Top 5 Lakes around Provo

For a family outing, Utah Lake is an excellent choice, offering sandy shores, picnic areas, and camping facilities at Utah Lake State Park. The Bertrand F. Harrison Arboretum and Botany Pond is also a family-friendly natural area maintained by BYU, perfect for enjoying wildlife and demonstration gardens.

Utah Lake is a central hub for water recreation. You can enjoy boating, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing. Anglers often catch channel catfish, walleye, white bass, black bass, panfish, and carp. The lake's average water temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit makes it ideal for swimming.

Yes, about an hour's drive from Provo, the scenic Mirror Lake Highway provides access to several picturesque mountain lakes, including Mirror Lake, Lilly Lake, Teapot Lake, and Lost Lake. These offer a serene alpine experience with opportunities for hiking and camping.

The mountain lakes along Mirror Lake Highway, such as Mirror Lake and Lilly Lake, are typically open from late May through the fall. They are often inaccessible during winter due to snow closures, so late spring to early fall is the best time to visit for hiking and enjoying the alpine scenery.

You can find various hiking trails near Provo's lakes. For example, the Emerald Lake (Mount Timpanogos Wilderness) is reached by hiking through abundant forests. For other options, explore the hiking guide around Provo, which includes trails like the Y Mountain Trail and Bonneville Shoreline Trail.

Yes, the Utah Lake Shoreline Trail offers a combination of paved roads, paved paths, and dirt roads, providing flat terrain with great views of Utah Lake. The Provo River Parkway, which flows into Utah Lake, also offers a paved trail for walking and biking. For more running options, check the running trails guide around Provo.

Parking at Utah Lake State Park typically requires a fee. Many people choose to park there to access the Utah Lake Shoreline Trail and other recreational opportunities. If you only run to the park, you might not need to pay an entry fee, but parking a car inside does incur a charge.

Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Utah Lake is known for channel catfish, walleye, white bass, black bass, panfish, and carp. Tibble Fork Reservoir is also a popular spot for fishing. Always check local regulations and permit requirements before you go.

Located in American Fork Canyon, Tibble Fork Reservoir is known for its pristine waters and scenic mountain backdrop. It's a popular spot for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing, offering a tranquil setting for mountain lake recreation closer to Provo than the Mirror Lake Highway.

Yes, Utah Lake and its surrounding wetlands are a haven for birdwatching. Species like pelicans, herons, egrets, and eagles are frequently spotted. The recently restored Provo River Delta Park, at the lake's edge, is a significant birdwatching area.

From Utah Lake State Park, you can get stunning views, including the majestic Mount Timpanogos. The Utah Lake Shoreline Trail also offers great views of the lake itself.