Hermitage Point Trail

The Hermitage Point trailhead is southeast of the Colter Bay Visitor Center, by the marina and boat-launch parking. The first stretch follows an old road along the marina’s south shore. Trees open now and then toward Jackson Lake and Mount Moran. At the pond junctions, stay on the Hermitage Point route; the shorter Swan Lake–Heron Pond walk turns back before the long peninsula leg.

Past Heron Pond, the route rolls through lodgepole pine, with stretches of sagebrush and grass between the trees. The grade stays fairly gentle, but the route keeps changing direction and surface. Heron Pond is worth a slow look: lily pads, waterfowl and a beaver lodge have all been reported there. The trail eventually leaves the trees for open meadows as it nears the point, where the lake and the Teton skyline appear together.

The destination is a narrow point with Jackson Lake on three sides and the Teton Range across the water to the west. A large cottonwood gives the shore some shade, and rounded boulders run down to the lake. Take a break here before turning back. For a photo, include the boulder shore in the foreground with the lake and peaks behind it; that shows the shape of the point better than filling the frame with distant mountains alone.

The return passes Third Creek through willows, where beaver activity has formed pools and backchannels. Near Swan Lake, a viewpoint looks over lily pads and waterfowl. You may see a great blue heron, swans or beaver sign, but wildlife varies. Keep following the Hermitage Point signs at the junctions. At the Cygnet Pond branch, the signed return leads toward Heron Pond and Colter Bay; continuing toward Swan Lake Flats adds several miles.

NPS directs hikers to park at Colter Bay and lists no reservation for day hiking. Pets are not allowed on this trail, and an overnight stay requires a backcountry permit. No drinking-water refill is identified along the route, so plan to carry what you need for the full 4-to-7-hour walk. The park entrance fee applies.