Dog-Friendly Guide to Bear Lake Utah
Planning the perfect vacation with your pup is all about the right destination and Bear Lake checks all the boxes! Situated only 120 miles north of Salt Lake City, Bear Lake Utah is a recreational paradise full of adventure, breathtaking scenery, and four seasons of outdoor activities, easily enjoyed with your pup!
The Caribbean blue waters of Bear Lake are split between Idaho and Utah with miles of scenic shoreline for water-loving pups, scenic paw-tracked trails winding through the Bear Lake Valley, and epic outdoor adventures for the whole family, including Fido.
Vacations are always better with your best friend and Bear Lake Utah does not disappoint! From tail-wagging adventures on Bear Lake and dog-friendly trails to glacial lakes to crepes and coffee (or perhaps a delicious Bear Lake raspberry shake!) with your pup – here’s our guide to the best things to do in Bear Lake with your dog!
Dog-Friendly Activities in Bear Lake
Swimming in Bear Lake
A refreshing treat awaits for water-loving pups on Bear Lake! One of the most common questions asked is can my dog swim in Bear Lake? – yes, absolutely! Restrictions are in place at Rendezvous Beach at the south end of Bear Lake and North Beach on the northern shoreline in Idaho with clear signage indicating where your dog is allowed on Bear Lake. The east side of Bear Lake along North Cisco Road is particularly dog-friendly with pull outs to stop for a refreshing splash in the water and pet-friendly shores at First Point, South Eden, Cisco Beach, Rainbow Cove, and North Eden. Always observe the signage, dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet at all times, and please leave no trace!
Dog-Friendly Boat Rentals
Bear Lake is known for excellent boating and water activities and there’s no need to leave your pup alone on the shoreline! Epic Recreation is your one-shop stop for outdoor recreation on Bear Lake with several locations around the lake and boat rentals of every kind for every adventurer, including Fido! Epic Recreation’s rental fleet includes boats, seadoos, paddleboards, kayaks, UTVs, and more. Dogs are allowed on a selection of rental boats however must lay low on the floor with a life jacket on the open water. If your pup is confident on the water, cruising Bear Lake on a boat is the adventure of a lifetime.
Pet-Friendly Trails for Your Pup
If Fido likes to sniff the scents of nature and explore the great outdoors, Bear Lake has many great hiking trails for dogs. From easy paved trails along the shoreline to challenging dirt trails in the high-elevation peaks for outdoor adventure hounds, there’s a paw-tracked trail in the Bear Lake Valley perfect to hike or snowshoe with your pooch.
Bear Lake Legacy Pathway | Easy | 4.8 Miles
Trailhead: Garden City, UT
The Bear Lake Legacy Pathway is an easy paved trail following the western shoreline of Bear Lake in Garden City with many access points to join the trail for a leisurely lakeside stroll, bike ride, or morning jog with your dog. This multi-use trail is popular and busy, dogs must be kept leashed at all times.
Limber Pine Nature Trail | Easy | 1.5 Mile Round Trip
Trailhead: Seven Miles West of Bear Lake on Highway 89
Situated in Logan Canyon, the Limber Pine Nature Trail is one of Bear Lake’s best kid-friendly and pet-friendly nature trails with only a slight elevation gain over a series of switchbacks. Follow the dirt trail through forests of aspens, lush valleys of sagebrush, and meadows of wildflowers in spring. The trail passes a huge 560-year-old Limber Pine tree and boasts breathtaking views of Bear Lake below.
Bloomington Lake Trail | Easy | 1.6 Mile Round Trip
Trailhead: Bloomington Canyon Rd. to FS Road 409
The Bloomington Lake Trail is one of the best short hikes in Bear Lake where your pup can explore nature with all their senses! Bloomington Lake is a beautiful place to spend a day swimming, SUPing, or swinging across the lake, fishing for trout, and enjoying a family picnic at the lake with your furry friend.
Laketown Canyon Trail | Moderate | 7 Mile Round Trip
Trailhead: Laketown Rodeo Arena, 10 North 200 East, Laketown, UT
Situated only a few miles from the southern shoreline of Bear Lake, the Laketown Canyon Trail is one of the most scenic hikes in the Bear Lake Valley with refreshing stream crossings, gorgeous groves of aspen, sagebrush scrublands, and the occasional wildlife encounter along the way! This trail is used for hiking, biking, and horse riding, dogs must be kept leashed at all times.
Steam Mill Hollow Trail | Challenging | 11 Mile Round Trip
Trailhead: Franklin Basin Road, Logan Canyon, UT
Outdoor adventure hounds will love this challenging high-elevation alpine hike near Bear Lake, UT. The trail winds through fir and aspen forests past an old steam boiler from the logging days, and on to Steam Mill Lake. The trail continues on to the ridge line with breathtaking views of the Bear River Range and Cache Valley.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Bear Lake
Your pooch is welcome to join you for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a quick pit stop for a delicious raspberry shake on the outdoor patios of many of Bear Lake’s best restaurants. Here’s a list of dog-friendly restaurants and pet-friendly patios in Bear Lake Utah to share a meal with your pup on vacation.
Crepes & Coffee
235 N Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT
Phone: (435) 946 2696
Seasonal Hours: Memorial Day to Labor Day
Cody’s Gastro Garage
88 S Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT
Phone: (435) 946 3644
Open Year-Round
Ephraim’s Restaurant
35 S Bear Lake Blvd., Garden City, UT
Phone: (435) 946 2255
Open Year Round
Hometown Drive-In
105 N Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT
Phone: (435) 946 2727
Seasonal Hours: Memorial Day to Labor Day
Ruca’s
284 S Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT
Phone: (435) 946 3691
Zipz Bear Lake
75 N Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT
Phone: (435) 946 2810
Seasonal Hours: Memorial Day to Labor Day
Dog-Friendly Cabin Rentals in Bear Lake
There’s no need to leave your furry friend behind when you vacation in Bear Lake, Utah. Our dog-friendly Bear Lake cabins feature all the comforts and perks of a private home and are perfect for you and your pup to relax, unwind, and experience the beauty of Bear Lake in all four seasons. Bear Lake Premier Cabins will help you find the best cabin rental on Bear Lake to accommodate the whole family, including Fido!
