From The Hermitage Point Trailhead

The Hermitage Point Trailhead, near the marina, is the starting point for an interesting variety of trips ranging from 1 to 9 miles. With careful planning, it's possible to start the day with a hike beginning at Colter Bay that leads past Cygnet Lake across Willow Flats to Jackson Lake Lodge, where you can stop for lunch. Then, after a break, take the same path and return to Colter Bay in time for the evening outdoor barbecue. All told, that's 10 miles round-trip. The numerous trail options here can be confusing, so carry a map.

Hermitage Point Loop -- From the trail head, this footpath heads through a thickly forested area to the isolated Hermitage Point, a peninsula jutting into Jackson Lake. Beyond the timber, the terrain consists of gently rolling hills, passing ponds, streams, and meadows. If you're seeking solitude, this is an excellent place to find it, although you should check with rangers before leaving -- this is bear country.

8.8 miles round-trip. Moderate. Access: There are directional signs near the Swan Lake/Heron Pond Trail intersection.

Photo Op -- Not far from the trail head, the Hermitage Point Loop opens to a broad, sagebrush-carpeted meadow. In the summer, the area blooms with wildflowers to offer one of the most spectacular views of colossal Mount Moran, which is as impressive in its own way as the Grand Teton. To avoid retracing your steps past Heron Pond, bear right at the third creek intersection and continue straight ahead to the corrals at Colter Bay -- this route adds no distance to the hike.

Heron Pond Trail -- You journey through dense stands of lodgepole pine to this pond, inhabited by beavers most likely to be seen in the early morning. This is bear territory and a haven for Canada geese, trumpeter swans, and moose. Wildflowers are part of the show in the early summer: Look for lupine, Gilia, heartleaf arnicas, and the Indian paintbrush. Don't be put off by the fact that the first 200 yards of the trail are steep; after reaching the top of a rise, it levels out and has only moderate elevation gains from that point on. Note: Because three trails run through the area, the foliage and terrain for this trail, the Swan Lake Trail, and Hermitage Point Trail are virtually identical.

3 miles round-trip. Easy. Access: Trail head located at Hermitage Point Trailhead, Colter Bay.

Swan Lake Trail -- Finding swans at Swan Lake requires a trip to its southern shore, where a small island offers them isolation and shelter for nests. From Swan Lake, it's only .3 mile through a densely forested area to the intersection with the trail to Heron Pond. Hermitage Point is 3 miles from this junction along a gentle path that winds through a wooded area that's popular with bears. If you circumnavigate the lake, expect to spend 2 hours on this hike.

3 miles round-trip. Easy. Access: Trail head located at Hermitage Point Trailhead, Colter Bay.

Willow Flats Trail -- An alternative to the park's mountainous, forested trails, this trip from Colter Bay to Jackson Lake Lodge takes you across marshy flats where you'll have an idyllic view of the Tetons and a good chance of seeing a moose. Unfortunately, you begin by skirting the sewage ponds at Colter Bay, but it gets better. Pick up a trail east to Cygnet Lake and, instead of looping back to Colter Bay, you take a spur that crosses Pilgrim Creek going east across the flats. You can hike in either direction, but drop a car at each end if you don't want to double back on foot.

10 miles round-trip. Easy. Access: Horse corrals at Colter Bay.