5.9 miles

Jackson Lake-Colter Bay Island Hopping

Grand Teton National Park

Fee: $0.00

Access:

Drive north on Hwy 89 to Moran Junction, turn west toward the GTNP Entrance. Drive north-northwest 10.6 miles to the Colter Bay parking lot. Facilities are closed, except for the restrooms, so bring your own water and food.

Description:

The Island Hopping trail offers a flat and easy classic ski experience along the eastern islands of Jackson Lake, providing stunning views of the Teton Range. It is best enjoyed on a sunny day and is typically accessible from late December to early April when the lake is frozen.

Parking: Park at the Colter Bay parking lot.

*Note: Ensure that Jackson Lake is fully frozen before skiing on it. You can verify current conditions by checking with Grand Teton National Park rangers.

Skiing Experience: Intermediate level due to its flat terrain and occasional need to navigate across open sections of Jackson Lake. Skiers should be comfortable with varied snow conditions and breaking trail.

Dog Owners: Dogs are not permitted on this trail due to its vicinity within Grand Teton National Park.

Directions:

Beginnings: From the Colter Bay parking lot, locate the trailhead on the south end near a Park winter trail sign. Depending on recent snowfall, follow the cross-country ski track south across a meadow with sparse trees. Veer right (west) along the shore of Colter Bay, then onto the frozen lake, continuing southwest parallel to the shoreline.
Uphill Stretch: The trail remains predominantly flat with occasional small undulations.
Views: Enjoy stunning views across Jackson Lake towards Mt. Moran and the Grand Teton. On clear days, the vistas of the Teton Range, including Grand Teton, Mt. Owen, and Mt. Teewinot, are breathtaking.
Extended Exploration: Explore additional islands such as Little Mackinaw Bay, Sheffield Island, and Elk Island for a more extensive outing. Optional detour to Hermitage Point for added exploration.
Return: To complete the loop, head east into Half Moon Bay, keeping the shoreline on your left. Ski around the bay, navigating as needed to stay on the frozen lake surface. Return to Colter Bay following the shoreline on your right back into the marina section and to the parking lot.
Winter Conditions: Check the condition of the frozen lake and trail accessibility before skiing. Typically, the trail is skiable after 3 weeks of below-freezing temperatures.