Colter Bay

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Very Easy
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
1-1.5h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
4.5 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
140 m
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Overall Rating
This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
9.6
Physical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Technical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
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Directions to Trailhead
Views of the Colter Bay Hike in Grand Tetons

The Colter Bay Lakeshore Trail in Grand Teton National Park is a great family-friendly walk. This gentle hike along the lakeshore at Colter Bay gives exceptional views of the Tetons looking over Jackson Lake.

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Route Description for Colter Bay

This is a great family friendly hike, and we have seen seniors and toddlers on it. Enjoy the nice day out – this hike is not a race!

From the trailhead behind the Visitor Center you will be able to look across the dock and the moored boats to the beautiful Teton Range behind them. Stunning! Continue around to the right and take your first left – this is the path going along the north shore of Colter Bay. There is a small outcropping you can go to the end of, which gives a fantastic view back towards the bay! Return from the outcropping and continue hiking along the Colter Bay Lakeshore Trail.

You will shortly reach the isthmus that connects the mainland of Colter Bay to a small island. As you cross over to the island there will be a rocky beach on either side of you – perfect for skipping rocks. There is a path that circumnavigates the small island, and you can go either direction you wish. Along the north side of the island there are several pullouts you can take to get betters views of the mountains. Take these and walk down to the beach to take fantastic photos of the great Teton Peaks.

Continue around the island and return over the isthmus. This time take the trail that leads to the left and hike through a beautiful forest. At the end of you will find yourself at the Park Rangers’ amphitheater, and shortly thereafter the Visitor Center once again.

Insider Hints for Colter Bay

  • You can rent kayaks at the Colter Bay Marina, which give a new perspective to the views of the Teton Range.
  • Grab a coffee or a meal at the numerous cafes in Colter Bay. There is a restaurant and a low-key food court located diagonally across to the visitor center.
  • The salad bar at the Ranch House was the highlight for a member of our hiking group – enjoying fresh vegetables can be a luxury when camping.

Getting to the Colter Bay Trailhead

Drive to the northern end of Grand Teton National Park and park anywhere in Colter Bay village parking Lot. The trail begins directly behind the Visitor Center.

Route Information

  • When to do

    All Year

  • Backcountry Campsites

    No

  • Toilets

    Trailhead

  • Family friendly

    Yes

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate

  • Route Type

    Circuit

Colter Bay Elevation Graph

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Colter Bay Reviews

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