The ultimate guide to Bear Lake hiking trails this autumn
Sep 22, 2025, 12:10 PM | Updated: 3:25 pm
Photo: Adobe Stock
This article about the Bear Lake trails is sponsored by the Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Introduction
Bear Lake draws visitors for its pristine, turquoise waters, but what often gets overlooked are the stunning Bear Lake trails and vistas that showcase this region’s beauty, which extends beyond its famous waters.
For those willing to lace up their hiking boots for a brisk autumn hike, these trails offer equally spectacular adventures for visitors. From family-friendly nature walks to challenging summit climbs, these trails around Bear Lake and nearby Logan Canyon provide a unique view of the lake. As you hike, you’ll encounter incredible biodiversity, geological wonders, and panoramic views that create unforgettable memories for your stay.
Your gateway to solitude at Bloomington Lake
First on our list is Bloomington Lake, which offers an escape from the bustling lakefront scene. Located just across the Idaho state line from Utah, this hidden gem in the Bear River Range features dramatic cliff formations and uncommon plant species, such as green spleenwort and Rydberg’s musineon, making it a botanical treasure for the region. The trail also welcomes dogs on a leash, and is an easy 1.6 mile round trip journey to the lake.
Access begins by heading north on Highway 89 into Bloomington, Idaho, then turning left at the Canyon Street post office to ascend Bloomington Canyon. The canyon road spans roughly 7.3 miles of rocky terrain—while passable in a regular car, vehicles with higher ground clearance will fare better.
Get more details about the hike and check for any road closures before you head out.
Bring the whole family on the Limber Pine nature trail
The Limber Pine Nature Trail in Logan Canyon proves that you don’t need to tackle steep climbs to experience the beauty of the outdoors. This gentle 1.2-mile loop with only 80 feet of elevation gain is ideal for families with young children, seniors, or anyone looking for a peaceful forest walk. You can even take your furry companion, as long as they are on a leash.
The trail, marked with century-old limber pines and interpretive signs along the path, is open year-round. Read more about this hiker’s experience on the trail to get a glimpse of the adventure.
Find a birder’s paradise on the Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge Trail
The Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge offers a distinctly different hiking experience compared to the other trails featured on this list. Established in 1968 to protect migratory bird habitat, this 18,000-acre sanctuary features trails that wind through wetlands, meadows, and riparian areas. Bird enthusiasts will love this area as they can spot over 100 species throughout the year, including a large concentration of colonial waterbirds.
The refuge features shorter and longer trails depending on your length of stay, meaning you can visit for 15 minutes up to a whole day and get something memorable out of the experience. Visit their website for more information, and take note of interpretive signs along your journey to learn something new.
For the adventure seekers, try Horse Lake via Sink Hollow Trail
This challenging, 8.5-mile round-trip hike near Garden City, Utah, separates the casual hiker from the serious one. The trail gains significant elevation as it climbs from desert scrub up to alpine meadows, with efforts rewarded near the top at Horse Lake. This alpine gem offers multiple activity options, including fishing, mountain biking, wildlife photography, and connection to other backpacking routes for the more serious hikers.
Enjoy the golden aspen display and bustling elk as you embark on this adventure.
Capture the grand finale at Bear Lake Overlook
For those who prefer view spots you can pull right up to, look no further than the Bear Lake Overlook and Visitor Center, which overlooks the entire lake from atop. This overlook is perfect for capturing snapshots for memory books, with a spectacular panorama that is accessible to everyone. It’s especially magical at sunset when the lake water shimmers under the golden light.
Your Bear Lake trail awaits
Hiking Bear Lake trails is a great fall activity that offers more than just exercise – it introduces you to various aspects of the environment, connects you to the land, and creates opportunities for solitude or shared memories with loved ones. With so many trails that cater to different people and abilities, there are great opportunities to see a different side of Bear Lake during your next visit.
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