Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
On US 89: 1 mile north in Garden City, Utah
From Salt Lake City: Follow I-15 N, US-91 N and US-89 N to N 300 W/N Paradise Pkwy in Rich County 2 hr 10 min (121 mi) Continue on N 300 W/N Paradise Pkwy. Drive to KOA Campground in Garden City 2 min (0.7 mi) Bear Lake / Marina Side KOA Holiday 485 N Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT 84028 I-15 N, US-91 N and US-89 N to N 300 W/N Paradise Pkwy in Rich County 2 hr 10 min (121 mi) Continue on N 300 W/N Paradise Pkwy. Drive to KOA Campground in Garden City.
From Boise ID: Get on I-84 E/US-20 E/US-26 E/US-30 E from Broadway Ave 11 min (4.0 mi) Follow I-84 E to UT-30 E in Box Elder County. Take exit 385 from I-15 N 3 hr 48 min (269 mi)
Follow UT-30 E and US-89 N to KOA Campground
From Jackson Hole WY: Follow US-89 S to KOA Campground in Garden City 2 hr 44 min (146 mi)
Turn right onto KOA Campground
Fall in Bear Lake is a magical time when nature transforms into a bright display of reds, oranges, and yellows. Whether you're hiking, driving, or simply relaxing at Bear Lake / Marina Side KOA Holiday, the changing colors of the surrounding landscape provide an awe-inspiring backdrop for your autumn adventure. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best places to experience the fall colors, offer tips on timing your visit, and highlight fun activities to enjoy while soaking in the beauty of the season.
1. Why Bear Lake is the Perfect Fall Colors Destination
Located on the border of Utah and Idaho, Bear Lake is renowned for its stunning scenery year-round, but fall is especially breathtaking. The area’s diverse landscape, from rolling hills to dense forests, creates the perfect canvas for fall foliage. As the temperature drops, aspens, maples, and cottonwoods begin to turn, casting a golden hue across the lake’s shoreline. The crystal-clear water of Bear Lake reflects the colors, amplifying the beauty of the season and offering an unforgettable visual experience.
For visitors staying at Bear Lake / Marina Side KOA Holiday, you're in a prime location to experience the fall colors firsthand. Whether you're exploring the nearby trails or enjoying a peaceful moment by the campfire, the vibrant colors are all around you.
2. Best Viewing Spots for Fall Colors Near Bear Lake
Bear Lake offers several prime locations to take in the fall colors, each offering a unique perspective of the landscape:
-Logan Canyon Scenic Byway: This drive from Logan to Bear Lake is one of the most scenic routes in Utah, particularly in the fall. The canyon’s walls are lined with aspens, cottonwoods, and maples, creating a tunnel of fiery colors. Pull over at one of the many scenic overlooks for photos or a short hike.
-Sinks Road: For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, Sinks Road offers panoramic views of the Bear Lake Valley and its surrounding mountains. The drive is a bit rugged, but the views of the fall foliage combined with the lake’s turquoise waters are worth the adventure.
- Limber Pine Trail: A family-friendly hike located just off the Logan Canyon Byway; this 1.3-mile loop trail is perfect for those wanting a closer look at the autumn leaves. The trail winds through groves of aspens, offering brilliant color displays up close.
- Bear Lake Overlook: Located on the western edge of the lake, the Bear Lake Overlook provides a sweeping view of the entire lake and the surrounding hillsides. The golden aspens and red maples against the deep blue of the lake make for a postcard-perfect scene.
3. When to Visit for Peak Fall Colors
Timing your visit to Bear Lake for peak fall colors can make all the difference in your experience. The fall foliage season typically begins in late September and lasts through mid-October, but the exact timing varies year to year depending on weather conditions.
- Early Fall (Late September): The higher elevations, such as the mountains surrounding Bear Lake and Logan Canyon, will start to show their colors first. Aspens at higher altitudes turn a bright gold, providing a dramatic contrast against the evergreen pines.
- Peak Colors (Early to Mid-October): The lower elevations around Bear Lake and the valley itself reach their peak in early to mid-October. This is when the entire landscape is transformed into a sea of red, orange, and gold, and when most visitors come to experience the colors in full force.
- Late Fall (Late October): By late October, the colors begin to fade, but there are still pockets of vibrant foliage, especially in the lower valleys. This is a quieter time to visit if you prefer fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
4. Activities to Enhance Your Fall Color Experience
While taking in the fall colors is an experience in itself, there are several activities around Bear Lake that will make your autumn visit even more memorable:
- Hiking: Trails like Limber Pine, Swan Flat, and Bloomington Lake offer incredible views of the fall foliage and are accessible to hikers of all levels. Bring a picnic and enjoy a meal surrounded by nature’s vibrant display.
- ATV Riding: For a more adventurous way to experience the colors, try ATV riding along trails like the Garden City Trail or Swan Flat Loop. These off-road paths take you through some of the most scenic areas, offering up-close views of the changing leaves.
- Photography: Fall is the perfect time to capture the beauty of Bear Lake on camera. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just looking to snap a few shots on your phone, the contrast between the turquoise lake and the fiery foliage creates stunning compositions.
- Fishing: Combine the serenity of fall fishing with the beauty of the season. The cooler temperatures in Bear Lake during fall make it an ideal time for catching cutthroat trout, all while surrounded by a palette of autumn colors.
5. Stay at Bear Lake KOA Holiday for the Best Fall Experience
After a day of exploring the fall colors, return to Bear Lake / Marina Side KOA Holiday to relax and unwind. Our campground offers the perfect basecamp for your fall adventure, with cozy cabins, RV sites, and tent camping available. Enjoy an evening by the fire pit, roasting marshmallows and gazing up at the stars as the colors of the day fade into night. We can’t wait to welcome you. Book today!
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