One Of The Most Beautiful Lakes In America Is (Mostly) In Utah: Which One?
I was lucky as a kid. I grew up in a small mountain town, and enjoyed the sense of community we had. Since we were in the mountains, we did deal with winter weather, like snow, that much of our fellow Southern Californians didn't deal with.
But the summers were heavenly, made even better with a number of lakes and ponds where we could spend most of our summer days.
When we moved to our second house up there, we were literally a block away from Lake Gregory, where I spent most of my summer days as a child. Then later, as I added biking and then driving to my transportation options, I could go further up the mountains to Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake. And, later due to a water reallocation project, the state filled up Lake Silverwood just behind our mountains down towards the high desert.
It seems in those days I couldn't spend enough time in or on the water. Swimming, fishing, and attempting to water ski (never got the hang of that) occupied a huge part of my free time when the weather was warm.
My relocation here to southern Utah has not diminished the opportunities I have for enjoying time in, on, or near the water.
Sand Hollow Reservoir gives you the the ability to swim almost year round, and fishing is good all the time. The waterfalls at Gunlock Reservoir are something you really should see at least once in your life (and they will be going fairly soon).
Later on, when the temperatures make it more appealing to get out of the valleys, lakes in the mountains around us provide refuge. Located near Bryce Canyon National Park, Panguitch Lake is known for its trophy-sized trout. The lake’s cooler temperatures make it a refreshing getaway in the summer.
A high-elevation lake in central Utah, Fish Lake is known for its crystal-clear waters and large lake trout. It’s a popular spot for fishing, hiking, and spotting wildlife, including ospreys and eagles. And you you like to catch perch, this is your lake.
Of course, we all know about the Great Salt Lake, the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere, it is a remnant of ancient Lake Bonneville. It is famous for its high salinity, buoyant waters, and diverse bird populations. The lake is a popular destination for sailing, kayaking, and birdwatching.
And, if you are ready for a road trip, Bear Lake, known as the Caribbean of the Rockies, which straddles the Utah-Idaho border is worth investing a week in.
But it seems Utah has one crown jewel of lakes, at least according to a recent ranking by Love Exploring. The compiled a list of the America's Most Beautiful Lakes and they lake they said is the third most beautiful lake in the country is (mostly) in Utah.
According to their review
Mother Nature is a pretty talented painter, but man-made lakes can be just as gorgeous as their natural counterparts. None prove it quite so convincingly as Lake Powell, which straddles Utah and Arizona. Mind you, the reservoir’s appeal is boosted by its proximity to natural bridges, dams and canyons carved into the red and apricot rock.
I can't dispute that. I love going over to Powell, and I find it astonishing that some people want to drain it.
Anyway, one of the most beautiful lakes in the country is right in our backyard, and the days will soon be inviting us to go. If I could just get that water skiing thing down....