Would you believe us if we told you a 12-foot Hammerhead Shark lives at the bottom of Blue Lake in Utah? The shark is made of metal and is just one of the many artifacts placed at the bottom of the lake for scuba divers to locate while training. This lake is a popular spot for scuba divers to train and grow their skills as it offers a unique diving experience.
Today, we’ll share Utah’s geothermal Blue Lake with you and why you should visit it!
Where Is Blue Lake in Utah?
Blue Lake sits in the northwestern corner of Utah near the Utah-Nevada border. It’s just over two hours from Salt Lake City and is a popular spot for Nevadans and Utahans.
The lake is about 40 minutes away from the popular Bonneville Salt Flats, another great spot to explore. Why not visit both if you’re passing through the area?
How Was Blue Lake Formed?
Blue Lake is just one of many geothermal lakes and ponds in the Blue Lake Wildlife Management Area. A geothermal lake or pond forms when the earth’s crust heats groundwater.
The result is a warm water pool that maintains a relatively constant temperature no matter the time of year or season.
Traveler’s Tip: While many think of it only as a desert state, Utah has some amazing waterfalls to check out!
Why Is Blue Lake Famous?
Blue Lake is famous for its constant temperature and deep waters. It’s the perfect environment for those looking to take a dip in the winter months. The outside temperature may be chilly, but the water remains warm due to the natural geothermal heating.
Divers from Nevada and Utah often flock to this area, especially during winter. However, the area is notorious for hot temperatures in the summer and many irritating insects.
The insects during the summer months can be a bit overwhelming and lead many to find another spot to dive or swim until later in the fall months when the insects have died.
How Deep Is Blue Lake?
Blue Lake is a 9-acre geothermal pond with a maximum depth of approximately 58 feet. The lake sits on a 215-acre management area with several spring-fed lakes and ponds. It’s the largest of the lakes in this protected area.
Can You Scuba in Blue Lake, Utah?
While many other lakes and ponds cool off considerably during the winter months, Blue Lake maintains an almost constant 85 degrees year-round. This makes it a very popular location for scuba diving enthusiasts, especially on the weekends.
If you visit during these months, there’s a good chance you’ll see dive schools performing certification tests on students. The clear and deep waters make for the perfect spot to hone diving skills in a somewhat controlled environment.
Is Blue Lake Salty?
Due to its proximity to the Salt Flats, Blue Lake is saltier than your average lake. You may notice a slight salt taste, but it’s not going to be overwhelming for most people.
Even if you’re not fond of salt water, don’t let it stop you from diving.
Can You Swim in Blue Lake, Utah?
Yes, swimming is an acceptable activity if you’re visiting Blue Lake. Keep in mind that the 85-degree water may not be relaxing in the summer heat.
If you’re looking for a place to take a dip, Blue Lake is an option, but you need to remember that it’s not perfect due to the wetland conditions. You’re not going to find many spots with shallow access or a beach-like setting.
You should also be aware that scuba divers often dominate the area. While they’ll be diving to the lake’s depths, it can be rather frightening and surprising when a diver emerges from the abyss near you.
What Fish Are in Blue Lake Utah?
If you’re an angler and looking for your next fish story, Blue Lake has some fish living in it. Due to the warmer temperatures of the water, you’ll mostly find fish like bass, tilapia, sunfish, and bluegill swimming around in the waters.
Officials are battling some invasive species and trying to rid the lake of these fish. As a result, there is no limit to the amount of pacu or tilapia an angler can catch. Also, anglers shouldn’t release pacu or tilapia. Instead, they should get rid of them immediately.
Is Blue Lake Utah Worth Visiting?
If you’re looking for a spot to scuba dive and visit in northern Utah, it doesn’t get much better than Blue Lake. It offers everything you could need in a scuba location, including warm water and entertaining objects to find while diving.
Even if you just want to sit and watch others dive, this could be a great opportunity to learn about scuba diving from people passionate about it. We think it’s worth checking out this popular scuba diving spot, especially if you’re already visiting the nearby Sand Flats.
Are you interested in visiting?
