Bear Lake is the destination lake of Utah jet ski rentals: turquoise water, deep, dramatic. It is about 2 hours from our Woods Cross pickup, which makes it a half-day commitment just in drive time. It is almost always worth it.

The basics

• 2 hours, ~113 miles from Woods Cross (I-15 north to US-89)

• 109 square miles, straddles the Utah-Idaho border

• Deep (max depth about 208 feet)

• Water color comes from suspended limestone particles (real mineral phenomenon, not algae)

Where to launch

For a day trip, launch at the Bear Lake State Park Marina, at the north end of Garden City. Logan Canyon drops you into Garden City, so it’s the closest ramp on your way in (our 113-mile drive is measured to it). The marina has a seven-lane ramp, and the gates open at 6 AM. If you came up the night before, you can be on the water for the morning glass. In 2026, summer day-use (Memorial Day weekend through September) was $25 for Utah residents and $30 for non-residents, and $15 and $20 the rest of the year; check the park fees (opens in a new tab) page for 2027 rates.

The marina is being expanded. The state expects the expansion to open in spring 2028 and plans to keep the current marina open while crews work. Stay outside the buoy lines around the work zone, and slow down driving in and out of the parking lot.

The park’s other ramps, as of its September 28, 2026 report, with the lake about 12 feet below full:

• Rendezvous Beach, on the south end near Laketown, is mostly campgrounds and a day-use beach. At that lake level, the park advised against launching boats there and recommended 4WD for anyone who did.

• The Eastside ramps (First Point, Cisco Beach and Rainbow Cove) are along Cisco Road north of Laketown, across the lake from Garden City, so plan on extra driving around the south end. In 2026, summer day-use was a little cheaper there: $20 for Utah residents, $25 for non-residents. All three were open, and the park recommended 4WD at Cisco Beach.

Lake levels change which ramps work, so check the park’s current conditions (opens in a new tab) before you tow. Once you’re riding, the water near the shore the wind blows from stays flattest, since chop builds as the wind crosses the lake. On the usual southwest afternoon wind, that’s the west and south shores.

When to go

Bear Lake water stays cold into July, and early June can be brisk even with a wetsuit. Mid-August through mid-September is ideal. Mornings are the calm window: the water is usually glassy until about 10 AM, then southwest thermals build to 15–25 knots by early afternoon and the open water gets choppy. Do your long runs early.

AIS inspection note

Bear Lake has an AIS inspection station near the state park entrance (quagga prevention), and Utah law says every boat stops whenever it’s open. Budget 5 to 10 minutes. When it’s closed, clean and drain before you leave the water, and always tow with the drain plug out. See our AIS walkthrough for what to expect.

Riding up into the Idaho side? Idaho runs its own invasive species sticker program, and we don’t supply the sticker. Our Bear Lake page explains when you need one and where to buy it.

Plan the whole day

A full-day rental is up to 12 hours, 8 AM to 8 PM, and about 4 of those go to the drive there and back, so pick up early. On a multi-day rental, less of your time goes to the drive, so call us if you are thinking about spending a weekend.

Rather skip the tow? Bear Lake is one of the lakes we deliver to; the delivery fee is per trip and depends on the location, so call us at (801) 923-8185 for a quote.

Ready? Browse the Bear Lake page or book now.