Trip Idea

Hikes at Colter Bay

Multiple Parks

Mountains reflected on a Lilly pad-covered pond.
Hiking from Colter Bay offers access to Jackson Lake with views of the Teton Range.

NPS Photo/C. Adams

Colter Bay offers access to several easy-moderately strenuous trails. To access trails, follow highway 89/191 north towards Yellowstone, and turn at Colter Bay. Park near the visitor center for closest trail access.

The trail to Hermitage Point includes access to backcountry campsites. A backcountry permit is required for all overnight stays in the backcountry.

Always be prepared when hiking in Grand Teton. Carry water for every member of your group, be alert to your surroundings, and understand your limitations on distance and elevation gain. Wildlife—such as bears—is commonly active in the area. Never approach a wild animal. To check current trail conditions and bear activity, stop at the visitor center to talk with a ranger.
Key for the above map. Green = Easy Light Blue = Moderate Blue = Moderately Strenuous Dark Blue = Strenuous Dark Gray = Very Strenuous
Day and Overnight Hikes
  • Grand Teton National Park

    Lakeshore Trail

    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Colter Bay
    • Duration: 1–2 Hours
    • Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day, Dawn, Dusk
    Waves crash on the shore of a lake at the base of a mountain range.

    Take an easy hike on the Lakeshore Trail for views of Jackson Lake and the Teton Range.

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  • Grand Teton National Park

    Heron Pond - Swan Lake Loop Trail

    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Colter Bay
    • Duration: 1–3 Hours
    • Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day, Dawn, Dusk
    A mountain range viewed across a lily pad-covered pond.

    Take an easy loop hike for access to Heron Pond and Swan Lake.

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  • Grand Teton National Park

    Hermitage Point

    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Colter Bay
    • Duration: 4–7 Hours
    • Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day
    Yellow flowers bloom in front of a lake at the base of a mountain range.

    Take a moderately strenuous day or overnight hike to Hermitage Point for views of Jackson Lake and the Teton Range.

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Last updated: November 27, 2023