Logan Canyon and Bear Lake to Idaho’s hot springs
Up Logan Canyon to the turquoise water of Bear Lake, then north into Idaho for a sandstone tabernacle, a timed geyser and hot pools.
- Distance
- 228 km (141 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 32 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 9
- States
- UT, ID
- Updated
- May 23, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 228 km (141 mi) with 9 stops, from Brigham City to Lava Hot Springs. About 2 h 32 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Utah, Idaho
Route description
From Brigham City, US-89 and US-91 climb through Sardine Canyon into the Cache Valley and Logan, a university town with a historic tabernacle and temple. Logan Canyon Scenic Byway starts on the east side of town. US-89 follows the Logan River for 65 km through limestone cliffs and maple groves, which turn red in late September. Many campgrounds sit along the river.
About 30 km up the canyon, turn off for Tony Grove Lake, 11 km up a paved but narrow road, best for cars and small campers. Back on US-89, the highway climbs to Bear Lake Summit and then drops in steep switchbacks to the lake. Stop at the overlook on the way down for the first view of the turquoise water. The descent is long, so use low gear in an RV.
Garden City sits on the west shore of Bear Lake and is known in summer for its raspberry shakes. Bear Lake State Park has a marina and Rendezvous Beach campground at the south end. Follow US-89 north along the lake into Idaho to St. Charles and Paris, where the red sandstone tabernacle is open for free tours in summer. Minnetonka Cave is up a canyon from St. Charles.
US-89 continues to Montpelier, where US-30 turns northwest to Soda Springs and its captive geyser, which erupts every hour on the hour in a small downtown park. Then drive west on US-30 for 50 km along the Portneuf River to Lava Hot Springs. The town has hot mineral pools and a large summer swimming complex, both run by a state foundation. River tubing is popular in summer, and Pocatello is about 55 km further west.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Brigham City
UT - 235 km
Logan
UT - 328 km
Tony Grove Lake
NatureLogan, UTA glacial lake below limestone cliffs in the Bear River Range, reached by an 11 km paved side road from Logan Canyon. Wildflowers peak in July; a day-use fee applies and the road closes in winter.
- 419 km
Bear Lake Overlook
ViewsGarden City, UTA pullout on US-89 just past Bear Lake Summit, beyond the head of Logan Canyon, with the first view down to Bear Lake’s turquoise water. The descent to Garden City from here is steep with switchbacks.
- 57 km
Garden City
UT - 637 km
Paris Idaho Tabernacle
HistoryParis, IDA red sandstone Romanesque church built by Mormon settlers in 1889, with stone hauled from quarries across Bear Lake. Free guided tours run in summer; the town sits on US-89.
- 761 km
Soda Springs Geyser
OdditiesSoda Springs, IDA man-made geyser in the middle of town, created by a 1937 well-drilling accident and now released by a timer every hour on the hour. Park at the small downtown lot beside it.
- 80 km
Soda Springs
ID - 940 km
Lava Hot Springs
ID
FAQs
How long is Logan Canyon and Bear Lake to Idaho’s hot springs?
3-day road trip of about 228 km (141 mi) with 9 stops, from Brigham City to Lava Hot Springs. About 2 h 32 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Logan Canyon and Bear Lake to Idaho’s hot springs?
We suggest 3 days: about 2 h 32 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Logan Canyon and Bear Lake to Idaho’s hot springs start and end?
It starts in Brigham City and ends in Lava Hot Springs.
Which states does Logan Canyon and Bear Lake to Idaho’s hot springs pass through?
Utah and Idaho.
