Bear Lake, Utah

Called by some people the "Caribbean of the Rockies," Bear Lake resembles the warmer climes with its turquoise-colored water surrounded by white sandy beaches. Suspended limestone particles give the lake its unusual color. The lake, which straddles the Utah/Idaho border, is 20 miles long, eight miles wide, and covers 112 square acres. On Bear Lake's Eastside area, Cisco Beach attracts divers with its wooden walkways that help divers reach their destination. The site has a rocky bottom and a steep drop-off close to shore. Cisco Beach is about 10 miles north of Laketown, Utah. C-cards and dive buddies are required. Cisco Beach is famous for its midwinter fishing with dip nets for the small, seven-inch Bonneville Cisco, a member of the white fish family. For a week to 10 days every January, swarms of Cisco come close to the rocky shore to spawn.

Depths to: 208 feet (63 m)

Visibility: 20-30 feet (6-9 m)

Water temperature: 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) in midsummer

Aquatic life: Mostly carp but small critters like Bonneville Cisco also inhabit the areas near shore.

Fees: $7 per vehicle per day, with a camping fee of $7 per night.

On-site amenities: Services around the lake vary. In the Cisco Beach area visitors will find RV trailer sites, tent sites, camper areas, drinking water, and picnic areas.

More info: Call Bear Lake State Park at (435) 946-3343, visit www.utah.com/stateparks/bear_lake.htm or call the Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau at (800) 448-BEAR.

Open: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. year-round.

Getting there: From Salt Lake City, drive east on Interstate 80. After crossing the border into Wyoming, exit at Evanston and turn north onto Wyoming Highway 89. The highway becomes Utah Highway 16 after you cross back into Utah. Eight miles north of Randolph at Sage Creek Junction turn left on Utah Highway 30 toward Laketown. From there, look for signs directing you to the lake's east side.