The glacially carved Jackson Lake, found about 45 minutes from the heart of Jackson, Wyoming, is hardly a hidden gem. This gorgeous (and massive) body of water is a popular destination within Grand Teton National Park for good reason! But there's always more to discover. Colter Bay Village sits nestled on the shore of this stunning lake, and for many, the magnificent campground is like a summer camp all grown up: fishing, boating, beach-lounging, glamping…you'll find it all here! But no matter whether you choose to camp out for the weekend or enjoy a sun-soaked day trip, you'll find a plethora of trails to enjoy in addition to the abundance of recreation. Families looking for an easy, all-ages hike will especially love the Colter Bay Lakeshore Trail, a magnificent waterfront stroll that offers phenomenal Teton views, abundant wildlife opportunities, and the perfect backdrop for family memories.
Tucked away in the northern end of Grand Teton National Park, the Colter Bay lakeshore positively glistens in the summer sun. This "outdoor wonderland" is nestled among the trees along the banks of Jackson Lake, and boasts picture-perfect Mt. Moran and northern Teton views in the background.
The lake itself is massive - over 15 miles across! This means there is plenty of GTNP beauty and shoreline to explore.
Visitors to Colter Bay have a multitude of options for getting out and exploring the area or may use the campground as a convenient base camp for exploring the rest of the park.
Overnight visitors can choose between the glamping tent village, RV park, or even rent a cabin (reservations required).
But by day, the real fun starts. Canoe, kayak, and motorboat rentals are perfect for those wanting to get out on the water. Or, opt for a scenic lake cruise instead!
Visitors will also find guided fishing outings, horseback tours, on-site dining, a gift shop, and much more.
While many folks are here for the water, nature enthusiasts will definitely want to explore the fantastic hiking trails branching out from the lake, including the spectacular, family-friendly Colter Bay Lakeshore Trail.
Starting at the Visitor Center, this 2.5-mile loop trail winds along the edge of the water and through the trees, boasting spectacular views of the lake and mountains.
Every step of the way is a vibrant, rejuvenating sight.
From the Colter Bay Marina trailhead, the trail is actually two short loops connected by a causeway.
While the Colter Bay trail isn't accessible, elevation gain around the lake is minimal, making the path doable for most ages and abilities.
In fact, this picture-perfect hike is a favorite among birdwatchers, hikers, and runners. The area is typically open from May to September.
Kiddos will love admiring the wildflowers and scrambling on the small boulders along the route.
And those looking to dip their toes will find a number of sandy alcoves to relax on. Keep your beach towel handy!
The trail alternates between waterfront, peek-a-boo views, and thick woods, meaning there's plenty of beauty and changing scenery to keep things interesting.
The sunsets at Colter Bay alone are worth the journey. Perfectly reflected in the crystal clear, glacial waters of Jackson Lake, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better spot to enjoy Wyoming's colorful skies.
But a word of caution: you'll also likely encounter some wildlife along the way, so stay aware and be respectful of the local residents munching in the trees. This includes bears! Follow all signage and double-check for trail closures before embarking.
Jackson Lake is so stunning that it feels like it should be harder to get to, but it’s right off the main road through Grand Teton National Park. If you haven't visited yet this season, add it to your list!
Colter Bay is an undeniably picturesque slice of Jackson Lake, and those looking to experience a taste of GTNP without breaking out the trekking poles and backpacking gear will find this easy waterfront trail through the trees is the perfect way to discover the magic of the Teton region. There's a reason why it made our list of the best hikes in Wyoming! But before you head out, grab a trail app and gear up.
Whenever you head back to Jackson, you're going to be spoiled for choice when it comes to dining out and refueling after your adventure - it's a foodie paradise! While there are definitely some iconic gems to dive into, you can also hop off the beaten path to immerse yourself in Wyoming's renowned wild game tradition.
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