Top 3 reasons to visit Utah Lake

I am very fond of Utah Lake.  Although I’ve lived just a few miles from it for more than a decade, I didn’t discover the lake for myself until recently—four years ago, to be exact.

Admittedly, I wakeboarded the lake once in college (Go, Cougs!), but it wasn’t until I started running the Provo River trail to the lake that my regard for it skyrocketed.

Since then, I’ve boated it, sailed it, ran its surrounded trails, and attended its festivals. I’ve photographed it from the east, west, and north sides.  I’ve driven around it several times. I’ve experienced it by speedboat. I’ve fished it, played golf on its coastline, and have spoken with dozens of conservationists, avid users, and even foreign delegates about what they like most about it.

All told, I have visited Utah Lake well more than a hundred times. To this day, I run to it faithfully three times a week. It has become my backyard, my playpen, my companion in fitness. It has become a part of who I am.

Here’s what I like most about it:

It’s beautiful. I don’t care what jaded residents remember about the lake when it was downtrodden. Today it is a sight to behold, whether spring, summer, autumn, and even winter. I know because I’ve seen it from every angle; from the airport, from the east, from the west, and from its center. All are stunning, even visitors say so. Yes, it’s still a work in progress—decades of abuse take time to heal. But it’s made an impressive comeback. It’s undeniably captivating.

It’s nearby. I’m an equal opportunity lake-lover. But there’s something to be said about proximity. There’s certainly value in far off places. But if you value time, convenience, and access, Utah Lake is an immense resource to Utah Valley residents. To local residents: Don’t be myopic, like I was. Quite overlooking it, like I did. Once you do, you’ll be surprised about what you can do with it. Speaking of which…

It’s fun. In the interest of time, I won’t list all the things you can do at Utah Lake. But I will point you in the right direction. You can find the usual suspects here. Marinas here. Uncommon here. Winter fun here and here. Interesting facts here. Or you can search this site’s extensive list of activities to inspire your next visit. Just know this is one diverse beast. It’ll take a lifetime to experience all she has to offer.

What else is there to say? The only thing I’ll add is to encourage anyone reading this to find their own reasons for liking the lake. There are so many.—Blake Snow

Photo credit: Kelly Anderson

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