Bear Lake State Park

Near Garden City, Utah, sits the blue waters known as the Caribbean of the Rockies. Close your eyes and imagine steel drums, palm trees, and a hammock. You may never want to leave this jewel of the High Desert.

Pack your scuba gear, because divers love this lake. Access the water easily at the steep drop-off on Cisco Beach. You readily see the rocky bottom thanks to the turquoise-blue water.

Dock your boat or rent one at the large marina. Sail, fish, jet ski, or water ski along the lake's 109 square miles of surface area. Bring your fishing gear to try to snag some cutthroat trout. Celebrate your catch with a raspberry shakes from some famous and locally grown berries.

This 250,000-year-old freshwater lake is unique. Some animals and plants that live here exist nowhere else in the world. Discovering the wildlife is like traveling through time.

Campgrounds at this popular resort area fill up fast. Two campgrounds have full hook-ups, while two offer rustic sites.