Six Activities To Do at String Lake – and One You Can’t

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Directions – Google Map
Map of String Lake

I love, love, love, String Lake because it has so many possibilities.

You can spend all day here (possible activities to follow), or, stop here in between activities to rest, or come take a peek at the beautiful lake with the Tetons in the background.

String Lake is the BEST because it is shallow (great for swimming), close to the Tetons, it’s easy to get to, and you can do so many things here, including:

Hike
Swim
Canoe*
Kayak*
Paddleboard*
Picnic

*Water equipment rentals are not located on-site at String Lake, but can be rented at Dornan’s Adventure Sports. (I am not an affiliate.) Dornan’s is located right outside the south end of the park in Moose, WY. You’ll need a vehicle to transport any water rentals to String Lake.

String Lake Hiking Trails

Many hikes, from beginner to expert, start and end here at String Lake. Here we will discuss specifically the trails close to String Lake.

People on String Lake Trail

String Lake provides many trail options for hiking – short, long, medium, flat, varied elevation, in and out and loop trails.

Leigh Lake Overlook/Portage

Distance: 2.0 Miles RT
Elevation Gain: 90 ft
Trail Type: In and out
Difficulty: Easy

One hike we do every year (especially with little kids and/or non-enthusiastic hikers) is the hike to Leigh Lake Overlook/Portage.

It is the trail marked in red on the map.

Map of Hiking Trail from String Lake to Leigh Lake in red

It’s a short hike, about 1 mile to Leigh Lake (Leigh Lake Overlook/Portage), and then 1 mile back. It’s a flat hike that follows along String Lake, giving you lake views with the Tetons in the background.

As you walk along String Lake, you get an idea of how shallow the lake is, good for swimming, wading and playing around.

You’ll know you have reached the overlook when you see the long wooden stairs. Go down the stairs and touch the water to see how cold it is.

Leigh Lake Portage Steps with view of Leigh Lake

Leigh Lake Portage Steps – Photo by: Denis LeBlanc

Leigh Lake to Bear Paw Lake

Distance: 7.4 miles RT
Elevation Gain: 110 ft
Trail Type: In and out
Difficulty: Moderate

If you do the Leigh Lake Overlook/Portage hike and reach the overlook, and want to keep hiking, you can backtrack from the overlook to the fork in the trail (about 1/10 of a mile) and continue on walking along Leigh Lake for as long as you want to go.

It is the trail marked in purple on the map.

Map of Hiking Trail from Leigh Lake Trailhead to Trapper Lake in purple

It’s an in and out trail, so you can go all the way to Bearpaw and Trapper Lakes (7.4 miles RT) or follow the trail for as long as you want and turn around anytime.

NOTE: The 7.4 miles RT is from Leigh Lake to Bear Paw Lake, to get back to the parking lot, you still need to go back along String Lake which is another .9 miles. So, round trip from the parking lot is actually 9.2 miles

String Lake Loop

Distance: 3.8 miles RT
Elevation Gain: 275 ft
Trail Type: Loop
Difficulty: Easy

Another hiking option is to hike around String Lake.

It is the trail marked in blue on the map.

Map of String Lake Loop Trail from Leigh Lake Trailhead in blue

This hike has more variation in elevation, not as flat as Leigh Lake trail. This trail pulls away from String Lake on the north and west sides and brings you around to where String Lake feeds into Jenny Lake.

View of Grand Teton and Footbridge on String Lake

View of Grand Teton and the Southern Footbridge on String Lake

Bear Safety
Using Bear Spray
How to Use Bear Spray Video

String Lake Swimming

In my humble opinion, String Lake is the best lake to swim in GTNP. It is easy to get to, and it is shallow.

String Lake does have a deep section. The farther southwest you go in the lake, the deeper it gets, towards Jenny Lake.

The rest of the lake, around the first bend to the north, is so shallow you can walk up and down the lake to Leigh Lake and not have the water rise above your chest, some places it doesn’t get above your waist.

Know Before You Go:

You may want to wear water shoes. The lake bottom is both sandy and rocky in places.
The lake can get busy in the afternoons. If you want to separate yourself from the crowds, go around the first bend to the north. There are fewer people because not everyone knows the lake is shallow all the way up to Leigh Lake.

Bear Safety
Using Bear Spray
How to Use Bear Spray Video

String Lake Canoeing/Kayaking/Paddleboarding

We have canoed this lake many times.

The earlier you go in the morning, the less crowded it is. And it is peaceful.

Canoe on String Lake

Very peaceful. There is a chill in the air, mist coming off the lake, while the sun comes up over the trees hitting the mountains – it makes for GREAT pictures.

The water is almost always calm in the morning, you’ll glide through the water easily.

Early morning also provides a better chance of seeing animals. We once saw a herd of elk grazing on the west side of String Lake. Beautiful!

In the past, we usually did a canoe so all four of us could be in one boat. This summer, with the girls being older, we are going to try two-person kayaks. If you are renting a canoe or a kayak, I highly suggest Dornan’s Adventure Sports. (I am not an affiliate) Dornan’s is located right outside the south end of the park in Moose, WY. They are fantastic! They will help you tie the canoe/kayak/paddleboard on your vehicle. When they do, pay attention as you will have to tie the watercraft on when returning it.

String Lake is an excellent lake for paddleboarding. We learned to paddleboard here. It was less intimidating here because of the shallowness of the water and that the water usually stayed smooth and calm. We ended up loving paddleboarding so much, we bought our own paddleboard and will be bringing it to String.

Know Before You Go:

String Lake has shallow enough places to get high centered in a canoe.
There are also some big rocks under the water to navigate around.
If you are renting canoes/kayaks/paddleboards from Dornan’s Adventure Sports it is always best to call ahead and reserve the item. 307-733-2415 ext. 302 (At the time of publishing, online reservations were not available.)
Since you might get wet, you might want to paddleboard in the warmer parts of the day, like afternoon. Canoeing and kayaking can be done anytime because there is less chance of getting wet.

Picnic

If relaxing with a great view is your plan, String Lake is good for this too. There are little sandy spots you can take fold-out chairs and go close to the water. Also there are picnic tables and bathrooms (yea!).

Please follow all signs and instructions for handling food in Grand Teton and be sure to throw away your trash. I’ve read that there have been volunteer groups formed to clean up trash in this area because it has gotten so bad. That’s not fair to people visiting or the animals.

Bear Safety
Using Bear Spray
How to Use Bear Spray Video

…But the One Thing You Can’t Do at String Lake: Camp Overnight

There are no campsites on or around String Lake, but there are a few close by at Leigh Lake.

Leigh Lake has eight campsites, accessible by water and trail only, no roads for cars. The campsites on the west side of Leigh Lake are accessible by water only, the eastern ones by water or trail.

Leigh Lake is a short, one-mile hike/paddle from String Lake.

You will need to obtain a permit to camp at any of these spots.
Back country Permits

Be sure to know how to handle and store food properly in the back country.
Bears and Back Country Food Storage

Bear Safety
Using Bear Spray
How to Use Bear Spray Video

Have any questions or comments about String Lake? Feel free to put them in the comments section. We would love to hear from you!!

Keep Your Eye Peeled for a Moose!

Jenn Cunningham
Founder, Explore GTNP

Grand Teton 3 DAY Itinerary

If you are looking for ideas of what to do and see in Grand Teton National Park, and how to do it efficiently to make the most of your time, check out our Grand Teton 3 DAY Itinerary.

All the best places to see, hikes to do, places to dine, and the fun to have laid out in this 3 Day Itinerary.

Learn More

10 Tips To Help You Plan Your Grand Teton National Park Vacation

Get this FREE information for your vacation from ExploreGTNP.

Hi, I'm Jenn, pictured here on Jackson Lake in Grand Teton National Park. I am a Wyoming native and have vacationed every year of my 40+ years in Grand Teton National Park. I know this park inside and out, so use my years of experience and knowledge to plan, go, and do your perfect Grand Teton National Park vacation!

String Lake Boating

Things To Do

String Lake Boating

Directions – Google Map
Map of String Lake

String Lake is a great place to canoe, kayak, and paddleboard.

If you have your own, great! You are all set!

If you don’t have your own, no problem!

Well, maybe one problem. You can’t rent canoes, kayaks, and/or paddleboards on-site at String Lake. You need to rent them before coming to String Lake.

Canoe on String Lake

There are many places in the town of Jackson for rentals, but the place we use and love is Dornan’s Adventure Sports (not an affiliate). Dornan’s is located right outside the south end of the park in Moose, WY. You’ll need a vehicle to transport any water rentals to String Lake.

The people at Dornan’s Adventure Sports are fantastic! They will help you tie the canoe/kayak/paddleboard on your vehicle. When they do, pay attention as you will have to tie the watercraft on when returning it.

Canoeing and Kayaking

We have canoed this lake many times.

The earlier you go in the morning, the less crowded it is.

And the more peaceful it is.

Canoe on String Lake

Very peaceful.

There is a chill in the air, mist coming off the lake, while the sun comes up over the trees hitting the mountains – it makes for GREAT pictures.

The water is almost always calm in the morning, you’ll glide through the water easily.

Early morning also provides a better chance of seeing animals. We have seen a herd of elk grazing on the west side of String Lake and one time we witnessed four elk crossing String Lake.

Dance party literally in the middle of String Lake

NOTE: As you go north on String to Leigh Lake, the center of the lake can be very shallow, so shallow that canoes can get high centered.

If you decide to canoe or kayak String Lake, consider going up to Leigh Lake too. You’ll head north along String until you see the footbridge. You’ll transport your equipment 1/10 of a mile to the Leigh Lake Portage.

Photo by: Denis LeBlanc

NOTE: There is a bear box right before the stairs at Leigh Lake. Never leave any food and water unattended. Throw food and water into the bear box if you have to make a couple of trips back and forth between String and the Leigh Lake stairs.

Leigh Lake is a much bigger lake than String and much deeper. You can spend as much time as you like here and then just leave the way you came, back to String Lake.

Paddleboarding

String Lake is an excellent lake for paddleboarding. We learned to paddleboard here. It was less intimidating here because of the shallowness of the water and that the water usually stayed smooth and calm.

Know Before You Go

String Lake has shallow enough places to get high centered in a canoe. See the previous picture
There are also some big rocks under the water to navigate around.
Use the bear box at Leigh Lake stairs to store food when making trips between String and Leigh when transporting equipment. Never leave food unattended!
If you are renting canoes/kayaks/paddleboards from Dornan’s Adventure Sports it is always best to call ahead and reserve the item. 307-733-2415 ext. 302 (At the time of publishing, online reservations were not available.)
Since you might get wet, you might want to paddleboard in the warmer parts of the day, like afternoon. Canoeing and kayaking can be done anytime because there is less chance of getting wet.
Carry and know how to use bear spray.

Bear Safety
Using Bear Spray
How to Use Bear Spray Video
Buy Bear Spray

Have any questions or thoughts on String Lake? Let us know in the comment section below.

Keep Your Eye Peeled for a Moose!

Jenn Cunningham
Founder, Explore GTNP

String Lake – Your Best Bet for Swimming in Grand Teton

Things To Do

Plan, Go, DO
YOUR PERFECT
Grand Teton National Park
VACATION

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more info.

String Lake – Your Best Bet for Swimming in Grand Teton

Directions – Google Map
Map of String Lake

In my humble opinion, String Lake is the best place to swim in all of GTNP.

Period.

…but since this is your vacation, and you are most likely here reading this article because you are doing vacation research and not willing to accept blanket, declaration statements (I wouldn’t either!), here are the reasons and facts why:

Easy to Get To

From the Moose Entrance Station, drive north for 10 miles to the North Jenny Lake Junction. Turn left here and take a right at the stop sign to follow the road to the String Lake area. Continue to the end of the road (passing the first parking lot where canoes and kayaks portage) to park at the picnic area.

String Lake Driving Map

Once parked, head towards the mountains, past the picnic area, until you hit water.

You don’t need to hike into the backcountry for this one. (But you can go on hikes from here and come back and swim when you are done, see our String Lake Hiking Trails – Something Here for Everyone).

Drive up, park, jump in.

Shallow

String is a very shallow lake. Especially compared to its southern neighbor Jenny Lake, and its northern neighbor Leigh Lake. At some parts of the lake, you can walk all the way across it and the water won’t get above your waist.

String Lake

String Lake does have a deep section. The farther southwest you go in the lake, the deeper it gets, towards Jenny Lake.

Warmer

String Lake is warmer than other lakes.

Ha, ha, well, I can’t prove for sure that it is, but you can feel a difference in the water temperature between shallow and deep water. Remember, String Lake is a glacier-fed lake and it is always going to be cold, so “warmer than other lakes” is a very small victory.

It’s Beautiful

I know other front-country lakes have the Tetons in the background, but with String Lake being so narrow, the Tetons are RIGHT THERE! You can literally swim/walk across the lake and be on the Tetons.

This is a harder thing to do on Jenny, Leigh, and Jackson Lake.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms don’t do much to boost the scenery, but there are bathrooms by the parking lot. While they are not great, they are a step up from port-a-potties and useful for changing clothes and emergencies.

Crowds

I know I always tell you to go early in the day to avoid the crowds but, to swim at String Lake, you want to go later in the day. Go in the afternoon and early evening during the hottest part of the day.

So that means there may be many people there doing the same thing.

Now, this is the most important tip I can give you about crowds at String Lake: go around the first bend in the lake.

String Lake

Many people stay at the main part of the lake, the part right off the parking lot and where kayaks and canoes portage. This is the easiest place to set up chairs and towels and has close access to the bathrooms.

Go around the first bend to the north towards Leigh Lake. It is still shallow and there will be fewer people there. As you keep moving north, usually there are less and less people. There are fewer people because not everyone knows the lake is shallow all the way up to Leigh Lake.

And, if you really want to leave the crowds behind, you can walk over to Leigh Lake. Leigh Lake does have some shallow, sandy areas on the eastern shore that you can swim and wade in before it drops off into deeper water.

Leigh Lake

If you decide on the Leigh Lake option, wear good walking shoes and be prepared to walk about 4 to 5 miles round trip. Two-ish miles to get there (to the sandy beach areas) and two-ish miles back.

Know Before You Go

You may want to wear water shoes. The lake bottom is both sandy and rocky in places.
Carry and know how to use bear spray. Bears are often seen here.
Bring sunscreen and reapply often. You’ll be surprised how fast you can get a sunburn at this high elevation.
Bring plenty of drinking water.

Bear Safety
Using Bear Spray
How to Use Bear Spray Video
Buy Bear Spray

Have any questions or comments about swimming at String Lake? Please let us know in the comment section. We’d love to hear from you!!

Keep Your Eye Peeled for a Moose!

Jenn Cunningham
Founder, Explore GTNP

MAP OF GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK

GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK MAP

String Lake Hiking Trails – Something Here for Everyone

Hiking, Things To Do

String Lake Hiking Trails – Something Here for Everyone

Directions – Google Map
Map of String Lake

String Lake Hiking Trails

Many hikes, from beginner to advanced, start and end here at String Lake.

Here we will discuss specifically the trails close to String Lake.

String Lake provides many trail options for hiking – short, long, medium, flat, varied elevation, in and out trails, and loop trails.

String Lake to Leigh Lake Overlook/Portage

Distance: 2.0 Miles RT Elevation Gain: 90 ft Trail Type: In and out Difficulty: Easy

One hike we do every year (especially with little kids and/or non-enthusiastic hikers) is the hike to Leigh Lake Overlook/Portage. It is the trail marked in red on the map.

Map of hiking trails at String Lake in Grand Teton National Park

Map of Hiking Trail from String Lake to Leigh Lake Portage in red

It’s a short hike, about one mile to Leigh Lake (Leigh Lake Overlook/Portage), and then one mile back. It’s a flat hike that follows along String Lake, giving you lake views with the Tetons in the background.

String Lake

As you walk along String Lake, you get an idea of how shallow the lake is, good for swimming, wading and playing around. You’ll know you have reached the overlook when you see the long wooden stairs. Go down the stairs and touch the water to see how cold it is.

Leigh Lake Portage Steps overlooking Leigh Lake

Leigh Lake Portage Steps Photo by: Denis LeBlanc

Leigh Lake to Bearpaw Lake

Distance: 7.4 miles RT Elevation Gain: 110 ft Trail Type: In and out Difficulty: Moderate

If you do the Leigh Lake Overlook/Portage hike and reach the overlook, and want to keep hiking, you can backtrack from the overlook to the fork in the trail (about 1/10 of a mile) and continue on walking along Leigh Lake for as long as you want to go. It is the trail marked in purple on the map.

Map of String Lake Hiking Trail to Leigh Lake and then on to Bear Paw and Trapper Lakes

Hiking Map Continuing on from Leigh Lake to Bearpaw and Trapper Lakes

It’s an in and out trail, so you can go all the way to Bearpaw and Trapper Lakes (7.4 miles RT) or follow the trail for as long as you want and turn around anytime.

Leigh Lake

NOTE: The 7.4 miles RT is from Leigh Lake to Bearpaw Lake, to get back to the parking lot, you still need to go back along String Lake which is another .9 miles. So, round trip from the parking lot is actually 9.2 miles

Leigh Lake Looking West

As you walk along Leigh Lake you’ll notice it is not as shallow as String Lake. It is shallow for a while, but drops off quickly and is very deep. Deep water is colder water and therefore String Lake is preferable for swimming. 🙂 You will know you are at the end of Leigh Lake when the trail veers into the trees and into a more open field area. To continue on to Bearpaw Lake, you’ll come to a junction on the trail. You can go to the right and see two camp spots in the trees bordering the east shore of the lake. To get to Trapper Lake, you will have to retrace your steps to the junction and go left.

Bearpaw Lake – East Side

Going left at the junction will put you on the western side of Bearpaw Lake and you’ll find more camps spots. Then you continue on the trail to Trapper Lake.

Trapper Lake

Again, this is an in and out trail, where you will leave the way you came.

We like walking up to Bearpaw and Trapper lakes, but many people turn around at the end of Leigh Lake.

All options are worth your time and it comes down to personal preference.

Hiker’s Note: This hike is a good one to do early in your vacation to get your “hiking legs”. The distance is long for a good workout, and the elevation is flat, so you won’t be gasping for breath like the high elevation gain hikes. If you are going to do a high elevation gain hike during your stay, consider “practicing” with a long, low elevation gain hike like this one.

String Lake Loop

Distance: 3.8 miles RT Elevation Gain: 275 ft Trail Type: Loop Difficulty: Easy

Another hiking option is to hike around String Lake. The String Lake Loop Trail is another option for you if you want to keep hiking after going to Leigh Lake Portage (the stairs). From the stairs, turn around and retrace your steps back to the footbridge on String Lake. It is the trail marked in blue on the map.

Map of String Lake Loop Trail in Blue

String Lake footbridge before Leigh Lake

String Lake Footbridge found before Leigh Lake

This footbridge is an excellent place for pictures.

View on String Lake footbridge looking towards Leigh Lake

After crossing the footbridge you will start up a moderate climb through the forest and come to Paintbrush Canyon Junction, keep heading straight and you will start to descend and eventually see views of String Lake once again, this time from the west side of the lake.

View from String Lake Loop Trail

When you come to Jenny Lake Junction, head left and you will soon come to another footbridge over String Lake outlet. Cross the bridge, turn left and follow the trail until you are back where you started.

Summary

Leigh Lake Overlook/Portage is a great hike for little kids
While hiking along String Lake, keep an eye towards the mountains for views and places to swim
There are many sandy areas along Leigh Lake that are great for pictures and wading
Along the eastern shore of Leigh Lake, the water is shallow, but it drops off into deep water
Definitely have bug spray

Bear Safety
Using Bear Spray
How to Use Bear Spray Video

More questions about the hiking options at String Lake? We’d love to hear from you! Please let us know in the comments section.

Keep Your Eye Peeled for a Moose!

Jenn Cunningham
Founder, Explore GTNP

Grand Teton 3 DAY Itinerary

If you are looking for ideas of what to do and see in Grand Teton National Park, and how to do it efficiently to make the most of your time, check out our Grand Teton 3 DAY Itinerary.

All the best places to see, hikes to do, places to dine, and the fun to have laid out in this 3 Day Itinerary.

Learn More

3 Things to do at Jackson Lake Dam

Things To Do

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more info.

3 Things to do at Jackson Lake Dam

You can find Jackson Lake Dam between Signal Mountain Lodge and the Jackson Lake Junction on Teton Park Road.

Photo by rocdoctravel.com

If you are doing the 42-mile scenic drive, the Jackson Lake Dam is on the route and may be worth stopping at to check out. Listed below are three things you can do here.

Why the Dam is here

The purpose of the dam that stands today is to provide water storage for irrigation in the Snake River basin in the state of Idaho. Jackson Lake is a natural lake whose levels are raised an extra 39 feet due to the dam.

3 Things to Do Here

Take Photos

There are great photos to get of the Tetons, specifically Mt. Moran, both on the dam and below it.

Let’s start with below the dam.

If you are coming from Jackson Lake Junction, you can turn left by the dam and park at the designated parking lot. Look towards the dam and you will see Mt. Moran peaking up above it, as seen in this picture:

Mt. Moran behind Jackson Lake Dam

You can also walk across the dam and get pictures of Mt. Moran and it’s reflection like this:

Explore GTNP - View of Mt. Moran from top of Jackson Lake Dam

View of Mt. Moran from top of Jackson Lake Dam. Photo by Susan McWilliams

Photo Hint: The best time to get smooth water for reflections is in the morning.

Picnic

Drive across the dam to the south side and you will find great spots to picnic while overlooking the dam and the Tetons.

Please follow all Food Handling and Storage Regulations in bear country.

Fishing

Fishing is a popular activity here at the dam for anglers of all levels.

Man fishing at Jackson Lake Dam. Photo courtesy of mapio.net

You will need a license and know all the national park and state rules. Check out the Fishing Information page by the National Park Service.

Extra Tips

Bugspray is a MUST here, ESPECIALLY in the evening.
If you have an evening and you don’t fish, it can be fun and entertaining to park on the north side of the dam and watch all the anglers. Count yourself extra lucky if there are young kids there fishing with their parents – take note of what they end up “catching”…
Between Jackson Lake Junction and the dam is a good place to see moose and elk. As you drive, look at the bushes and willows and see if there is a moose munching on the leaves. Herds of elk are sometimes around, but they are easier to see from Willow Flats Overlook that is close by.
Please be careful, the water is fast, even further down the river where it appears to be slow, keep little ones safe.

Will you be stopping by Jackson Lake Dam? Let us know if you have any questions in the comment section. We’d love to hear from you!!

Keep Your Eye Peeled for a Moose!

Jenn Cunningham
Founder, Explore GTNP

Explore Jackson Lake by Boat – 3 Different Ways

Things To Do, Kids

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Explore Jackson Lake by Boat – 3 Different Ways

Jackson Lake, in Grand Teton National Park (GTNP), is a great place to get away from the crowds, get a closer view of the Tetons, and for boating.

…and you don’t have to have your own boat (but lucky you if you do!)to get on Jackson Lake.

Colter Bay Marina gives you three different boating options to explore Jackson Lake.

1. Rent a Canoe or Kayak

The nice thing about renting a canoe or kayak at Colter Bay is that they are already in the water. You don’t have to load them up and transport them anywhere. You just put on your life jacket, grab your paddle and go. The marina staff will give you a map and instructions.

Canoe Rental from Colter Bay

Kayak Rentals

First come, first serve
No reservations needed or taken
Single and double kayaks
2 hour minimum for rental
Prices

Canoe Rentals

First come, first serve
No reservations needed or taken
3 people maximum per canoe
2 hour minimum for rental
Prices

Rental Tip: If you have small children with you, a canoe might be the better way to go, as they can sit farther down in the boat and hang on to the bars that go across.

2. Take a Scenic Cruise

If you’d rather relax, get closer to the Tetons, and leave the navigating to someone else, a scenic cruise is a good option.

Colter Bay offers cruises throughout the day with and without food options.

Colter Bay Scenic Evening Cruise

All cruises take you over to the west side of the lake closer to the Tetons. Along the way, a narrator gives you information on John Colter, who Colter Bay was named after, and other history of the area. As you get closer to the Tetons, they give you more information on the geology of the area. If there is extra time (there usually is), the narrator will ask the audience what subject they want to know more about.

If you sign up for a food option: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner… the boat will take you to the west side of the lake and then go to Elk Island to eat the meal. You can explore Elk Island, just make sure you are back in time for when the boat departs.

Scenic Cruise with Food Tip: On food cruises, the boat banks on Elk Island where you will depart from the boat to eat. Depending on where you are on the boat, and how many boats there are, the line for food may be long. You might want to consider one of two strategies:

Skip waiting in line and make the most of your time by exploring the island first then eating. The risk being that there ends up being less food to pick from or they run out of some items when you arrive at the buffet.
Or you can ensure you get the good pickings of the food by eating first and then use what time you have left over to explore.

In the end, it probably depends on the line and how hungry you are!

3. Rent a Motorboat

If you are comfortable operating a small, 15ft boat powered by a 9.9 horse engine, this is the option for you. You can go farther in a shorter amount of time than kayaks and canoes, and you are not tied to any schedules like with the scenic cruises.

Motorboat Rental from Colter Bay - www.exploregtnp.com

Motorboat from Colter Bay

The marina will give you a boundary map of how far to go, and you will need to wear life jackets they give you. This is our family’s favorite of the three options as it is just us, we can go as long as we want, and we like going along the bank looking for wildlife. We also bring our own snacks and water for the full experience.

Motorboat Rentals

Max of 6 guests per boat
Children must be able to fit into an infant life jacket, which is typically around 12 months or older
Motorboat drivers must be 18 years or older
2 hour minimum
Prices

Whichever way works for you and your group have fun and follow all safety guidelines. Enjoy the scenery and the distance from the crowds!

Which option appeals to you most? Have questions? Let us know in the comment section!

Keep Your Eye Peeled for a Moose!

Jenn Cunningham
Founder, Explore GTNP

3 DAY Itinerary for the Top 12 Things to do in Grand Teton National Park

Want to do the Top 12 Things in Grand Teton National Park and squeeze in a few more? We have a 3 DAY Itinerary that lays out the best time-efficient way to fit them all in while you are here.

All the best places to see, hikes to do, places to dine, and the fun to have organized into this 3 DAY Itinerary.

Learn More

MAP OF GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK

GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK MAP

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