Introduction
Utah is home to some beautiful lakes that offer great opportunities for outdoor recreation. Many dog owners enjoy taking their pets along to enjoy the scenery and partake in activities like hiking, camping, and swimming. However, rules and regulations regarding dogs at Utah lakes can vary.
Some lakes have designated dog-friendly areas or allow dogs with certain restrictions, while other lakes prohibit pets entirely. When planning a lake trip with your dog, it is important to research ahead of time which lakes allow canine companions and what specific guidelines are in place.
In this article, we will highlight some of the most popular lakes in Utah that do allow dogs under certain conditions. This includes lakes like Jordanelle Reservoir, Deer Creek Reservoir, Utah Lake, and more. We will summarize the key rules and regulations at each lake, so dog owners can decide which would be the best option for an enjoyable day with their pet.
Jordanelle Reservoir
Located about 10 miles north of Park City, Utah, Jordanelle Reservoir is one of the few lakes in the state that allows dogs. This large reservoir was created in 1993 by damming the Provo River, and it provides water supply and recreation opportunities for the Wasatch Front. At full capacity, Jordanelle Reservoir covers an area of about 3,000 surface acres.
Jordanelle is popular spot for dogs and their owners thanks to its beautiful views of the Wasatch Mountains, ample recreation opportunities, and dog-friendly regulations. The Utah State Parks agency that manages Jordanelle allows leashed dogs at all of their day-use areas and campgrounds. This gives dog owners plenty of options to take their pooch swimming, hiking, boating, and camping.
There are over 15 miles of hiking and biking trails open to leashed dogs at Jordanelle. The moderate 1.5 mile Hailstone Trail is a particularly good option, winding past granite boulders and through shady forests right along the reservoir’s shore. Dogs are also allowed in the water in designated beach areas. The Ross Creek day-use area on the eastern side of the reservoir has a dog-friendly beach with shallow, calm water perfect for swimming.
With its proximity to Park City and dog-friendly recreation options, Jordanelle Reservoir is a top choice for pet owners looking to enjoy the outdoors with their furry friends.
Deer Creek Reservoir
Deer Creek Reservoir is an ideal spot for dogs in Utah. This large reservoir is located near Heber City, nestled between the Wasatch and Uinta Mountains. With over 180 miles of shoreline, there is ample space for dogs to play and swim along the sandy beaches.
One of the main draws of Deer Creek for dog owners is the Deer Creek State Park. This state park has a designated dog-friendly beach area, so dogs are allowed to enjoy the water off-leash as long as they are under voice control. The beach provides plenty of space for dogs to swim, run, and play fetch. There are also hiking trails along the shoreline that are perfect for taking your pup on long walks.
In addition to the dog beach, the Deer Creek State Park has a large grassy area that is ideal for picnicking with your dog. There are also campgrounds in the park that allow dogs, so you can bring your canine companion camping.
With the beautiful mountain views, sandy beaches, and dog-friendly amenities, Deer Creek Reservoir is a top choice for dogs looking to enjoy the refreshing waters of Utah.
Utah Lake
Utah Lake is one of the lakes in Utah that allows dogs. Located near Provo, Utah Lake is a large freshwater lake in Utah County. At over 96,000 acres, it is the largest freshwater lake in the state.
The lake is popular for recreation, including boating, fishing, and bird watching. There are several marinas and boat launches around the lake that provide access for power boats, sailboats, and personal watercraft. The presence of carp and channel catfish also makes Utah Lake a popular fishing destination.
The lake allows dogs, which makes it a nice option for pet owners who want to enjoy the beautiful scenery and lakeside recreation with their furry companions. As long as dogs are leashed, they are permitted in most areas around Utah Lake.
Pineview Reservoir
Pineview Reservoir is another dog-friendly lake located in northern Utah near the city of Ogden. Situated in the Ogden Valley at an elevation of 4,900 feet, Pineview offers outdoor recreation opportunities less than an hour’s drive from Salt Lake City and Ogden.
With 112 miles of shoreline, Pineview Reservoir provides plenty of space for dogs to play and swim. There are sandy beaches along the shoreline that make ideal spots for dogs to run around and fetch toys. The water is warm enough for swimming from late spring through early fall.
Dogs are allowed year-round at Pineview, but they must be leashed in all public areas from April 1 to August 31. The rest of the year dogs can be off-leash as long as they are under voice command. There are also six off-leash dog beaches along the shoreline.
In addition to swimming and playing, dogs can join their owners on hiking trails, bike paths, and horseback riding around the reservoir. Pineview is a peaceful place for dogs and owners to enjoy outdoor recreation together.
Flaming Gorge Reservoir
Flaming Gorge Reservoir is located in the northeast corner of Utah near the town of Vernal. This large reservoir was created in 1964 with the construction of the Flaming Gorge Dam across the Green River. Flaming Gorge offers over 200 miles of shoreline and 91,000 surface acres of pristine water open for recreation. Dogs are permitted at Flaming Gorge as long as they are kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet. There are several dog-friendly beaches located around Flaming Gorge where dogs can play in the water and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Flaming Gorge is an ideal location to take your furry friend on a Utah vacation.
Sand Hollow Reservoir
Sand Hollow Reservoir is a large reservoir located just outside the city of Hurricane in southwestern Utah. At around 2,000 surface acres, it is one of the state’s most popular lakes for water recreation like boating, waterskiing, and fishing.
The reservoir sits against a dramatic backdrop of red sandstone mesas and cliffs, part of the same geologic formation as nearby Zion National Park. Sand Hollow gets its name from these striking sand dunes surrounding the lake. While the lake’s clear blue waters may seem out of place in such a red rock desert landscape, the reservoir was created in 2002 specifically to provide recreational opportunities in this fast-growing region of the state.
Sand Hollow Reservoir is notable as one of the only lakes in Utah that allows dogs. Well-behaved and leashed dogs are permitted in certain areas, making Sand Hollow a dog-friendly destination for many pet owners. The park features a designated dog swim beach where dogs can play in the water and enjoy the lake views with their owners.
Lake Powell
Lake Powell is a massive reservoir on the Colorado River, located on the border of southern Utah and northern Arizona. Managed by both states, it’s the second largest man-made reservoir in the United States after Lake Mead.
Lake Powell was created by the construction of Glen Canyon Dam, completed in 1963, and has since become one of the most popular recreational destinations in the Southwest. The lake extends up to almost 190 miles long and has approximately 2,000 miles of shoreline, offering endless opportunities for boating, fishing, camping, hiking and water sports.
With scenic red rock formations surrounding its intensely blue waters, Lake Powell is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the country. It’s located within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, providing access to attractions like Rainbow Bridge, one of the world’s largest natural bridges.
Dogs are allowed at Lake Powell and can enjoy the sights from boats or while swimming. There are also various dog-friendly hiking trails, beaches and campgrounds around the lake. Just be sure to respect leash laws in certain areas and clean up after your pet.
Bear Lake
Bear Lake is a large freshwater lake located on the Utah/Idaho border in Rich County, Utah and Bear Lake County, Idaho. Situated at an elevation of 5,923 feet, it has a surface area of approximately 109 square miles, making it one of the largest natural freshwater lakes in the Western United States. Bear Lake is often called the “Caribbean of the Rockies” for its bright turquoise blue water resulting from high levels of minerals.
Bear Lake allows dogs and is a popular destination for pet owners in Utah. There are several dog-friendly beaches along the shoreline where dogs are permitted off leash. The four Bear Lake State Park units all allow dogs in the developed areas such as campgrounds, beaches, and trails. Dogs must be cleaned up after and kept under control at all times. During the busy summer months, it’s best to visit earlier or later in the day to avoid crowds. The cooler temperatures in spring and fall make for an ideal time to visit Bear Lake with dogs.
Some of the most scenic and less crowded areas for dogs at Bear Lake include Rendezvous Beach, Gus Rich Point, and Rainbow Cove. These sites offer sandy beaches, shallow waters, and plenty of space for dogs to play and swim while taking in the beautiful scenery of Bear Lake. With proper precautions, Bear Lake can be a fun and safe place to take dogs in Utah.
Conclusion
Of the major lakes in Utah, several allow dogs under certain conditions. Jordanelle Reservoir, Deer Creek Reservoir, Pineview Reservoir, Flaming Gorge Reservoir, and Sand Hollow Reservoir generally allow dogs as long as they are leashed. Utah Lake also allows leashed dogs at certain access points.
The lakes that stand out as particularly dog-friendly are Jordanelle, Pineview, and Sand Hollow. Jordanelle has several designated dog-friendly beaches and trails perfect for taking your pup to play and swim. Pineview offers many dog-friendly campgrounds and beaches. And Sand Hollow has a large off-leash dog park right next to the lake.
Bear Lake and Lake Powell currently prohibit dogs from entering the water, though leashed dogs are allowed in other areas around these lakes. Always check for any seasonal restrictions or requirements before taking your dog to any Utah lake.
With beautiful scenery and fun recreational opportunities, Utah’s lakes offer great ways for dog owners to enjoy the outdoors together. Just be sure to follow leash laws, clean up after your pet, and take precautions to keep your dog safe around water.