Love Bear Lake? Try This Hidden Utah Beach Instead

Growing up in southern Utah, a day at the beach meant we drove several hours to California or we visited Sand Hollow State Park in Hurricane. When I moved to northern Utah, there was one place we always went—Bear Lake. But, unfortunately, so did everyone else. The many sandy beaches around the "Caribbean of the Rockies" became quite crowded, and if we didn't plan our visit wisely in the summer months, finding the perfect beach spot for an afternoon was impossible. However, not too far away is another body of water I love to recommend—Pineview Reservoir. While this may not be the best hidden beach in Utah, or even a lesser-known destination, it is a favorite spot for Utahns wanting to spend a summer day without hundreds of others.

What Makes Bear Lake So Popular?

With more than 1,000 lakes in Utah, Bear Lake is one of the most well-known. This large body of water is nicknamed the “Caribbean of the Rockies” and rightly so. This mountain lake is 20 miles long, straddles the Utah and Idaho border, and its bright blue water creates a gorgeous scene that immediately tempts you. Bear Lake is a popular boating and paddling destination, and with so much shoreline, the lake’s many sandy beaches and shallow water create ideal wading and swimming opportunities. In fact, millions of people come to Bear Lake each year to admire its beauty, play along its shore, and splash in its blue water.

Of course, you can’t forget about the many amenities near the lake that make it the perfect summer getaway destination. Dozens of vacation rentals are nearby, multiple campgrounds are located on both the Idaho and Utah sides of the lake, and Garden City, the Utah town that sits along the lake's shore, is where you'll find the best raspberry shake I’ve ever tasted.

The Beaches You Should Visit Instead

If you are like me, some days you don’t want the crowds that popular destinations like Bear Lake bring. That’s why I love to recommend Pineview Reservoir. Located just a few miles east of Ogden, this reservoir is beautiful, less crowded, and home to several major beach areas. It is another mountain lake that sits approximately 5,000 feet in elevation, creating much cooler temperatures in the summer months (a welcome relief from the hot Utah temperatures). Plus, the mountains block strong winds, providing a smooth water surface.  

Middle Inlet Beach is one of the most popular beaches at Pineview Reservoir. This large, sandy beach sits on the north side of Huntsville with many amenities to enjoy a day at the lake, including grassy areas, a picnic shelter, trees, and easy access right to the water for swimming, paddling, wading, or even fishing.

Cemetery Point is located on the eastern side of Huntsville. This expansive beach features a sandy beach area right near the parking lot, making it easy to get your equipment to and from the water. I particularly am drawn to the views from this beach as you’ll enjoy a tree-lined shore behind you and blue water ahead.

Around Pineview Reservoir, you’ll find several other sandy beaches for a day of playing, including Anderson Cove and Quist Beach. Keep in mind that several of these beaches do require a day-use fee. Also, if you plan to boat at Pineview Reservoir, you’ll want to visit the National Forest Service website for information about potential boat ramp closures due to low water levels. However, even if boat ramps are closed, the beaches, picnic areas, and campgrounds will remain open.

Is it Worth Skipping Bear Lake?

I love Bear Lake and want everyone to experience the beauty of this area and taste a famous raspberry shake. But it’s busy. It’s crowded. Accommodations can be hard to find and extremely pricey during the summer months. Just a short drive south is Pineview Reservoir, where you can find sandy shores for a summer day of play. It’s a warm-weather destination that you’ll quickly love.