Colter Bay hike
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Colter Bay hike
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The Colter Bay Lakeshore Trail in Grand Teton National Park is a great family-friendly walk. This gentle hike along the lakeshore at Colter Bay gives exceptional views of the Tetons looking over Jackson Lake.
Getting there
Drive to the northern end of Grand Teton National Park and park anywhere in Colter Bay village parking Lot. The trail begins directly behind the Visitor Center.
About
| When to do | All Year |
| Backcountry Campsites | No |
| Toilets | Trailhead |
| Family friendly | Yes |
| Route Signage | Average |
| Crowd Levels | Moderate |
| Route Type | Circuit |
Colter Bay
Elevation Graph
Weather
Route Description for Colter Bay
This is a great family friendly hike, and we have seen seniors and toddlers on it. Enjoy the nice day out – this hike is not a race!
From the trailhead behind the Visitor Center you will be able to look across the dock and the moored boats to the beautiful Teton Range behind them. Stunning! Continue around to the right and take your first left – this is the path going along the north shore of Colter Bay. There is a small outcropping you can go to the end of, which gives a fantastic view back towards the bay! Return from the outcropping and continue hiking along the Colter Bay Lakeshore Trail.
You will shortly reach the isthmus that connects the mainland of Colter Bay to a small island. As you cross over to the island there will be a rocky beach on either side of you – perfect for skipping rocks. There is a path that circumnavigates the small island, and you can go either direction you wish. Along the north side of the island there are several pullouts you can take to get betters views of the mountains. Take these and walk down to the beach to take fantastic photos of the great Teton Peaks.
Continue around the island and return over the isthmus. This time take the trail that leads to the left and hike through a beautiful forest. At the end of you will find yourself at the Park Rangers’ amphitheater, and shortly thereafter the Visitor Center once again.
Insider Hints
You can rent kayaks at the Colter Bay Marina, which give a new perspective to the views of the Teton Range.
Grab a coffee or a meal at the numerous cafes in Colter Bay. There is a restaurant and a low-key food court located diagonally across to the visitor center.
The salad bar at the Ranch House was the highlight for a member of our hiking group – enjoying fresh vegetables can be a luxury when camping.
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Jane Watkinson 4 years ago
Easy relaxing walk with an awesome view of Jackson Lake.
MamaBear 4 years ago
Great camping site. Best to bring your own food.
jamaieca 4 years ago
It was an amusing adventure. You should definitely try kayaking on a brilliant sunny day!
Minerva Y. 5 years ago
Lovely surroundings. Lots of places to take breaks, but honestly, it was very simple.
Matty E. 5 years ago
Very beautiful! Perfect for everyone. Glad the weather was nice.
Lou Sparks 5 years ago
This was an awesome hike, not so rough on the knees and mostly flat.
Peter McGuiness 5 years ago
Beautiful lake, breathtaking views. Fun and easy hike.
Carmilla Shzm 5 years ago
Teriffic place! Time was slow and everything was easy. We had a lovely time in the nearby cafe. Service was exceptional. Very accomodating people.
Allita Pom 5 years ago
Great hike. It was more peaceful near the lake. Definitely easy, but very relaxing.
Melanie Hooligan 5 years ago
Wonderful short hike, that can be done year round.