Lake Life: Utah Mountain Lakes for Boating Fun
From mountain reservoirs to desert oases, Utah is home to a variety of lakes that are ideal for fishing, boating, watersports and outdoor recreation. Here’s a guide to some of the best lakes in the Beehive State for water-related activities.
1. Lake Powell
Stretching from Northern Arizona into Southern Utah, Lake Powell is a massive reservoir on the Colorado River and one of the premier boating destinations in the West. It offers more than 2,000 miles of shoreline featuring dramatic red rock scenery, countless canyons, calm coves and wide-open water for jet skiing and wakeboarding. Houseboat rentals are popular, making it ideal for extended trips from marinas and private boat slips for rent.
Popular Activities:
- Houseboating
- Wakeboarding and waterskiing
- Kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding
- Fishing
2. Bear Lake
Known as the “Caribbean of the Rockies” for its stunning turquoise-blue water, Bear Lake is a favorite for families and watersports enthusiasts. The lake, located in Northern Idaho and Southern Idaho, is large, calm and scenic. It’s perfect for boating, jet skiing and sailing.
Popular Activities:
- Sailing and boating
- Jet skiing
- Swimming and tubing
- Windsurfing and paddleboarding
3. Jordanelle Reservoir
Located just a short drive from Salt Lake City and Park City, Jordanelle Reservoir is a popular spot for weekend getaways. It has modern marinas, rentals and campgrounds. The calm waters are great for wakeboarding, water skiing and kayaking.
Popular Activities:
4. Deer Creek Reservoir
Deer Creek is nestled in the Heber Valley, near Heber City, and provides stunning mountain views with ideal water conditions for boating. It’s well-developed with boat ramps, courtesy docks, picnic areas and rentals available on-site. There’s also a day-use sailboat area if you’re trailering a vessel from a private boat dock for rent.
Popular Activities:
- Boating and jet skiing
- Paddleboarding
- Wakeboarding
- Windsurfing
5. Flaming Gorge Reservoir
Flaming Gorge, in the Northeastern part of the state, spans Utah and Wyoming and is known for its deep blue water and dramatic cliffs. It's less crowded than Lake Powell but offers equally great opportunities for boating and fishing whether you’re traveling from marinas or private boat lifts for rent.
Popular Activities:
- Powerboating and cruising
- Fishing (especially for lake trout)
- Water skiing and tubing
- Kayaking
6. Utah Lake
Utah Lake is one of the state’s largest freshwater lakes and offers easy access from the Wasatch Front. Located near Provo, it’s particularly popular for day boating and watersports. There are several public access points and marinas.
Popular Activities:
- Boating and jet skiing
- Paddleboarding and canoeing
- Fishing
- Kiteboarding
7. Pineview Reservoir
Situated in the Ogden Valley near Huntsville, Pineview Reservoir is a scenic mountain lake that provides excellent water conditions during summer. Surrounded by pine-covered hills, it’s a favorite for wakeboarding, paddleboarding, swimming and cruising.
Popular Activities:
- Wakeboarding and water skiing
- Kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding
- Jet skiing
- Fishing
