Top 20 Lakes in Teton County

For swimming and family-friendly activities, String Lake is highly recommended. It's known for being the warmest and shallowest lake in Grand Teton National Park, making it ideal for swimming, inner tubing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Its calm waters and sandy bottom provide a beach-like experience. Jenny Lake also offers family-friendly options, including a scenic shuttle boat service and easy access to trails like Hidden Falls. For a unique experience, Phelps Lake features a popular 'Jumping Rock' for brave swimmers.

Teton County's lakes provide diverse hiking experiences. For an easy, picturesque walk, the 6 km circular path around Taggart Lake is popular. Jenny Lake is a hub for trails leading to destinations like Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, or longer treks into Cascade Canyon. For a more strenuous but rewarding hike, consider the trail to Delta Lake, known for its turquoise waters. The Phelps Lake Loop trail also offers scenic views through various terrains.

Jackson Lake is the largest and most popular lake for water sports, including boating, fishing, sailing, and water skiing. Several marinas and lodges, such as Jackson Lake Lodge and Colter Bay Village, provide amenities and access. Jenny Lake and String Lake are excellent for canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, with rentals often available. Leigh Lake offers a more serene experience for canoeing and kayaking, accessible by portaging from String Lake.

For a more serene and less crowded experience, Leigh Lake is an excellent choice. It has no direct road access and is only reachable by foot or by portaging a canoe or kayak from String Lake, offering a backcountry feel. Phelps Lake is also a quieter destination, popular for hiking and swimming, and is part of the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve. Delta Lake, while requiring a strenuous hike, is considered a hidden gem for its unique turquoise waters.

The best time to visit the lakes in Teton County is generally from late spring to early autumn (May to October). Summer (July-August) offers the warmest weather for swimming and all water activities, though it's also the busiest. Spring and fall provide cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and stunning scenery, with wildflowers in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. Some lakes, like Jackson Lake, remain cold even in summer.

The lakes in Teton County are excellent for wildlife viewing. Around Jenny Lake, you might spot moose, bald eagles, and bears. String Lake is known for elk viewing, especially during the autumn rut. Otters have been spotted at Leigh Lake. The Phelps Lake Loop trail also offers opportunities to see wildflowers and potentially bears. Always maintain a safe distance and never feed wildlife.

Within Grand Teton National Park, pets are generally allowed in developed areas, along roads, and in campgrounds, but not on trails, in the backcountry, or in visitor services facilities. However, there are many dog-friendly trails and areas in the surrounding Teton County National Forest. Always check specific regulations for the area you plan to visit, as rules can vary.

Several lakes, particularly Jackson Lake and Jenny Lake, have amenities nearby. Jackson Lake offers lodges like Jackson Lake Lodge and Colter Bay Village, which provide accommodation, dining, and other services. The area around Jenny Lake also has a visitor center and interpretive trail. For broader options, the town of Jackson Hole offers a wide range of cafes, pubs, restaurants, and accommodations.

There are several running routes available near the lakes. For example, the 'Cascade Creek loop from Jenny Lake' is a moderate 6.7 km route. You can find more running trails in the region by visiting the Running Trails in Teton County guide, which includes options like the 'Jackson – Jackson town square loop' and others.

Yes, Teton County offers excellent cycling opportunities around its lakes. The 'Grand Teton National Park Road Trip' is a challenging 80.5 km route, and the 'Jenny Lake & Snake River loop' is a moderate 71.9 km ride. For more options, including road cycling, you can explore the Cycling in Teton County guide and the Road Cycling Routes in Teton County guide.

Accessing lakes within Grand Teton National Park typically requires an entrance fee. This fee covers entry into the park for a set number of days. Specific permits may be required for activities like boating, fishing, or backcountry camping. For the most current information on entrance fees and activity-specific permits, it's best to check the official National Park Service website for Grand Teton National Park: nps.gov/grte.

Many lakes offer stunning viewpoints of the Teton Range. Jackson Lake provides spectacular views, especially from spots like Signal Mountain Lodge. The Jenny Lake Overlook offers iconic views of Teewinot Mountain, Mount St. John, and Cascade Canyon. The String Lake Footbridge is also a great spot for photographs of String Lake, Jenny Lake, and the towering peaks.