Utah is a state brimming with natural beauty, from the stunning Bryce Canyon National Park to the majestic Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. With its diverse landscapes, including deserts, valleys, pine forests, and mountains, Utah offers a wealth of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy year-round.
One of the many natural wonders that Utah has to offer is its abundance of lakes. Whether you’re into birdwatching, swimming, kayaking, fishing, or simply relaxing by the water, Utah’s lakes have something for everyone. If you find yourself in Utah and looking to explore its pristine lakes, here are the top 15 lakes in the state that you should consider visiting.
1. Great Salt Lake; Salt Lake, Weber, Box Elder & Tooele Counties
- Size: 440,000 hectares
- Special Feature: Largest salt water lake in the Western hemisphere
- Activities: Birdwatching, swimming, kayaking, sailing, picnicking, camping
Referred to as ‘America’s Dead Sea’, the Great Salt Lake is a haven for birdwatchers, home to millions of native birds, shorebirds, and waterfowl. In addition to birdwatching, visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational activities on the lake, from swimming and kayaking to picnicking and camping.
2. Utah Lake; Utah County
- Size: 38,000 hectares
- Special Feature: Shallow freshwater lake in Utah Valley
- Activities: Water skiing, fishing, boating, hiking, camping
Utah Lake, situated in the picturesque Utah Valley, offers stunning views and a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. From water skiing and fishing to hiking and camping, this lake is perfect for those seeking outdoor adventures.
3. Lake Powell; Garfield, Kane & San Juan Counties
- Special Feature: Reservoir along the Colorado River
- Activities: Fishing, sightseeing, boating, camping
Lake Powell, shared with Arizona, boasts a shoreline over 3,000 kilometers long and is a popular summer destination. With an abundance of bass for fishing enthusiasts and iconic landmarks like the Rainbow Bridge National Monument, Lake Powell offers endless opportunities for exploration and adventure.
4. Bear Lake; Rich County
- Special Feature: Freshwater lake on Utah-Idaho border
- Activities: Swimming, boating, camping
Known as the ‘Caribbean of the Rockies’ for its turquoise-blue waters, Bear Lake offers beautiful scenery and a variety of recreational activities, including swimming, boating, and camping. With two state parks on its shores, Bear Lake is a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
5. Deer Creek Reservoir; Wasatch County
- Size: 1,200 hectares
- Special Feature: Main feature of Deer Creek State Park
- Activities: Swimming, boating, zip-lining, mountain biking, hiking
Deer Creek Reservoir, nestled in the scenic Deer Creek State Park, offers a range of water-based and land-based activities for visitors to enjoy. From swimming and boating to zip-lining and mountain biking, this reservoir is a hub of outdoor fun for all ages.
6. Strawberry Reservoir; Wasatch County
- Special Feature: Utah’s most popular fishery
- Activities: Fishing, boating, snowmobiling, lodging
Famous for its excellent fishing opportunities, Strawberry Reservoir is a favorite spot for anglers looking to catch bear lake cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, and more. With a marina offering various activities and a lodge for comfortable stays, this reservoir is a paradise for fishing enthusiasts.
7. Tony Grove Lake; Cache County
- Elevation: 2,453 meters
- Special Feature: Glacial lake with stunning wildflowers
- Activities: Canoeing, horseback riding, fishing, biking, camping
Surrounded by breathtaking wildflowers in the spring and summer, Tony Grove Lake is a picturesque spot for outdoor enthusiasts. With a campground overlooking the lake and a variety of activities like canoeing, horseback riding, and fishing, this lake offers a serene escape into nature.
8. Jordanelle Reservoir; Wasatch County
- Special Feature: Serene lake with Mount Timpanogos backdrop
- Activities: Beach activities, boating, camping, hiking
Jordanelle Reservoir, set against the backdrop of Mount Timpanogos, offers a peaceful retreat for visitors seeking a lakeside escape. With beach activities, boating facilities, camping grounds, and hiking trails, this reservoir has something for everyone to enjoy.
9. Fish Lake; Sevier County
- Elevation: Over 2,600 meters
- Special Feature: Excellent sport fishing spot
- Activities: Sport fishing, hiking, cycling, camping
Nestled within the Fishlake National Forest, Fish Lake is a prime spot for sport fishing with an abundance of lake trout and rainbow trout. Whether you’re into fishing, hiking, cycling, or camping, this alpine lake offers a variety of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts.
10. Mirror Lake; Duchesne County
- Special Feature: Spectacular scenery in Uinta Mountains
- Activities: Kayaking, canoeing, fishing, hiking, camping
Mirror Lake, nestled in the Uinta Mountains, offers breathtaking scenery and a range of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. From kayaking and canoeing to hiking and camping, this lake is a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.
11. Flaming Gorge Reservoir; Daggett County
- Special Feature: Centrepiece of Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
- Activities: Windsurfing, water-skiing, boating, fishing, hiking
Flaming Gorge Reservoir, shared with Wyoming, offers a plethora of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, from windsurfing and water-skiing to hiking and fishing. With accommodation options along the lake, visitors can extend their stay and make the most of this picturesque reservoir.
12. Navajo Lake; Kane County
- Special Feature: Shallow reservoir in Dixie National Forest
- Activities: Fishing, boating, canoeing, hiking, camping
Nestled within Dixie National Forest, Navajo Lake is a serene spot for fishing, boating, and outdoor adventures. With its stunning natural surroundings and a variety of recreational activities, this small reservoir offers a peaceful escape into nature.
13. Panguitch Lake; Garfield County
- Special Feature: Popular lake with abundant wildlife
- Activities: Boating, kayaking, canoeing, fishing
Panguitch Lake, located in the Dixie National Forest, is a popular destination for tourists seeking outdoor adventures. Whether you’re into boating, kayaking, or fishing, this lake offers a tranquil setting surrounded by trees and mountains, perfect for observing wildlife.
14. Willard Bay; Box Elder County
- Special Feature: Man-made reservoir off Great Salt Lake
- Activities: Jet skiing, water-skiing, boating, hiking, camping
Willard Bay, a man-made reservoir off the Great Salt Lake, offers a range of water-based and land-based activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re into jet skiing, hiking, or camping, this reservoir provides a fun-filled destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
15. Sevier Lake; Millard County
- Special Feature: Endorheic lake in Sevier Desert
- Activities: Sightseeing, photography
Sevier Lake, situated in the Sevier Desert, is a unique lake that is predominantly dry throughout most of the year. Despite its dryness, the lake offers spectacular views surrounded by sandy terrain—an ideal spot for sightseeing and photography enthusiasts.
In conclusion, Utah’s lakes offer a wealth of natural beauty and recreational opportunities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re into birdwatching, fishing, boating, or simply relaxing by the water, there is something for everyone at Utah’s stunning lakes. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and embark on a journey to explore the beauty of Utah’s lakes firsthand!