There’s Something Magical About These 10 Utah Lakes In The Summer
Last summer, we wrote about 10 beautiful lakes in Utah. Of course, the Beehive State has many more than just ten! So, here’s another list of lakes you should definitely visit this summer. Get out of the heat and into the mountain to enjoy the natural beauty surrounding these lakes and reservoirs. Some are perfect for fishing; others are great for boating and water skiing. You might just hike to one of these lakes to enjoy a picnic and some wilderness solitude. Check out these 10 magical Utah lakes!
This pretty lake is located in Little Cottonwood Canyon. To visit, take the three-mile hike from the White Pine trailhead. The hike is somewhat strenuous (you’ll gain about 2,000 in elevation), but the views along the way are well worth the effort to reach one of the best natural lakes in Utah.
White Pine Trailhead, S Parking, Sandy, UT 84092, USA
White Pine Lake, in Logan Canyon, provides hikers with an unparalleled experience. Surrounded by pines and aspens, this lake is clear, cold and (usually) quiet. To find the trailhead, travel about 20 miles up the canyon to the Tony Grove turnoff, then turn left and proceed about seven miles to the parking lot. The hike is seven miles round trip but worth the effort to reach one of the best lakes in Utah.
Teapot Lake is one of the easiest Utah lakes to get to, take a drive along the gorgeous Mirror Lake Scenic Byway to find Teapot Lake. You can park right next to the lake, then enjoy the beautiful alpine surroundings and fresh mountain air. Teapot can be good for fishing and is always a pleasant spot for a picnic. Consider staying the night in the campground!
Residents of Utah County are certainly familiar with this large, beautiful lake. The lake has a surface area of 95,000 acres, but only averages 10.5 feet in depth. This is one of the best Utah lakes
for watersports, sailing and fishing. Visit Utah State Park for camping, paddleboard and boat rentals, restrooms, picnic areas and showers.
If you’re looking for some water recreation close to home in the Salt Lake Valley, visit Oquirrh Lake at Daybreak in South Jordan. This is one of the beautiful lakes in Utah that is a nice spot for a picnic or walk. You can fish from the shore with a two fish limit. Boating is limited to residents of Daybreak only, but you can still enjoy this pretty destination.
Sand Hollow Reservoir is one of the best lakes in Utah for striking scenery. You'll experience a stunning red-rock backdrop and clear, warm waters. It’s a popular lake for boating, and a great place to camp overnight.
Yuba Lake is located right in the middle of the state. When the fish are biting, you’ll find walleye, perch and northern pike. In the late summer, the level of the lake becomes fairly shallow, so you’ll want to take care while boating. Yuba Lake State Park just installed two zip lines near the Oasis Campground. What other Utah lakes can say that?
If you’re looking for a less-crowded lake, and you’re willing to hike (or backpack) in, Amethyst Lake will reward you with picturesque views and solitude. The six-mile hike isn’t easy - you’ll gain more than 2,000 feet elevation but it’s sooo worth it! If you want to fish, plan on spending the night so you can catch them in the early morning and evening hours. Access the trailhead from the Christmas Meadows Campground, off the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway. Enjoy one of the most beautiful lakes in Utah!
Amethyst Lake, Utah 82930, USA
9. Lakes Mary and Catherine, Big Cottonwood Canyon
Take the Five Lakes Loop trail and you’ll get two-for-one Utah lakes! Drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon to Brighton, and park near the Silver Lake Visitor Center. The trailhead starts there and takes you three miles up to the two lakes. You can take a quick side trip to Dog Lake along the way. These alpine lakes are popular with many Utahns, so don’t plan on a lot of solitude unless you’re there on a weekday morning, but they’re so pretty that you just might be willing to share.
Otter Creek State Park is a favorite with both ATV and bird-watching enthusiasts. The reservoir offers some excellent fishing opportunities, and the park has camping, restrooms, showers and a walking trail. This is one of the great Utah lakes that has it all!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Beautiful Lakes In Utah
May 24, 2022
Libby Monson
Which Utah lake has the bluest water?
There is no shortage of beautiful lakes in Utah. Whether you are looking for a large reservoir perfect for waterskiing or a stream-fed mountain lake in the high Uintas, Utah has exactly the lake you are looking for. However, if it's blue water you are looking for, you'll want to take a trip to the northern part of the state and visit Bear Lake. Known as the Caribbean of the Rockies, this strikingly blue lake gets its color from the calcium carbonates suspended in the water. Bear Lake has all the activities you could want, making it one of the best Utah lakes. Paddleboarding, fishing, waterskiing, and even scuba diving are all popular in this beautiful blue body of water. Or you can simply enjoy strolling at the water's edge and taking in the spectacular scenery.
Which Utah lake is best for camping?
Camping next to a peaceful lake in the Uintas is a great way to enjoy nature and the cooler mountain temperatures during the summer. Mirror Lake Campground near Kamas is the perfect campground if you want to spend a few days in the mountains. Mirror Lake is one of the stunning natural lakes in Utah that offer a serene atmosphere. With no motors allowed on the lake, you can enjoy your time relaxing to the sounds of nature. This lake is perfect for a canoe or kayak, and you'll also find hiking trails to explore. If you plan to stay at the campground, be sure to plan in advance. This beautiful spot fills up quickly!
Are there any lakes in Utah my dog would enjoy?
If you have a dog who loves to go on adventures, we have the perfect spot! Dog Lake in Millcreek Canyon is a puppers dream come true. You'll hike 5.2 miles on this out-and-back trail to reach one of the best Utah lakes for your four-legged friend. Once you reach Dog Lake, your pup can spend the afternoon playing fetch in the water and rolling around in the mud. Of course, you'll need to plan on a good bath and brushing when the day is done, but you'll be rewarded with a worn-out and happy dog!
Utah In Your Inbox
Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
