Fall colors and views of snow-covered mountains make Bear Lake a great destination in the fall and winter months. But we think the best time to visit Bear Lake is during the summer because it’s the perfect setting for endless fun and outdoor activities. Whether you’re searching for outdoor adventures or just want to relax in the sun, Bear Lake offers a full array of activities when the weather is warm. From hiking through wildflower-covered meadows to waterskiing along the crystal waters, summer truly is the best time to visit Bear Lake.
Bear Lake Utah Weather
In June, the average daily temperature is in the 70s and peaks around 85 degrees in July. To avoid the possibility of an extra-hot summer, consider visiting in September when you’re more likely to get nice, 75-degree days and warm evenings as well (the average low for September rarely goes below 50). Find more information about the weather at Bear Lake here.
Bear Lake Beaches
Bear Lake is known as the Caribbean of Utah because of its sparkling blue waters and sprawling sandy beaches. Whether you’re planning an exciting getaway with the family or an adventurous trip for two, Bear Lake is the perfect place to enjoy summer to the fullest. Summer in Bear Lake is especially exciting because beach-side rental places and lake-side camping sites are open for business 7 days a week! You’ll find a few places with public beach access along the lake, but there are three main beaches you’ll want to check out:
Rendezvous Beach – Located on the South side of the lake, Rendezvous Beach features some of the area’s best lake-side camping for summer visitors. It’s easy to find ATV rentals as well as boat rentals, both motorized and non-motorized. Thanks to its shallow, calm waters, Rendezvous Beach is the perfect place for canoeing or kayaking the day away.
Garden City Park – Here, you’ll find plenty of places to rent paddle boards, kayaks, bikes, and more right on the beach. This beach is usually the most crowded, but it’s also within walking distance to the restaurants, hotels, and other attractions in the City.
Bear Lake State Park North Beach- North Beach is the perfect destination for simply relaxing on the sand. Shallow waters and a large swimming area also make it a great place to take the kids in the heat of the summer. It is a state park, though, so you have to pay a small entry fee. Reserve your spot and grab a parking day pass ahead of time here.
Boating on the Lake
From extreme water sports to leisure aquatic activities, there are so many things to do on the water you might have trouble deciding! During the summer, it’s easy to find a variety of local outfitters around Bear Lake and the surrounding area who are ready to set you up with the perfect boat. Depending on your preferred summer activity, you’ll find summer rentals for power boats, seadoos, sailboats, jet skis, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and more. Want to take the family waterskiing or tubing? Knowledgeable vendors can fit the entire family with lifejackets, proper-fitting water skis, and the perfect boat for an exciting afternoon on the lake. You can even rent slides and trampolines for hours of exhilarating fun! Or take a sunset cruise in a pontoon rental, enjoying the beautiful views of the twilight hour on the lake. Whatever your preferred adventure, check out this list of Bear Lake boat rentals and start planning your summer water adventures now!
Fishing
The summer months are a beautiful time to visit Bear Lake fishing spots. As the second largest freshwater lake in Utah, Bear Lake offers a truly unique fishing experience. The lake is densely populated with 4 species of fish, including the Laketrout/Mackinaw, which can be caught year-round, or the Bonneville Whitefish, which is usually caught in deeper waters during the warm summer months. Cisco Beach and Bear Lake State Park Marina are two of the best spots in town to catch fish (as long as there isn’t too much boat traffic), but the lake offers plenty of places to real in a great catch. Read more about Bear Lake Fishing from March to September here.
Bike Riding
Mountain biking in the Spring or Summer is one of the best ways to discover the beauty of Bear Lake. Take a casual cruise along one of the many lake-side trails or a scenic bike ride on a winding mountain road. Experienced bikers will love Bear Lake’s more grueling endurance trails along the Great Western Trail. Take the 7-mile trek to the spring at the top of Laketown Canyon Trail, or head north for a trip to the Minnetonka caves via the St. Charles Canyon Loup. Families and those hoping for a leisurely ride will find plenty of paved pathways and spectacular views along Bear Lake Legacy Pathway and Trail, as well as many other biking trails. Check out the Epic Recreation Adventure Center in Garden City for information about rentals for e-bikes, fat-tire mountain bikes, and beach cruisers for the entire family.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is another great reason to visit Bear Lake in the summer. Take the family on an easy trail ride along a winding mountain trail or discover exciting day rides that go deep into the wilderness. Whether you’re an experienced rider or a beginner, summer means local guides have more options available for day and night rides – so you can pick and choose the one that works for you. Discover horseback riding experiences and information about local guides in both Logan Canyon and Bear Lake Valley.
Garden City
Visit this quaint but exciting little town that is located on the west side of Bear Lake, where I30 and I89 meet (east of Logan Canyon.) And as any local will tell you, mid to late summer is when this small town really comes to life! Spend time strolling down Main street and stop at a local restaurant for one of the area’s famous raspberry shakes, then catch a play at Pickleville Playhouse. We also recommend the Bridgerland Adventure Park. Featuring a zip line and a 350-foot slide, kids of all ages have said that this was a highlight of their summer vacation.
Many visitors plan their trip in early August so they can experience the legendary Raspberry Days Festival! This fun-filled festival celebrates the harvest of the infamous Bear Lake raspberries with family-friendly events, plenty of booths selling crafts and food, and a parade! The event takes place August 1-3rd in 2024 and is one local event you won’t want to miss.
Find Your Perfect Vacation Home
Begin planning your summer visit with Bear Lake Premier Cabins. Discover cabins right on the beach, pet-friendly rentals, vacation homes for large parties, and more.
