10 Utah Lakes That Are Worth All The Hype They Generate

Jul 12, 2023

From the sparkling Mirror Lake to the enchanting Lake Powell in the South, these top lakes in Utah prove why they receive nothing but praise.

The state of Utah is often praised for its popular national parks filled with majestic features. However, its landscape is a treasure trove of otherworldly natural wonders, and among these is a collection of shimmering lakes that deserve all the hype they get. While Utah is the second-driest state after Nevada, it’s home to about 2,000 lakes, but only a few are well-known and revered.

The lakes are in awe-inspiring settings, mostly with a backdrop of lush mountains, adding to their jaw-dropping beauty. Additionally, Utah lakes have a distinct charm, as the activities and landscapes differ, but they all assure tourists gratifying experiences and activities ranging from relaxing to heart-pumping. Here are the best lakes in Utah that live up to the hype, some of which are year-round vacation destinations in the US.

Related: 10 Best Hikes In Utah's Scenic Bryce Canyon National Park

Sitting in the Uintas Mountains is one of the most beautiful lakes in Utah, Mirror Lake (and, of course, visiting it is one of the awesome things to do in Utah). This alpine lake gets its name from its reflective surface, as it creates a breathtaking mirror-like reflection of the nearby landscape, including the majestic Bald Mountain. The views alone are every photographer’s dream come true for landscape photography.

Besides the spectacular scenery, Mirror Lake attracts adventurers who want to spend a few more days in the rustic campsites featuring amenities like fire pits and picnic tables.

White Pine Lake is worth its hype for its mesmerizing blue waters surrounded by pines, aspens, and gorgeous mountains as a backdrop. Hikers reach this slice of heaven after conquering a challenging out-and-back trail that consistently gains elevation along the entire route. However, the trek offers breathtaking meadows and peak views that distract adventurers from the strenuous hike, making every step count.

After the 10.7-mile long hike, travelers stand on the shores of intense blue waters and take a long rest before heading back to the trailhead or camping under the stars.

Hikers planning to backcountry camp should arrive early to get a good spot at least 200 feet away from the lake.

Located in the Makargunt Plateau is the finest piece of Mother Nature’s beauty, Navajo Lake, one of the most scenic lakes in Utah, with 9,042 feet of elevation. The Paiute Indians called it Cloud Lake due to its high altitude, but that changed in the 1800s after a violent battle between cattlemen and a Navajo raiding party.

Navajo Lake draws in anglers throughout the year, where they challenge themselves to catch the abundant and good-sized rainbow and brook trout in summer. However, when water levels remain high in winter, adventurers ice fish for splake, but the access requires snowmobiling.

Check out Navajo Lake Campground, situated south of Navajo Lake, which provides a dramatic setting for camping, fishing, and hiking.

Related: Conquering Kings Peak: A Journey To The Pinnacle Of Utah's Breathtaking Natural Beauty

Sitting in the vast Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is one of Utah’s natural wonders that deserves all the hype it generates, Lake Powell. The lake is among the most famous lakes in Utah (it expands across Arizona as well) and offers a strategic point to venture into beautiful excursions, such as guided tours to the Glen Canyon Dam and the famous 90-minute Antelope Canyon Tour.

However, for travelers who prefer to contemplate views from the mainland, Lake Powell has a breathtaking viewpoint at the Wahweap Marina. This vantage point displays red and white rock formations contrasting with the crystal clear waterscape to create a gallery-worthy picture.

Knowing amazing facts about Lake Powell, from its history to its geological significance, enhances the experience.

Fish Lake is a perfect option for adventurers craving an authentic experience of Utah's pristine natural beauty in a remote setting. This freshwater mountain lake generates hype as one of the best off-the-beaten-path escapes in Utah for relaxing without fighting the crowds, fishing, and camping.

With an average depth of 85 feet, Fish Lake is an angler's haven with an abundance of yellow perch and lake trout, which grow to up to 30 pounds. Moreover, fishing in Fish Lake is a year-round activity as anglers bag record-size splake during the winter.

Panguitch Lake is among the most stunning lakes in Utah and is an outstanding year-round mountain destination offering a multi-day vacation experience along the Scenic Highway 123. In Paiute, the name Panguitch means ‘Big Fish.’ The lake stays true to its meaning by providing excellent fishing opportunities throughout the year.

With 66 feet of depth and ten miles of shoreline, Panguitch Lake tops as one of the best fishing lakes in Utah for rainbow, cutthroats, and tiger trout in southern Utah. Although summer is the most active time of the lake, adventurers still come here to ice fish during winter.

Tony Grove Lake is a hidden gem lake in in northern Utah that deserves all the hype as one of the best places to view summer wildflowers. This lake makes up for its small size with its mesmerizing surroundings of rolling hills covered in lush forests.

There’s a day-use area featuring picnic areas along the lakeshore and near the meadows, which fill with wildflowers from mid-July to mid-August. However, tourists should be aware of their surroundings because of the high likelihood of encountering moose around the lake.

The Tony Grove Lake Campground has 36 camping sites for adventurers who want to immerse themselves in nature for several nights.

Utah Lake is one of Utah’s well-loved getaway spots for locals and tourists. Located in Utah Lake State Park, this lake generates a lot of hype as one of the best places to catch a sunrise with a stunning mountain range backdrop.

Unlike most lakes in Utah, this lake is less than an hour from Salt Lake City, making it easy and convenient to access rental equipment and accommodations. Alternatively, adventurers can also spend a few days near the lake by staying in pet-friendly campsites with available power and water.

Renowned for its dazzling turquoise waters, Bear Lake is yet another one of the best lakes Utah has to offer since it's a recreational playground for outdoor and water sports enthusiasts. With Bear Lake’s expansive size, boating is a must-do for travelers who want to feel the wind in their hair and breath fresh air.

Adventurers who want to feel their adrenaline soar can access the nearby rentals that offer an assortment of vessels, such as jet skis and ski boats. Additionally, local tour companies take parties of up to six people for personalized tours of the lake on 24-foot pontoon boats.

Read up on a detailed guide to understand what it's like camping at Bear Lake, also known as "The Caribbean Of The Rockies."

Related: 12 Of The Most Beautiful Lakes You Can Visit In Texas

A visit to the Great Salt Lake tops the listings on an avid traveler’s ultimate Utah itinerary (it is perhaps the most famous lake in Utah, after all). The lake sits in the Great Salt Lake State Park, which features an open year-round visitor center, nature trails, and miles of astounding views. This park is the best place to touch and feel how different Great Salt Lake's water is compared to the ocean.

For travelers who want to take a plunge into the salty water, there are a variety of spots to take a dip and outdoor showers to clean up. Besides swimming in this unusual lake, there are other exciting things to do in at the Great Salt Lake to satisfy every outdoor enthusiast.

The Great Salt Lake is the largest salt lake in the Western Hemisphere - read up on what to expect when visiting Great Salt Lake for the first time to prepare for an adventure there.