Bear Lake Overlook
Garden City, UT
A 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.
Bear Lake Overlook is a viewpoint on US-89 in Utah, part of the Logan Canyon Scenic Byway. According to a Waymarking entry it lies on the south side of the highway, about 5.6 miles (roughly 9 km) southwest of Garden City. The byway links Garden City in the Bear Lake Valley with Logan and follows the Logan River through the Wasatch-Cache National Forest.
From the pull-out you look out over the turquoise water of Bear Lake. Waymarking attributes the colour to limestone particles in the lake, most visible in clear weather. Shoshone, Bannock and Ute people once gathered at the lake to fish and hunt, and according to Waymarking trappers held trading rendezvous there in the 1820s.
The byway is especially popular in autumn for its foliage. Check road and weather conditions beforehand.
- Nearest town
- Garden City, UT
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 41.9219, -111.4549
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and October. Hot in July. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Bear Lake KOA TrailsideMotorhome stopover3 mi from Bear Lake OverlookTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- KOA Marina Side CampgroundMotorhome stopover4 mi from Bear Lake OverlookTentsCaravansMotorhomesDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Willow CampgroundCampsite8 mi from Bear Lake OverlookTentsCaravansShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Birch CampgroundMotorhome stopover8 mi from Bear Lake OverlookCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Cottonwood CampgroundCampsite8 mi from Bear Lake OverlookTentsShowersToilets
- Big Creek CampgroundMotorhome stopover8 mi from Bear Lake OverlookCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
All campsites in Utah · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Bear Lake Overlook?
Bear Lake Overlook is in Garden City, UT, at GPS 41.9219, -111.4549. It is about 23 mi from Logan.
Can you camp near Bear Lake Overlook?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Sunrise Campground, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 40 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Bear Lake Overlook?
Bear Lake Overlook is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Logan Canyon and Bear Lake to Idaho’s hot springs.
What is there to see near Bear Lake Overlook?
Places worth a stop nearby: Tony Grove Lake (10 mi), Paris Idaho Tabernacle (21 mi), Soda Springs Geyser (51 mi) and Lava Hot Springs (56 mi).
When is the best time to visit Bear Lake Overlook?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)