Best Lake Photo spots in northern utah
Best Lake Photo Spots in Northern Utah
deer creek
Utah is famous for its mountains and deserts, but one of the most underrated photography backdrops in the state is water. Lakes add reflection, depth, and open space that make photos feel cinematic and timeless. Whether you're planning senior photos, engagement sessions, or family portraits, lake locations offer some of the most beautiful natural settings in Utah.
Here are some of the best lake locations for photos in northern Utah! I love these spots!
Tibble Fork
above tibble fork reservoir
Tibble Fork Reservoir is a stunning mountain lake located in American Fork Canyon. It offers a rugged mountain feel with dramatic peaks surrounding the water. This is another spot that looks great year round!
Google Maps shows that this spot is unreachable in the winter but in reality, you just drive right up American Fork Canyon to the reservoir.
Why it’s a favorite for photographers:
Massive mountain views
Rocky shorelines that add texture
Forests and open water in the same location
The combination of water, trees, and mountains creates a classic Utah landscape.
2. Deer Creek Reservoir
Sunset at deer creek
Deer Creek Reservoir is one of the most scenic lake locations in northern Utah. Located just outside Heber City, it offers incredible views of the Wasatch Mountains combined with wide-open shoreline areas. This is a perfect spot year round, especially when other locations are down and ugly. The backdrop of the water with Mt. Timpanogos is always beautiful.
Why photographers love Deer Creek:
Beautiful mountain backdrops
Calm water that creates reflections
Grassy shoreline areas that add texture
Incredible sunsets over the lake
Because the landscape is simple and open, the focus stays on the people in the photo while still showcasing Utah’s natural beauty.
3. Great Saltair
Great Saltair is one of the most unique photo locations in Utah. Located on the southern shore of the Great Salt Lake, this spot creates dramatic reflections and wide-open skies that look incredible during sunset. It looks almost like a cross between the salt flats and a beach! Quick warning though. It can sometimes smell pretty bad since you are right on the lake. It’s worth it though!
What makes Saltair special:
Shallow water that creates mirror-like reflections
Huge open sky that glows during sunset
A dreamy, minimal landscape that feels almost surreal
This location works beautifully for engagement photos and creative portrait sessions. I also love this spot for young families with kids who love to play in the same.
There are so many other great spots with water in northern Utah. I haven’t gotten the opportunity yet to shoot at many of them. I’ll update this article when I do. Until then, enjoy these 3!
