Jackson Lake (Wyoming)About Jackson Lake (Wyoming)
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.
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).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -16° - -3° | -15° | 82 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -16° - 0° | -13° | 58 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -11° - 4° | -8° | 54 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -6° - 8° | -3° | 49 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | -1° - 13° | 4° | 61 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 3° - 19° | 11° | 45 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 5° - 24° | 15° | 36 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 5° - 24° | 14° | 36 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 1° - 19° | 8° | 41 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | -3° - 13° | 3° | 40 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -7° - 4° | -6° | 70 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -13° - 0° | -11° | 77 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
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.