This dynamic environment makes it a dream for photographers. The best times to shoot are sunrise and sunset, when soft light enhances the textures and casts long, dramatic shadows across the ice fields. The slabs can glow in shades of blue, pink, gold, and silver, especially during the blue hour—right before the sun rises or just after it sets. Midday can still be impressive for capturing detail and contrast, but the light will be harsher and flatter. If you time your visit with a foggy or overcast morning, the surreal mood gets dialed up even more.

Utah Lake in the winter is not only a stunning and underrated photography destination—it’s also a great spot to bring your pets, especially dogs who enjoy crisp air and wide-open terrain. Dogs are allowed at most shoreline access points, including Lincoln Beach, Sandy Beach, and Utah Lake State Park. Just be sure to keep them on a leash, as ice conditions can change quickly, and some frozen slabs can be sharp or unstable. If your dog has sensitive paws, consider using booties or paw wax, especially if you'll be exploring further onto the ice or around jagged formations.

When temperatures drop and the lake freezes over, Utah Lake transforms into an alien-looking landscape of heaving, cracking, and buckling ice. Shifting pressure from temperature changes causes massive sheets of ice to rise, split, and pile up, forming incredible natural sculptures. These upheavals sometimes reach several feet high, and on colder days, you might hear the eerie, deep booms and cracks echoing across the lake as it continues to shift and settle.

For those looking to explore beyond just the view, many of the lake’s shoreline areas are easy to access, and you don’t need a 4x4 vehicle unless there’s snow or recent rain. Bring a thermos, warm layers, and of course your camera—Utah Lake in winter offers a raw, peaceful, and truly one-of-a-kind outdoor experience. And sharing it with your pup? Even better.