Utah, one of the prettiest states in the U.S., shines with natural beauty. The land of sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and moqui stones is home to many gorgeous lakes. They’ve been formed during prehistoric times and fill onlookers with amazement. From splendid blue-green waters, the rising magnificence of mountains around, and trails to dive deeper into the epic scenery, the lakes in Utah make way for a memorable trip. You can also fish, swim, rent a boat, canoe, or kayak in many of them. Find out the best lakes in this region for your next trip in 2025.
Best Lakes in Utah
1. Utah Lake
Utah Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Utah and an important part of the state’s heritage. This 24-mile-long lake is one of the remains of prehistoric Lake Bonneville. It is also the site of Utah Lake State Park. You can find plenty of waterfowl and bird preserves here. In the summer, tourists arrive in large numbers to enjoy sailing, picnicking, fishing, and water skiing.
2. Bear Lake
Many lakes in Utah are a recreation haven for visitors. One of them is the Bear Lake, also known as the “Caribbean of the Rockies.” This prehistoric lake is 94 feet deep. It is famous because of its splendid turquoise-blue waters, a result of the refraction of limestone deposits in the lake. The lake’s water has a distinct mineralogy caused by the springs that feed it. It has led to the evolution of many unique species of fauna in it. A visit to Bear Lake State Park will give you many chances to boat, fish, hike, and camp.
3. Great Salt Lake
True to its name, the Great Salt Lake is the largest body of saltwater in the Western Hemisphere and has the most saline water in the world. It is also a remnant of the ancient Lake Bonneville and was first discovered in 1824. The lake’s size is dynamic according to the evaporation rate. At a high level, its surface is 4,212 feet above sea level, while at a low level, it is 4,191 feet. Its depth varies between 15 and 35 feet.
To familiarise yourself with the lake, you can visit the Great Salt Lake State Park or Antelope Island State Park. You can float on the lake’s salty waters or take a guided tour of Antelope Island to catch sight of bison, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn antelope.
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4. Sand Hollow Reservoir
If you yearn for water sports, the Sand Hollow Reservoir is one of the best lakes in Utah for you. A single sight of the sparkling blue lake set against vibrant red sand will make your heart melt. It’s where swimmers love to dive, and boating, jet skiing, paddleboarding, and cliff jumping are the most loved activities. Moreover, there’s a Volkswagen bus deep within the lake, a Cessna 320 twin-engine aeroplane, and an obstacle course that allows you to enjoy scuba diving.
5. Lake Powell
Lake Powell on the Utah-Arizona border is a reservoir that was created upon the completion of the Glen Canyon Dam in 1963. However, the lake was fully formed in 1980, when it was filled with water up to 3,700 feet. This lake is ideal for enjoying a variety of boating except sailing, such as houseboats, speedboats, and pontoons. A great way to enjoy the beautiful and secluded lake is to camp at one of its RV campgrounds.
read also: Romantic Getaways in Utah
6. Lake Martha
Lake Martha is one of the deepest lakes in Utah. It is one of the three “Granite Lakes” beside Lake Catherine and Lake Mary and is situated at the base of Mount Tuscarora. Martha was the name of a friend of Catherine Brighton. In 1870, Brighton, one of the earliest settlers, gave the lake her friend’s name. This lake is surrounded by rugged alpine beauty. It lies in a depression without the craggy rocks. Boating and fishing are two popular activities visitors like to indulge in when visiting this lake.
7. Fish Lake
Your wish for a mountain getaway will come true at Fish Lake in southern Utah. It is the largest alpine lake in Utah, spreading over 2,500 acres and sitting at 8,800 feet of elevation. Here, you can catch rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, yellow perch, or yellow perch, go on wooded excursions at Fishlake National Forest, and hike or bike the 17-mile Lakeshore National Recreation Trail. If you’re visiting for a few days, you can pitch a tent or park your RV at the Fishlake National Forest.
8. Pass Lake
One of the lesser-known but beautiful lakes in Utah is the Pass Lake. It is situated in the Uinta Mountains and is only 8 feet deep. The shallow lake allows you to paddle and ride a non-motorized boat. You can also visit the nearby Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, which is open all year round. It’s an ideal place to visit for a short trip.
9. Lake Blanche
What if you could hike your way to a scenic lake and look at soaring peaks and glacier-carved rock outcroppings? Lake Blanche in the Twin Peaks Wilderness Area is one of the best lakes in Utah for this experience. The trail to it begins at the Big Cottonwood Canyon, moves along an aspen grove, and ends at Sundial Peak.
Under the peak, you will see the surreal 8920-foot Lake Blanche. Once here, soak in the gorgeous views of Dromedary Peak and the rear parts of Superior and Monte Cristo. If you still have energy left, there are short spur trails leading to Lake Florence and Lake Lillian.
10. Strawberry Reservoir
If you’ve been searching for the best lakes in Utah for fishing, make Strawberry Reservoir a part of your plan. It is the fifth-largest lake in Utah and a premier fishing spot where you will find sterile rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and huge cutthroat trout.
The lake lies at 7,602 feet, 23 miles east of the city of Heber in the Uinta National Forest. Its water quality is excellent, which leads to rapid reproduction of fish like trout. Natural selection is also evident, as you can find non-game fish along with trout. Besides fishing, you can camp at the Strawberry Bay and Soldier Creek complexes and ride a powerboat, float tube, dingy, or pontoon.
11. Jordanelle Reservoir
For many people, the thought of a lakeside trip conjures images of splashing in the water. Jordanelle Reservoir, in Jordanelle State Park, serves as the ultimate place to make such a wish come true. It is a haven for watersport lovers and boaters, with two great options for spending time in the water.
You can head to the wakeless zone of Jordanelle Swim Beach with your kids, where the waters are calm, or take a boat rental or jet ski rental at Jordanelle Rentals & Marina. If you are a kayaker, canoeing enthusiast, or paddleboarder, head to Ross Creek to spend your time.
read also: Things to Do in St. George Utah
12. Emerald Lake
The proglacial Emerald Lake in the majestic Mount Timpanogos is one of the prettiest lakes in northeastern Utah. Its green water shimmers under the sun and is filled with trout of all kinds and arctic grayling. The lake is 10,135 feet in height, so you need to brace yourself for a challenging hike to discover its beauty. While hiking, you’ll encounter many gorgeous waterfalls and constantly changing wildflowers. Sometimes, you may even walk along the fog. Although the trail is hard, the beauty of the lake will put you at ease.
Conclusion
Spending time by the lake brings utmost delight to the heart. The many lakes in Utah make this possible with their glimmering waters and plenty of recreational activities. They give you a reprieve from heat and a glimpse of unfiltered natural beauty, so you have a wonderful time that you’ll love to share with others.
