Are you looking for something fun to do this 4th of July weekend? Here are 5 great ideas of things you can do at Utah Lake:
1. Watch the fireworks from the lake
Get your boat out onto the lake to view fireworks across the valley. This is a fun way to participate in a great American tradition. Be aware that there are a few rules for being on the lake at night. Be sure that you have appropriate red and green lights on the front of your boat, as well as a white light above your boat that is visible from 360 degrees. Contact Utah Lake State Park (801-375-0731) with any questions about nightime boating regulations.
2. Go Geocaching
Geocaching is a world-wide treasure hunt. People have been hiding small containers called “Geocaches” or “Caches” all over the word, and there are dozens of them around the lake. All you need is a smartphone with the GPS capability, or you can research the locations online before you go. Check out the official Geocaching website for more information. You can view the map of all Geocaches by going to that site, clicking the “Play” button at the top, and then clicking “View Geocache Map”. Find Utah Lake on the map and then see which Geocaches you want to search for.
3. Bike along the Provo River Trail from Provo Canyon to Utah Lake
Do you ever wonder where the water in Utah Lake comes from? The Provo River is Utah Lake’s main tributary. The Provo River trail goes alongside the river from Provo Canyon to Utah Lake State Park. Following this trail will give you a great tour of the valley and you will end at one of Utah’s gems. There are several places to access the trail up Provo canyon. This map shows the route starting from Vivian Park, which is about 15 miles from the lake. You might want to have somebody drop you off up the canyon and pick you up at the lake.
4. Watch “Utah Lake: Legacy”
If you want to avoid the heat this weekend but you still want to enjoy something about the lake, then watch the movie “Utah Lake: Legacy”. The complete movie is available on YouTube. The movie does a great job of telling the history of the lake, and it helps increase appreciation for what the lake used to be and what it can become in the future.
5. Check out the views of Utah Valley from the West side of the lake.
It is hard to truly comprehend how magnificent our mountains are unless you see them from different angles. If you have never been to the West side of Utah Lake, you should definitely go this weekend. The views of the towering mountains with the lake blanketing the valley are incredible!
Have a wonderful 4th of July! If you participate in any activities at the lake this weekend, please share your experience with us in the comments box below.
Eagle Photo Credit: Paul Petersen