Things to do / Travel Guide
Your mood will become buoyant as you voyage across northern Utah in your self-skippered seagoing vessel. With enough variety to please even the most particular pleasure boater, northern Utah's lakes are the perfect choice for an afternoon or a day of floating relaxation. There are full-service marinas complete with multiple boat ramps, knowledgeable staff, and a wide range of rentals available on nearly every lake and reservoir in the region. Here are a few great places to get your pleasure boat out on the water:
Boating in Bear Lake, on Utah-Idaho Border
With turquoise waters reminiscent of the tropics, you will hardly believe you are in northern Utah as you contemplate the placid, peaceful Caribbean-esque coastline of Bear Lake. Located on the Utah-Idaho border, the lake offers 70,000 acres of excellent boating and sailing. Plenty of boat ramps are located at many locations around the lake, so launching your boat shouldn't be a problem.
Boating in Great Salt Lake, near Salt Lake City
With around 960,000 surface acres, Great Salt Lake is great for both sailing and powerboating alike. The largest natural lake west of the Mississippi River, Great Salt Lake is Utah's largest body of water. On cloudy, overcast days, the blue-gray sky runs into the blue-gray of the water and boats in the distance appear to levitate, as if sailing the sky instead of the sea. Tour the periphery of Antelope Island for an outstanding view of the bison herd or head over to Carrington Island to take a look at the World War II relics; the island was used for bombing practice during the war and is covered with bomb craters. To prevent rust, power boaters should flush the saltwater out of their engines after a day out on the water.
Boating in Utah Lake, near Provo
Utah's largest freshwater lake, the 96,000-acre Utah Lake west of Provo is a popular choice (summer weekends can be very crowded). Dramatic, mountainous skylines all around, no matter how far back you crane your neck the scenery is stunning. And if you want to do a little boat-side birding, head to the south end of the lake to see pelicans, swans, and other migratory shore birds.
Boating in Strawberry Reservoir, Southeast of Heber City
Southeast of Heber City, Strawberry Reservoir is a 17,000-acre body of water located on a high plateau, surrounded by emerald-green rolling hills and the Uinta National Forest. Though the water and wind can be chilly, Strawberry Reservoir is a favorite among sailors for its cool, constant breeze. For a unique boating experience (and to see something the land-bound tourists never will) head toward the eastern end of the lake and navigate “The Narrows.” This tight craggy canyon is one of the reservoir's most beautiful spots and is only accessible by boat.
Boating in Flaming Gorge Reservoir, Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
Burning to get out on the water? Your passion will only be fueled further at Flaming Gorge Reservoir. On both sides of the Utah-Wyoming border, Flaming Gorge is one of Utah's top boating destinations, as thousands upon thousands of people visit each year specifically for that purpose. The reason? It is simply gorge-ous! The 42,000-acre Flaming Gorge sports secluded coves and colorful canyons amidst the dramatic, forested Uinta Mountains. If you just can't get yourself to leave this natural beauty, consider a (temporary) move to a houseboat. A favorite pastime on Flaming Gorge among tourists and locals alike, marinas in both Utah and Wyoming will rent you a houseboat with full-service bathrooms, bedrooms (equipped with linens), and kitchens, many of which accommodate up to 12 people. Houseboats are easy to navigate (and you don't need a license) but be sure to reserve yours in advance, particularly in summer.
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