When Grand Teton National Park was first founded in 1929, it included only the major peaks and six glacial lakes at the mountains’ feet. Over the ensuing decades, the park expanded to its present size and now includes more lakes than you can count. In the recent past, a local woman made it her mission to swim in each of the park’s named lakes. The project took her several years. (No word on how many times she got hypothermia; even in the hottest part of summer, few lakes here get above 45-degrees!) GTNP’s lakes aren’t merely numerous, but also of very varying character. There are tiny high alpine tarns tucked into basins hidden from below and also Jackson Lake, one of the largest (forty square miles) and deepest (up to 430-feet) mountain lakes in the country.
While there are many amazing hikes around Jackson, we are focusing on the ones that lead you to gorgeous mountain lakes, that serve as a wonderful destination and turnaround point on your trek. Some of these lakes are fairly easy to get to while others require proper preparation for a longer haul, including snacks, plenty of water, bear spray and appropriate footwear. Below are some of our favorite lakes to hike to in Jackson Hole.
Holly Lake
Located in the northern part of the park, Holly Lake is a hidden gem. The lake is accessed via the Holly Lake Trail, a moderate hike that is 6.8 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 2,400 feet. The trailhead is located at the String Lake parking area, one of the most popular destinations in the park. The trail starts off with a gentle climb through a forest of pine and aspen trees. The trail then becomes steeper and more challenging as it approaches the lake.
Once you reach Holly Lake, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and crystal-clear water. The lake is relatively small, but its beauty is unmatched. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can continue past the lake to the summit of Mount Holly for even more breathtaking views. The trail continues for another 2 miles and gains an additional 1,000 feet in elevation.
Lake Solitude
Lake Solitude is one of the most picturesque lakes in the park. It is located in the northern part of the park and is accessed via the Cascade Canyon Trail. The hike to Lake Solitude is 9.2 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 2,000 feet. The trail starts at the Jenny Lake Trailhead and follows the shore of Jenny Lake for the first 2 miles.
After crossing Cascade Creek, the trail begins to climb steeply up the canyon. The trail becomes progressively more challenging as it approaches Lake Solitude, but the stunning views of the surrounding peaks and the crystal-clear water of the lake make it all worth it. The lake is located in a cirque surrounded by towering peaks, and the views from the lake are breathtaking.
String Lake
String Lake is one of the most popular destinations in the park, and for good reason. The lake is located in the southern part of the park and is accessed via the String Lake Trailhead. The trail around String Lake is an easy 3.7-mile loop with minimal elevation gain. The trail follows the shore of the lake and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
String Lake is a great place to swim, fish, or relax on the beach. The crystal-clear water of the lake is perfect for swimming, and the sandy beach is a great place to soak up the sun. The lake is also a popular spot for fishing, with plenty of trout to be caught.
Jenny Lake
Jenny Lake is one of the most iconic lakes in the park. It is located in the southern part of the park and is accessed via the Jenny Lake Trailhead. The lake is 1.3 miles long and 0.6 miles wide, with a maximum depth of 423 feet. The lake is named after a Shoshone woman who helped guide early explorers through the area.
The hike around Jenny Lake is an easy 7.5-mile loop with minimal elevation gain. The trail offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding peaks, including the iconic Grand Teton. The lake is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and boating, and the Jenny Lake Lodge offers a variety of activities and amenities for visitors.
Phelps Lake
Phelps Lake is one of the largest lakes in the park, and also one of the most secluded. It is located in the southern part of the park and is accessed via the Death Canyon Trailhead. The hike to Phelps Lake is 7.4 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 2,500 feet. The trail starts off with a gentle climb through a forest of pine and aspen trees.
As you approach the lake, the trail becomes steeper and more challenging. The lake is located in a cirque surrounded by towering peaks, and the crystal-clear water of the lake is perfect for swimming or fishing. The lake is also a popular spot for picnicking, with plenty of secluded spots to enjoy a meal or a snack.
Amphitheater Lake
Amphitheater Lake is one of the most stunning lakes in the park. It is located in the southern part of the park and is accessed via the Lupine Meadows Trailhead. The hike to Amphitheater Lake is 9.6 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 3,100 feet. The trail starts off with a gentle climb through a forest of pine and aspen trees.
As you approach the lake, the trail becomes steeper and more challenging. The lake is located in a cirque surrounded by towering peaks, and the crystal-clear water of the lake is perfect for swimming or fishing. The lake is also a popular spot for picnicking, with plenty of secluded spots to enjoy a meal or a snack.
Taggart Lake
Taggart Lake is one of the most accessible lakes in the park. It is located in the southern part of the park and is accessed via the Taggart Lake Trailhead. The hike to Taggart Lake is an easy 3.4-mile round trip with minimal elevation gain. The trail follows the shore of the lake and offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
Taggart Lake is a great place to swim, fish, or relax on the beach. The crystal-clear water of the lake is perfect for swimming, and the sandy beach is a great place to soak up the sun. The lake is also a popular spot for fishing, with plenty of trout to be caught.
Bradley Lake
Bradley Lake is one of the most secluded lakes in the park. It is located in the northern part of the park and is accessed via the Bradley Lake Trailhead. The hike to Bradley Lake is 6.6 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 1,800 feet. The trail starts off with a gentle climb through a forest of pine and aspen trees.
As you approach the lake, the trail becomes steeper and more challenging. The lake is located in a cirque surrounded by towering peaks, and the crystal-clear water of the lake is perfect for swimming or fishing. The lake is also a popular spot for picnicking, with plenty of secluded spots to enjoy a meal or a snack.
Jackson Lake
No list of the best lakes to visit in Jackson Hole would be complete without mentioning the iconic Jackson Lake. Located in the northern part of the park, Jackson Lake is one of the largest and deepest lakes in the park. The lake is 15 miles long and 7 miles wide, with a maximum depth of 430 feet.
Jackson Lake is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and swimming, and the Jackson Lake Lodge offers a variety of activities and amenities for visitors. The lake is also a great place to enjoy a picnic or a hike, with stunning views of the surrounding peaks and the crystal-clear water of the lake.
In conclusion, Grand Teton National Park is home to some of the most stunning lakes in the country. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike to a secluded lake or an easy stroll around a popular destination, there is something for everyone in Jackson Hole. So pack your hiking boots, grab your bear spray, and hit the trails to discover the beauty of these incredible mountain lakes.
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