Jackson Lake (Wyoming)
Reservoir Glacial lake in Grand Teton National Park
Large glacial lake in Grand Teton National Park with marinas and viewpoints. Visitors boat, fish and photograph the Teton Range reflected on the water.
Jackson Lake is a large lake inside Grand Teton National Park in northwestern Wyoming, set at the foot of the Teton Range. It is a primary recreational and scenic feature of the park.
The lake supports boating, fishing and shoreline hiking with marinas and visitor services at Colter Bay and a major historic lodge on the eastern shore. Popular viewpoints around the lake frame the Teton Range across the water and are used for sunrise and sunset photography.
Jackson Lake has long been used by Native peoples and later by settlers; recreational development increased after creation of Grand Teton National Park. Park facilities and lakefront infrastructure were built through the 20th century to support tourism and recreation.
The lake lies north of the main Teton peaks within Grand Teton National Park, with the town of Jackson and Jackson Hole valley to the south; access is via the park road network and visitor facilities are concentrated on the lake’s eastern shore.
- Recreation and services: The lake is a major recreation area within Grand Teton National Park with boating, fishing and shoreline trails; services are concentrated at Colter Bay and at the lodge on the eastern shore.
- Safety and regulations: Water levels and conditions can change seasonally; check park information for boating regulations and safety advisories before launching.
What to See #
- Jackson Lake Lodge: A large, long lakefront lodge on the eastern shore offering accommodation, dining and panoramic views across the lake toward the Teton Range.
- Colter Bay marina and visitor area: A marina and visitor services area on the lake providing boat launches, rentals and access to day-use facilities and trails.
- Signal Mountain viewpoint: A nearby ridge and road viewpoint that provides elevated views over the lake with the Teton Range as a backdrop.
How to Get to Jackson Lake (Wyoming) #
Jackson Lake is accessed from the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway and the Grand Teton National Park road network. From the town of Jackson, WY, follow US-191/US-26/US-89 north then take WYO-89/US-26/US-189 toward Moran; Colter Bay and Jackson Lake Lodge are signed within the park. Seasonal road closures can apply in winter.
Tips for Visiting Jackson Lake (Wyoming) #
- For the classic view of Jackson Lake with the Tetons reflected, head to the overlook at the Jackson Lake Lodge early in the morning.
- Boat tours and launches depart from Colter Bay and Jackson Lake Lodge - reserve spots in summer.
- Combine a Jackson Lake visit with nearby Jenny Lake and Oxbow Bend for diversified photo opportunities.
Best Time to Visit Jackson Lake (Wyoming) #
Best visited late spring through early autumn for boating and full access; shoulder seasons offer quieter views and crisp light.
Weather & Climate near Jackson Lake (Wyoming) #
Jackson Lake (Wyoming)'s climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -16°C to 24°C. Moderate rainfall (649 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -3°C and lows of -16°C. The wettest month with 82 mm of rain.
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February
February is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -16°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm).
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March
March is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 19°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).
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November
November is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -13°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm).