Utah is home to many national parks, forests, and lakes - Caribou-Targhee National Forest, Canyonlands National Park, and Bryce Canyon National Park, to name a few. The only way to describe this ‘beehive state’ is stunningly beautiful. Not just the national parks, Utah also boast spectacular recreational activities year round. Rain or shine, Utah has it all. The geographical diversity of this state is unlike any in the United States. And if you’re planning a trip to Utah, you’ll most certainly extend your stay to a couple of extra weeks because there’s just so much to do and see here. Utah boasts valleys, dunes, forests, mountains, and so many lakes. Here’s a list of the most beautiful lakes in Utah, the USA.
1. Lake Powell
Set alongside the Colorado River, Lake Powell shares the region with neighboring Arizona, even though the biggest portion is nestled within Utah. This summer destination lake is famous for fishing activity because of the abundance of bass found here. And the best part about this lake is - unlike the other lakes, there are no restrictions on where you can set up your campsite. It is also home to some of the popular attractions, including the Hite Crossing Bridge and Rainbow Bridge National Monument.
Lake Powell
Address: Utah and Arizona, United States
Website: Lake Powell
2. Utah Lake
Sitting in the Utah Valley, the freshwater Utah Lake is known for its majestic views all around. The lake covers around 93,900 acres (38,000 hectares) and is utilized for various purposes like recreational facilities, birdwatching, and conservation of water. Some of the recreational activities include boating, water-skiing, swimming, and fishing. If you don’t want to dip your toes in the water and would rather stay on the ground, you can explore the numerous hiking trails and also set up camps and spend the night midst nature.
Utah Lake
Address: Utah County, Utah, United States
Website: Utah Lake
3. Flaming Gorge Reservoir
Shared with Wyoming, the neighboring state of Utah, Flaming Gorge Reservoir is situated along the Green River and sits cozily in the northeast part of Utah, where Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is located. It’s a 17,000-hectare (42,007 acres) lake, where you can indulge in a plethora of adventure activities, such as water-skiing, windsurfing, fishing, and more. The activities don’t just stop at the lake. There are many trails for hiking and snowmobiling, among other fun activities. If you want to spend the night at the lake, there are various accommodation options available, too.
Flaming Gorge Reservoir
Address: Sweetwater County, Wyoming / Daggett County, Utah, US
Website: Flaming Gorge Reservoir
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4. Jordanelle Reservoir
Boasting a stunning backdrop of Mount Timpanogos, Jordanelle Reservoir is a charming lake around the Heber Valley. The lake sits in the Bald Mountain slopes, along the Provo River. This lake is a part of Jordanelle State Park and offers multiple recreational areas, including Rock Cliff, Ross Creek, and Hailstone. Along with this, visitors have access to the public beach, camping grounds, cabanas, and more. There is also a nature center, playground, nature trails, and fishing sites present here.
Jordanelle Reservoir
Address: Wasatch County, Utah, United States
Website: Jordanelle Reservoir
Utah Tour Guide
Stephanie Eley
I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of the US: Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona! Let's GO!! stepheley@gmail.com
Tours by Stephanie
5. Bear Lake
Nestled between Utah and Idaho border, Bear Lake is a freshwater lake that is more than 250,000 years old. The lake has a distinctive turquoise-blue hue, which has earned it the sobriquet ‘Caribbean of the Rockies’. Other than being encompassed by the panoramic scenery, the lake offers activities like camping, swimming, and fishing, among others. Other than this, the lake is home to two state parks, one of which is located on the Utah part of the lake.
Bear Lake
Address: Bear Lake County, Idaho; Rich County, Utah, U.S
Website: Bear Lake
6. Deer Creek Reservoir
The major highlight of the Deer Creek State Park is the Deer Creek Reservoir. With a spectacular backdrop of Mount Timpanogos, this park features multiple areas for picnicking, boat ramps, and campsites. Along with the water-based activities, Deer Creek Reservoir also boast fun activities like mountain biking and zip-lining.
Deer Creek Reservoir
Address: Wasatch County, Utah
Website: Deer Creek Reservoir
7. Fish Lake
Situated within the Fishlake National Forest, Fish Lake is an amazing place to spend your entire day. The alpine lake is renowned for sport fishing. You’ll find an abundance of rainbow trout, yellow perch, and other types of fish. Not just fishing, you could also go cycling, hiking, and even set up camps and spend the night here. Each season offers something or the other. Winter offers ice fishing, snowmobiling, etc, whereas fall boasts mesmerizing views of the vibrant and colorful leaves that encompass the forest area.
Fish Lake
Address: Sevier County, Utah, United States
Website: Fish Lake
8. Strawberry Reservoir
A famous fishing point in the state of Utah, Strawberry Reservoir is home to crayfish, rainbow trout, salmon, and more. Nestled in the Strawberry Valley, the reservoir is part of Ouray Indian Reservation and Uintah. Strawberry Reservoir is the largest reservation out of the three, and it is inhabited mostly by the Ute Tribe. Visitors can indulge in snowmobiling and boating on the west shoreline of the lake.
Strawberry Reservoir
Address: Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation, Wasatch County, Utah, United States
Website: Strawberry Reservoir
9. Echo Reservoir
A 566-hectare (1,400 acres) lake situated between the borders of Utah, Wyoming, and Salt Lake City, Echo Reservoir was built in the 1930s. It was built to control the water flowing from the melted snow of the Uinta Mountains. Along with this, it is also used for hydropower, flood control, and irrigation, among other purposes. Encompassed by sagebrush and grass, Echo Reservoir features a privately owned area that is shaded by enormous trees and includes a campground, restrooms, marina, and more. The reservoir is also home to small bass, catfish, rainbow trout, yellow perch, and various other fish species. Activities like mountain biking, horseback riding, and canoeing can be enjoyed here.
Echo Reservoir
Website: Echo Reservoir
10. Panguitch Lake
Nestled in Dixie National Forest, Panguitch Lake is a hotspot among tourists, and for a good reason. The lake offers plenty of camping grounds, endless trails for exploring, and exceptional views all around. This is a lake that’s encompassed by hills and trees, which means there’s an abundance of wildlife found here. If you want to enjoy just the lake, then rent a boat, or go paddle boating or kayaking. The lake also has an abundance of massive rainbow trout, which is why the lake was named after the Paiute word. It means ‘big fish’.
Panguitch Lake
Address: Garfield County, Utah, United States
Website: Panguitch Lake
Spend time at the most gorgeous lakes in Utah
The lakes in Utah are stunning no matter what the season is, and when you decide to go. The lakes here offer multiple recreational activities that can be done all year round. Be it fishing, swimming, hiking, or camping, spending time at the most beautiful lakes in Utah, the USA, is one of the many ways you can spend your vacation while you’re in the state.
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