State Park offers several designated swimming areas along its beautiful turquoise waters.
2. Rendezvous Beach on the south shore is a popular spot for swimmers and sunbathers alike.
3. The North Beach area provides sandy shores ideal for family-friendly water activities, including swimming.
4. Lifeguards are not typically present at these locations so visitors should exercise caution when entering the water.
5. Water temperatures can vary greatly throughout the year; it's warmest during July and August making it perfect for swimming then.
6. The park also allows snorkeling which gives an opportunity to explore underwater life in clear blue-green lake waters.

Fishing
Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of options. The lake is home to Cutthroat Trout, Lake Trout and Whitefish. Anglers may opt for boat fishing or shore casting. Ice fishing is popular during winter months too.



Picnicking
Bear Lake State Park offers numerous picnic areas with tables and grills, some even overlooking the stunning turquoise lake.
Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts will find various trails suitable for all skill levels. Be cautious, as some paths can be challenging.

The Limber Pine trail is a popular choice among cyclists. It's an easy 1-mile loop with minimal elevation gain.

For those seeking more challenge, the Lakeview Trail offers steep inclines and rocky terrain over its four miles length.

Remember to always wear protective gear when biking these trails due to potential hazards such as loose gravel or sudden drops off path edges.

Cyclists should also respect wildlife in the area by keeping their distance and not feeding animals they may encounter on routes.

Rental services are available if you don't have your own bike but want to explore this beautiful location on two wheels.

Keep in mind that weather conditions can change rapidly so it's important to check forecasts before setting out on any ride here.

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Directions
Ten miles south of Garden City on Highway 89. Located 145 miles from Salt Lake.

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Utah
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Utah State Parks

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