Learn about the "Caribbean of the Rockies." GETTING THERE Bear Lake sits on the border of Utah and Idaho. Garden City is a common area of the lake to stay at when visiting which is on the Utah side. Bear Lake has gotten increasingly popular due to the lake's gorgeous views and variety of outdoor activities. The lake is a bright blue color and has been nick-named "The Caribbean of the Rockies". My husband and I drove up from Vegas which is a little over 8 hours away (548 miles