Colter Bay Lakeshore Trail

Colter Bay Lakeshore Trail is a 2.2-mile figure-eight loop from the marina entrance, with two circles through forest and along Jackson Lake. It gains about 100 feet and usually takes one to two hours. This is an easy way to get close to the water and catch views toward the Tetons, though trees cover much of the trail between openings. The first loop works as a shorter outing; the full circuit adds the second wooded loop.

Start on the paved path around the marina, then follow the narrowing dirt trail into the trees. The approach to the peninsula’s narrow land bridge is mostly wooded, with a few glimpses of Colter Bay. At the crossing, look north up Jackson Lake and south into a sheltered finger of the bay. The trail climbs over a couple of short wooded rises, and exposed roots and rocks make the tread uneven.

The trees open at the southwest tip for a broad look across the south end of Jackson Lake and the Teton Range. The lake stays in view as the route turns north, then slips behind the trees before opening again along the north shore, toward the head of the lake and Colter Bay Campground. Another level stretch brings you close to the water, where you can step out to the shoreline rocks. For a photo, include a strip of shore or water below the mountain skyline to show the scale.

Park at Colter Bay near the Visitor Center and follow the Lakeshore Trail signs from the marina. No reservation or separate activity fee is required, but the park entrance fee applies. Pets are not allowed. The visitor center, restaurants, and stores at Colter Bay Village are near the start, not on the walking circuit.