How does a vacation to the Caribbean sound? Fabulous, right? But maybe you don't have the time or money to hop on a plane to the Bahamas. No worries...there's a lake right here in Utah that's been called the Caribbean of the Rockies, and you'll see why the moment you arrive.
Bear Lake is located on the Utah/Idaho border. This azure beauty covers 109 square miles, and it's deep, with an average depth of 94 feet.
It's called the Caribbean of the Rockies because the lake is full of limestone deposits that are suspended in the water, and when light hits them, the refraction creates the a vibrant blue color similar to that of the Caribbean Sea.
The Caribbean might be more than 2,000 miles away, but at Bear Lake it's easy to pretend that you're there, and you can do many of the same activities.
You can even catch some huge fish in this lake. The mackinaw weight as much as 30 pounds! You'll also find Bonneville cisco, Bonneville whitefish, Bear Lake whitefish and Bear Lake Sculpin.
Those lavish glamping tents you always see in the glossy travel magazines? You don't have to travel to the real Caribbean to find them - you can stay in one right here in Garden City!
Conestoga Ranch Glamping Resort offers luxurious glamping tents and even that are the perfect place to lay your head at night. Visit the resort'swebsite for details.
Can you imagine a better place to spend some time than at the Caribbean of the Rockies?
While you're visiting Bear Lake, keep an eye out for the Bear Lake Monster, a legendary creature that's said to be similar to Scotland's Loch Ness Monster. Read all about him (or her?), as well as four other Utah lake monsters of urban legend here.
At the beginning of every summer, my husband sits down with my three children and asks them to create their own summer bucket list. They can list any place they want to visit from hiking trails and fishing spots to water parks and campgrounds. And, I even create one myself. The following are 11 things that you’ll find at the top of my summer bucket list in Utah and I recommend placing on yours as well.
I love searching for summer wildflowers and one of my favorite places to go is Tony Grove Lake in Cache County. Located up Logan Canyon, this area is typically in full bloom from mid-July to mid-August. There are several ways you can view the wildflowers including at the Tony Grove Day Use Area, on one of the several hiking trails, or even at the Tony Grove Lake Campground. It’s mesmerizing here and absolutely beautiful – don’t forget your camera!
2. Watch The Greenshow at the Utah Shakespeare Festival
Attending the Utah Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City deserves a spot on every summer bucket list. While you can always watch a full play, my favorite activity is The Greenshow. For 30 minutes, the entire family can enjoy outdoor entertainment with singing, dancing, and storytelling. Plus, The Greenshow is free. Throughout the 2024 season, there are three different versions of The Greenshow, and if you have time, we recommend viewing each one.
As a child, my summers were spent at Cherry Hill and I still become giddy each time I take my children. This destination is home to a campground, a delicious bakery, and a water park with attractions for the entire family. However, I particularly love the 18-hole miniature golf course. Each hole boasts its own theme from windmills to ski mountains. Do you have a favorite hole here? I do.
4. Dive into some ice cream at The Creamery in Beaver
If you find yourself near Beaver, you must stop at The Creamery. This is not only a fabulous road trip stop, but it's also where you can purchase delicious cheese and ice cream. While I love the ice cream year-round, there's something special about the hand-dipped ice cream in the summer months that will excite your sweet tooth.
Did you know that Utah is home to the highest concentration of dark sky parks in the world? While there are places all over the state that are perfect for summer stargazing, I recommend planning a camping trip at East Canyon State Park in Morgan. Just a short drive from SLC, this is a certified dark sky park, home to much history, a popular location for boating and swimming, and offers a variety of accommodations ranging from covered wagons to yurts. Plus, it is home to one of the only hammock campsites in Utah.
There are bucket-list-worthy farmers’ markets in Utah, particularly in the Salt Lake area. These markets are where you can purchase fresh, locally grown produce, handmade products, delicious food, crafts, and so much more. While there are markets all around the state to visit, there are more than half a dozen markets in SLC alone with one of our favorites being the Downtown Salt Lake City Farmers Market at Pioneer Park.
advertisement
7. Explore the slot canyon at Pioneer Park in St. George
Pioneer Park is a 52-acre park in St. George with all types of activities including multiple hiking trails and rock climbing. However, one of our favorite areas is the St. George Narrows. This is a slot canyon that is perfect for those who want a little adventure. At first, the canyon is quite wide but it narrows as you walk along. In fact, it becomes so narrow that many adults can not fully slide through yet most children are able.
Capitol Reef National Park is one of the most underrated national parks in Utah and is one of the best parks for escaping the crowds. It is also home to Fruita, a historic small town that is known for its incredible fruit orchards. During the summer months, you can come and pick fresh fruit in the orchard, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Just make sure you give yourself time to visit Gifford Homestead, where you can find unique goods, fruit jellies, and delicious fruit pies. All money collected from the you-pick fruit is used to preserve these Utah orchards.
There are dozens of waterfall hikes you could add to your Utah summer bucket list but I love Stewart Falls. To reach these falls, you must tackle a 3.4-mile out-and-back trail that is considered moderately challenging. However, the large falls at the end will certainly leave you impressed. Spring is when these falls really roar but we love the entire journey during the summer months.
This summer, you’ll likely find me lazily floating along the Cowabunga River at Cowabunga Bay WaterPark in Draper. This unique lazy river features a 1960s theme complete with a 1967 Volkswagen surf bug, spraying surfboards, and tiki torches. It’s a destination the entire family will love and the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day.
When you want to spend some time outdoors, yet escape Utah's dry summer heat, Tibble Fork Reservoir is the place to go. This reservoir is located in American Fork Canyon and is surrounded by mountains and forests. This is a great place to fish or even splash in the water. Just beware…this water is cold!
What items are on your summer bucket list? What do you love most about the summer in Utah? Let us know in the comments.
Interstate 15 is the most popular way to travel through Utah. From St. George to the Idaho state line, this road truly takes you from one end of the state to the other. But, there is another road that practically runs through all of the Beehive State and is much more scenic. Highway 89 takes you through small towns, past historic buildings, and to incredible geological sites. If you want to see what Utah truly has to offer, this scenic highway is it.
advertisement
Highway 89 is also known as the Utah Heritage Highway. This road lets you experience some of Utah’s history, culture, and heritage all in a scenic drive.
While this highway practically runs throughout the entire state, for this particular scenic drive, we will only travel north until the highway merges with Highway 6 near Spanish Fork.
If you are traveling north, you’ll begin your drive right along the Utah and Arizona state line and in the small town of Kanab.
If you have never spent time in Kanab, make sure you stop and stay for a while. The downtown area is one of the most charming in the entire state and this town is home to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, the largest no-kill animal sanctuary in the entire country.
As you continue north, you’ll travel through small towns like Panguitch, an excellent destination for a small town getaway.
Panguitch is another small town where you can stay for a while. Take the short drive to Panguitch Lake or travel Scenic Byway 12, one of the most popular scenic drives in Utah. You can also explore the Arches Trail, a family-friendly hike in the nearby Red Canyon.
advertisement
Highway 89 will also take you to Big Rock Candy Mountain, just outside of Marysvale. This is one of the most recognized geological sites in Central Utah. Here, you can visit the resort, go on a hike, or just stop and admire the unique scenery.
As you continue north on Highway 89, you’ll come to some of the most charming small towns with peak pioneer vibes. Manti, Ephraim, Moroni, and even Fairview all deserve your time for exploring.
Spring City is a small town with approximately 1,000 residents and another must-visit stop on this drive. This small town is home to dozens of historic buildings and is considered one of the best-preserved examples of a nineteenth-century pioneer village.
You can drive around Spring City or just walk the streets to admire its unique architecture and historic buildings. This entire town is on the National Register of Historic Places and it’s charming in every way.
So, the next time you wish to head north or south in the Beehive State, why not take Highway 89? It’s a scenic drive that’s certainly worth exploring!
Have you ever driven Hwy 89 in its entirety in Utah? What are some of your favorite stops along this route? Let us know in the comments! And, if you are searching for even more scenic drives to take in the Beehive State, check out these 13 scenic drives that are incredibly beautiful!
Of course, if you are planning a road trip or a long drive on one of the best scenic drives in Utah, you must be prepared. Check out our ultimate road trip packing list before you go!
