Top 16 Lakes in the Teton Range

For extensive water sports, Jackson Lake is the largest lake in Grand Teton National Park and a hub for motorized boating, sailing, and water skiing. It features several marinas and is excellent for fishing. Jackson Lake is also known for its large size and high-altitude setting.

String Lake is uniquely warm and shallow compared to other Teton lakes, making it perfect for swimming, wading, paddleboarding, and kayaking, especially for families. It's also a popular spot for picnics and sunbathing. You can access it from the String Lake Footbridge area.

Leigh Lake offers a more secluded backcountry feel. It's accessible by foot or by portaging a boat from String Lake, making it excellent for canoeing, kayaking, and canoe camping, particularly at the base of Mount Moran. It's also known for good fishing.

The Teton Range offers numerous hiking opportunities around its lakes. You can hike the 7.1-mile Jenny Lake Trail loop around Jenny Lake, or take trails leading to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. For a moderate loop, consider the Taggart Lake-Bradley Lake Loop, which offers stunning views of the Tetons reflected in the water. More challenging hikes include the route to Delta Lake, known for its unique turquoise waters.

Phelps Lake, nestled at the foot of the Teton Range, features a popular 'Jumping Rock' on its northeastern shore, offering a 20-foot drop into the cold glacial water. Jenny Lake Overlook provides stunning views of Teewinot Mountain, Mount St. John, and Cascade Canyon over the water.

The best time to visit the Teton Range lakes is typically from late spring through early fall (June to September). During this period, trails are generally clear of snow, weather is milder, and all park facilities and services are usually open. Fall offers vibrant foliage, while summer is ideal for water activities.

Yes, the Teton Range lakes are excellent for wildlife viewing. Areas around String Lake are known for frequent sightings of moose and bears. Phelps Lake and Emma Matilda Lake also offer opportunities to spot elk, marmots, bald eagles, and other wildlife.

Fishing opportunities vary by lake. Jackson Lake is known for native Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat trout, as well as non-native lake trout and brown trout. Leigh Lake also offers good fishing for cutthroat, brook, and Mackinaw trout. Always check local regulations and permit requirements before fishing.

While specific public transport options directly to all trailheads might be limited, many popular lake access points, such as those for Taggart Lake and String Lake, have large parking lots directly on the road. However, these parking lots fill up quickly, especially during peak season, so arriving early is recommended.

Beyond hiking and water activities, the Teton Range offers excellent cycling opportunities. You can explore various routes, including road cycling and touring bicycle options. For example, there are several road cycling routes and touring bicycle routes that pass by or near many of the lakes, offering scenic views and diverse terrain.

Yes, Lake Solitude is a notable high-altitude lake located at an elevation of 9,035 feet in a cirque at the head of the North Fork of Cascade Canyon. It's a popular destination for backpackers and hikers, offering stunning alpine landscapes, wildflowers, and opportunities to see wildlife.

Visitors consistently appreciate the stunning mountain views, particularly the reflections of the Tetons in the pristine waters. The quiet and secluded atmosphere of many lakes, like Taggart Lake, and the diverse hiking opportunities, from easy strolls to challenging backcountry excursions, are also highly valued. The chance to spot abundant wildlife adds to the overall appeal.