Jackson Lake Tours and Activities

Jackson Lake which includes a lake or waterhole and mountains
Jackson Lake which includes mountains and a lake or waterhole
Jackson Lake featuring a lake or waterhole and fishing as well as a small group of people
Jackson Lake showing a lake or waterhole and mountains
Jackson Lake featuring wild flowers 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.
Anvil Hotel
Teton Mountain Lodge and Spa
Hotel Yellowstone at Jackson Hole

Popular places to visit


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
Heart 6 Ranch
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
Hatchet Resort

Hatchet Resort

2.5 out of 5
19980 E Hwy 287, Moran, WY
Hatchet Resort
Grand Targhee Resort

Grand Targhee Resort

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

Alpenhof

3 out of 5
3255 W. Village Dr., Teton Village, WY
Alpenhof
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, located in Moran, Wyoming, offers a variety of outdoor adventures for tourists. Enjoy hiking on scenic trails and encountering local wildlife as you explore the stunning landscapes. Boat trips provide a unique way to experience the lake's beauty, making it an ideal spot for outdoor excursions. Whether you’re hiking or boating, Jackson Lake promises unforgettable adventures amidst nature's splendour.

Shopping

For convenient shopping near Jackson Lake, visit Colter Bay Campground store, just 3.2km away. If you're up for a drive, the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, located 46.7km away, offers a unique shopping experience, while Westbank Angler, 43.5km away, caters to outdoor enthusiasts.

Recreation

Experience the serene vibes at Climbers Ranch, perfect for relaxation and nature walks, just 22.5km from Jackson Lake. Teton Reserve Golf Course, located 45.1km away, offers a fantastic outdoor sporting experience. For indoor wellness, visit Teton County-Jackson Recreation Center, situated 46.7km away, for fitness and relaxation activities.

Adventure

At Grand Targhee Resort, located 24.1km from Jackson Lake, enjoy thrilling skiing amidst breathtaking mountain scenery. For a scenic hike, the Polecat Creek Loop Trail, 9.7km away, offers stunning views and outdoor adventure. Don’t miss the Blackfoot Ski Lift, also 24.1km away, for exhilarating ski experiences.

Nightlife

In Jackson Lake, the Jackson Hole Playhouse and Pink Garter Theater both offer delightful cultural experiences, just 46.7km away. Enjoy an evening filled with romantic performances and family-friendly entertainment, making for a memorable night out in the beautiful surroundings of Wyoming.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Jackson Lake

Jackson Lake offers a blend of stunning natural beauty and thrilling outdoor adventures, perfect for travellers seeking scenic experiences. Key attractions include the serene Jackson Hole, the impressive Jackson Lake Dam, and the majestic Teton Mountains. Whether you enjoy hiking, boating, or simply soaking in the breathtaking landscapes, Jackson Lake and its surroundings promise unforgettable moments for every outdoor enthusiast.

  • Grand Teton National Park: Located 12.9km from Jackson Lake, this stunning national park offers breathtaking mountain scenery, diverse wildlife, and endless outdoor adventures. Hike along picturesque trails or simply soak in the natural beauty.
  • Colter Bay Marina: Just 3.2km away, Colter Bay Marina is perfect for those seeking outdoor fun and relaxing beach vibes. Rent a kayak or take a scenic boat tour while enjoying the stunning views of the Tetons.
  • Jenny Lake: Situated 16.1km from Jackson Lake, Jenny Lake is a romantic spot with serene beaches and scenic landscapes. Enjoy a leisurely hike around the lake or take a boat ride to explore its beautiful surroundings.

Best time to go to Jackson Lake

The best time to visit Jackson Lake can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Jackson Lake falls in July, when visitor numbers are high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Jackson Lake falls in December, visitor numbers are low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January14.4°F (-9.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
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 RainSunnyHighSlightly 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 SunnyLowSlightly Low
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, consider visiting in April or from October to November when prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance or check Expedia's last-minute deals for potential savings. Tuesdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia’s search tools to filter by budget and explore eco-friendly accommodation options. Additionally, bundling your hotel, flights, and activities can yield significant savings. Take advantage of free outdoor activities in the area to further enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Jackson Lake are April and October to 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: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Jackson Lake is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Jackson Lake is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Jackson Lake is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your Jackson Lake hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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