Jackson Lake Tours

Jackson Lake showing mountains and a lake or waterhole
Jackson Lake which includes a lake or waterhole and mountains
Jackson Lake showing a lake or waterhole and fishing as well as a small group of people
Jackson Lake which includes mountains and a lake or waterhole
Jackson Lake showing wildflowers and a lake or waterhole


Go boating, hiking, fishing and camping on remote islands at this vast lake set in the shadow of the mountains of the Teton Range.

Jackson Lake is a place to re-energize and dabble in recreational activities alongside the glorious mountain backdrop of Grand Teton National Park. Spend a day cruising the calm lake water, exploring nature trails, fishing for trout and visiting islands. Jackson Lake stretches for 15 miles (24 kilometers) at the base of the northern Teton Range. It was created by glacial erosion and is fed by the Snake River.

A great way to experience the lake is to rent a boat and explore at your own pace. From May to September, canoes, motorized boats and sea kayaks are available at Signal Mountain Lodge. Visitors often bring their own water skis for more thrills on the lake. Enjoy the jaw-dropping views in all directions, dominated by Doane Peak, Eagles Rest Peak and Rammell Mountain to the west.

Fishing is permitted during the summer with a license. Brown trout, cutthroat trout, salmon and pike all inhabit the water. Be sure to visit one of the 15 islands scattered around the lake. The biggest, Elk Island, is a great place to camp overnight, walk through conifer forests and relax on pebbly beaches. Advance reservations at the park’s visitor centers are recommended for the island’s campsite.

Just a 5-minute drive or 15-minute walk north of the lodge is the Chapel of the Sacred Heart, a quaint church built entirely of logs. Its waterfront setting offers more views of the mountains and their reflections in the glass-like water.

At Colter Bay Village, also on the water, the Colter Bay Lakeshore Trail accesses a broad beachfront and a scenic pathway around a forested peninsula. Rent a boat at Colter Bay Marina. The Heron Pond and Swan Lake Loop is another trail accessible from the village.

Find the lake about 40 miles (64 kilometers) north of both Jackson and Teton Village. The most convenient way to get here is via rented car. Use the free parking at Colter Bay Village and Signal Mountain Lodge.

Visit Jackson Lake year-round, with June to September being the most popular months. Pick up maps and purchase permits at Colter Bay Visitor Center.

Plan a trip to see Jackson Lake

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
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Best Lodging Options Near Jackson Lake

Colter Bay Village

Colter Bay Village

2.5 out of 5
11 Miles North Of Moran Jct, Highway 89, Moran, WY
Colter Bay Village
Jackson Lake Lodge

Jackson Lake Lodge

3.5 out of 5
101 Jackson Lake Lodge Road, Moran, WY
Jackson Lake Lodge
Jenny Lake Lodge

Jenny Lake Lodge

4 out of 5
N Jenny Lake Jct, Moose, WY
Jenny Lake Lodge
Buffalo Valley Ranch

Buffalo Valley Ranch

2.5 out of 5
16885 Buffalo Valley Road, Moran, WY
Buffalo Valley Ranch
Heart 6 Ranch

Heart 6 Ranch

3 out of 5
16985 Buffalo Valley Road, Moran, WY
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Headwaters Lodge & Cabins at Flagg Ranch

Headwaters Lodge & Cabins at Flagg Ranch

3 out of 5
2 mi south of S. Entrance of Yellowstone, Hwy 89, Moran, WY
Headwaters Lodge & Cabins at Flagg Ranch
Grand Targhee Resort

Grand Targhee Resort

2.5 out of 5
3300 Ski Hill Road, Alta, WY
Grand Targhee Resort
Hatchet Resort

Hatchet Resort

2.5 out of 5
19980 E Hwy 287, Moran, WY
Hatchet Resort
Teton Teepee Lodge

Teton Teepee Lodge

2 out of 5
440 W Alta Ski Hill Road, Alta, WY
Teton Teepee Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Jackson Lake

Jackson Lake offers a plethora of outdoor adventures, making it a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy scenic hikes and wildlife viewing, while also engaging in winter activities like skiing. For those traveling with pets, there are dog-friendly activities available. The nearby national park enhances the experience with breathtaking landscapes, and scenic rides around the lake provide a memorable way to soak in the stunning surroundings.

Food and drinks

For a taste of local flavors, visit the Jackson Lake Lodge's Mural Room, where you can savor regional dishes with stunning lake views. Don't miss the rustic charm of the Signal Mountain Lodge restaurant, offering hearty meals perfect for fueling your adventures in the area.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spot is Colter Bay Campground store, located 2 miles from Jackson Lake, offering souvenirs and local goods. If you're up for a drive, head to Jackson Hole, about 13 miles away, where you'll find unique shops, art galleries, and more diverse shopping options.

Recreation

At Climbers Ranch, located 14 miles from Jackson Lake, immerse yourself in wellness and relaxation amidst breathtaking natural beauty. Enjoy rejuvenating activities such as yoga, guided meditation, and nature walks that foster a deep connection with the serene surroundings.

Adventure

The Polecat Creek Loop Trail, located 6 miles from Jackson Lake, offers breathtaking scenery and exhilarating outdoor adventures for hikers. At the Dreamcatcher Ski Lift, 16 miles away, enjoy thrilling skiing experiences amidst stunning mountain views. Additionally, the Lupine Meadows Trailhead, 12 miles from Jackson Lake, provides more hiking opportunities in a picturesque setting.

Find the best attractions near Jackson Lake

Jackson Lake, located in Moran, Wyoming, offers a variety of attractions for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Visitors can explore the stunning Jenny Lake and the iconic Grand Teton National Park, which boasts breathtaking scenery and adventure opportunities. Don't miss the local ski resorts and visitor centers that enhance your experience in this picturesque region, making it a perfect destination for those seeking adventure and natural beauty.

  • Grand Teton National Park: Just 8 miles from Jackson Lake, this stunning national park offers breathtaking mountain scenery, abundant wildlife, and endless outdoor adventures like hiking, climbing, and photography. Experience the fresh air and tranquility of nature in one of America’s most celebrated parks.
  • Jenny Lake: Located 10 miles away, Jenny Lake is a picturesque destination perfect for romantic picnics or leisurely walks along its shores. Enjoy kayaking, swimming, and striking views of the surrounding peaks, making it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts and couples alike.
  • Colter Bay Marina: Only 2 miles from Jackson Lake, this marina is a hub of adventure, offering boat rentals and fishing opportunities. Relax on the beach or embark on scenic boat tours to explore the stunning vistas of the lake and nearby mountains.

Best time to go to Jackson Lake

The best time to visit Jackson Lake is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are high and weather is sunny with no rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January14.4°F (-9.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February16.7°F (-8.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March24.4°F (-4.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April30.9°F (-0.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
May40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
June52.0°F (11.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
July61.9°F (16.6°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyHighSlightly High
August60.1°F (15.6°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
September52.0°F (11.1°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
October36.1°F (2.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowAverage
November22.6°F (-5.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowSlightly Low
December14.0°F (-10.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Jackson Lake

To save money on your trip to Jackson Lake, visit during the cheaper months of January, April, or November when lodging prices are lower. Enjoy free activities at nearby spots like Colter Bay Campground and the Teton Range. Book your hotel about a month in advance to find the best rates, or check Expedia for last-minute deals. Consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings, and sign up for Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts. Always look for flexible booking options and price guarantees to maximize your savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Jackson Lake are January, April and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Jackson Lake about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget and choose your desired location, among other preferences. You can easily sort your results to display hotels from the most affordable to the pricier options, allowing you to find the best deals first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, by selecting the "Eco-certified" filter, you can view sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Jackson Lake hotel reservation with your flights and activities by booking through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.