Jackson Lake
Jackson Lake
4.5
About
Recreational lake especially favored for windsurfing and sailing.
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Best nearby
Restaurants
5 within 5 kms
Attractions
16 within 10 kms
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
491 reviews
Excellent
374
Very good
94
Average
18
Poor
4
Terrible
1
Violette54
Payson, AZ4,179 contributions
Jun 2023
Jackson Lake Dam is a concrete and earth-filled dam at the outlet of Jackson Lake, and inside Grand Teton National Park.
Jackson Lake is a natural lake, but its depth was increased by the dam to provide water storage, for farm lands in Idaho.
The dam was designed by Frank A. Banks, who also supervised the construction of Grand Coulee Dam. They appear similar. Teton Park Highway runs across the top of the dam, and just beyond it, by the sign, is a free parking area. Park there and walk across the dam top for photos of Jackson Lake, and downstream from the dam. There are safe walking areas on both sides of the dam top off the highway. On the far side, there is access to a beach.
Across the highway from the parking area, is a restroom and a hiking path going along the lake shore. Great views of the Tetons and Mt. Moran from this area.
Jackson Lake is a natural lake, but its depth was increased by the dam to provide water storage, for farm lands in Idaho.
The dam was designed by Frank A. Banks, who also supervised the construction of Grand Coulee Dam. They appear similar. Teton Park Highway runs across the top of the dam, and just beyond it, by the sign, is a free parking area. Park there and walk across the dam top for photos of Jackson Lake, and downstream from the dam. There are safe walking areas on both sides of the dam top off the highway. On the far side, there is access to a beach.
Across the highway from the parking area, is a restroom and a hiking path going along the lake shore. Great views of the Tetons and Mt. Moran from this area.
Written 9 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RICART75
Peru, IN2,089 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Being early May, we were able to leisurely travel around the Lake, pullover as desired, and not impede others.
This is a beautiful lake, framed by magnificent mountains, located in a wonderous Park.
It doesn't get much better than this.
This is a beautiful lake, framed by magnificent mountains, located in a wonderous Park.
It doesn't get much better than this.
Written 14 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mynameisD
Portland, OR977 contributions
Sep 2022
This probably is an amazing view on a clear day with the Lake having a higher water level. Our trip brought us here on an overcast day. But we made the best of it anyway.
This was a lovely spot and you should check it out.
This was a lovely spot and you should check it out.
Written 6 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie L
Maple Plain, MN33 contributions
Sep 2022
We couldn't believe the crowds at Jenny Lake and were disappointed parking wasn't available. But it was glorious to view the Tetons from the eastern shore of the lake. Don't pass the turnouts!
Written 18 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AptosAmy
Aptos, CA604 contributions
Jun 2022
So sad... Jackson Lake is a reservoir and the powers that be are emptying it and running water via the Snake River for Idaho agriculture. The west is in a deep meg-droubt. It was depressing to walk near Jackson Lake. You can no longer rent kayaks at Coulter Bay.
Written 21 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristy W
Owasso, OK50 contributions
Aug 2022
Great time on Jackson Lake. We rented a fishing boat at the Signal Lake Lodge Marina. They were so nice and helpful. We boated to the Mount Moran bay where the views were amazing and we were able to beach the boat and walk around.
Written 17 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CasieLH
Georgia75 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
So glad we used the GyPSy app or we wouldn’t have found Leek’s Marina and Pizzeria. The mountain view, mirror lake, and pizza were each excellent and unexpected. Also the restaurant employees were great and we saw a grizzly bear with three cubs at the road that turns into this area.
Written 10 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AptosAmy
Aptos, CA604 contributions
Jun 2021
Beautiful giant lake with wonderful views. Sadly, Jackson Lake is running dry! It is dropping by 6-8 inches per day and has been for several years. The place is spacious and panoramic. Kayak on the lake before it completely evaporates!
Written 19 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anne O
Kennesaw, GA3,838 contributions
Sep 2021
The scenery was beautiful, but the lake level was way down when we visited in September. I'm hoping for a good snow melt to replenish the water and hope to return in the summer months to enjoy it.
Written 29 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dad-O
Fishers, IN142 contributions
Jun 2021
We spent a couple hours at the lake taking a swim on our first day at the Grand Tetons. The water was crystal clear but very chilly. A great idea on a very warm day but we could only last about 15 minutes before we had to get out and warm up before going back in again. The "beach" we went to was next to a boat launch and was all river rock (smooth stones). The lake bottom was the same. We took our water shoes, which I would highly recommend.
Written 20 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is anyone aware of any companies that do wakeboarding tours on the lake? I came across one company hat does wake surfing, but I’m specifically looking for wakeboarding. Thanks!
Timothy D
Wake Forest, NC5 contributions
WE would like to Kayak for one afternoon maybe 4 hours on Jackson Lake. Where can we gear up for that?
Quadyak
Arizona406 contributions
We were just there. We brought our own kayaks but they have a large fleet of rentals at the Colter Bay Marina. They probably have suggestions on where to go but my suggestion would be to paddle east along the shore and explore the many bays, coves, channels etc etc. Very nice area. Very very nice.
P W
18 contributions
Hi. My husband and I want to take one of the scenic cruises on Jackson Lake, either the scenic only or the dinner cruise. I would like to know which cruise tours the best scenery, or the most significant points of interest, or if they both are equivalent in that respect.
Paula H
Tewksbury, MA18 contributions
We will be staying at the Jackson Lake lodge next spring. I'm lining up a fishing trip for my husband and friend. Do you pick up? How far away is the start of the trip from where we area.
rhawnhurster
Gaithersburg, MD116 contributions
The folks at Jackson Lake Lodge and the Grand Teton Lodging Company can arrange for fishing trips, float trips, or whitewater rafting trips in the lobby of the hotel. If you stay in Jackson, you can find outfitters who will bus you from to town to your adventure.
4jody
Baldwin, WI
Hello, I am interested in kayaking on Jackson Lake. Where would I be able to rent kayaks? And I saw a photo of someone swimming in Lake Jackson, is this permitted? If so, are the two areas close, as I have have members in my group who would like to kayak and the others swim.
Thank you,
Jody Ramberg
Claudia
Amarillo, TX1 contribution
Are their many biking trails in Jackson Hole area?
Michelle C
Owosso, MI23 contributions
I believe there is a bike path that starts at Jenny Lake and goes all the way into Jackson Hole. We spent most of our time in that area kayaking so we didn't really investigate the bike paths. Hope this was helpful.
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Claim your listingJackson Lake (Grand Teton National Park) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Jackson Lake
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Jackson Lake:
- Grand Teton National Park Tour from Jackson Hole (From ₹ 27,220.46)
- Grand Teton Half Day Tour (From ₹ 12,414.60)
- Grand Teton National Park - Sunset Guided Tour from Jackson Hole (From ₹ 14,914.18)
- Grand Teton National Park - Full-Day Guided Tour from Jackson Hole (From ₹ 25,829.03)
- Grand Teton National Park - Sunrise Tour from Jackson Hole (From ₹ 14,914.18)
- Hotels near Jackson Lake:
- (2.43 km) Signal Mountain Lodge
- (8.60 km) Moose Head Ranch
- (14.16 km) Teton Cabins
- (2.37 km) Jackson Lake Lodge
- (10.42 km) Triangle X Ranch
- Restaurants near Jackson Lake:
- (2.44 km) Trapper Grill
- (2.38 km) Pioneer Grill at Jackson Lake Lodge
- (2.36 km) The Mural Room
- (2.38 km) The Blue Heron
- (9.06 km) Leek's Marina & Pizzeria
- Attractions near Jackson Lake:
- (1.60 km) Signal Mountain Summit Road
- (6.94 km) Barker-Ewing Scenic Float Trips
- (1.80 km) Chapel of the Sacred Heart
- (9.78 km) National Park Float Trips
- (10.70 km) Swift Creek Outfitters & Teton Horseback Adventures