From The Hermitage Point Trailhead in Grand Teton National Park
The Hermitage Point Trailhead, near the marina, leads to a series of connecting loops that lead past tranquil ponds, head out on a scenic peninsula, and extend all the way to Jackson Lake Lodge. Make sure you have a good map when planning your hike in this area—options abound, and it can be easy to take a wrong turn if you don’t know where you want to go.
Hermitage Point Loop
This long loop out to Hermitage Point and back crosses through forest, rolling meadows, and wetlands out to the shore of Jackson Lake, making it an excellent opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, such as bears, moose, elk, beavers, osprey, and herons. Stay close to the lakeshore on your way out, passing ponds and tracing Half Moon Bay before hiking out to the end of Hermitage Point, where the Teton peaks loom large across the lake. Follow Third Creek on your way back to the trailhead.
This long loop out to Hermitage Point and back crosses through forest, rolling meadows, and wetlands out to the shore of Jackson Lake, making it an excellent opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, such as bears, moose, elk, beavers, osprey, and herons. Stay close to the lakeshore on your way out, passing ponds and tracing Half Moon Bay before hiking out to the end of Hermitage Point, where the Teton peaks loom large across the lake. Follow Third Creek on your way back to the trailhead.
10 miles round-trip. Moderate. Access: Trailhead is just south of the Colter Bay Ranger Station.
A Blooming 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, offering 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/Swan Lake Loop
For a shorter route through the Hermitage Point area, this easy loop cruises past Heron Pond and Swan Lake. You’ll still explore a variety of habitats, so keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and summer wildflowers. From the Hermitage Point Trailhead, trace Jackson Lake’s shoreline to Heron Pond, a small, lily pad-speckled lake that grants views of the big peaks. This is an excellent spot to scope for moose or beavers. Follow the eastern shore, then turn left at the next junction to head toward Swan Lake. And yes, you might spot trumpeter swans—North America’s largest native waterfowl—nesting on this grassy lake. From here, it’s a short walk back to the trailhead.
For a shorter route through the Hermitage Point area, this easy loop cruises past Heron Pond and Swan Lake. You’ll still explore a variety of habitats, so keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and summer wildflowers. From the Hermitage Point Trailhead, trace Jackson Lake’s shoreline to Heron Pond, a small, lily pad-speckled lake that grants views of the big peaks. This is an excellent spot to scope for moose or beavers. Follow the eastern shore, then turn left at the next junction to head toward Swan Lake. And yes, you might spot trumpeter swans—North America’s largest native waterfowl—nesting on this grassy lake. From here, it’s a short walk back to the trailhead.
3 miles round-trip. Easy. Access: Trailhead is at Hermitage Point Trailhead, Colter Bay.
Willow Flats Trail
What’s better than the lovely view from Willow Flats Overlook? This hike, which takes you right into the middle of that idyllic scene. From Colter Bay, head east to Cygnet Lake, then cross Pilgrim Creek to access the marshy, willow-filled wetlands. The mountain views are expansive, and you might spot moose grazing on the abundant greenery. The trail leads to Jackson Lake Lodge, a nice excuse to treat yourself to lunch. Retrace your steps for a longer trip, or drop a car here ahead of time to cut the hike in half.
What’s better than the lovely view from Willow Flats Overlook? This hike, which takes you right into the middle of that idyllic scene. From Colter Bay, head east to Cygnet Lake, then cross Pilgrim Creek to access the marshy, willow-filled wetlands. The mountain views are expansive, and you might spot moose grazing on the abundant greenery. The trail leads to Jackson Lake Lodge, a nice excuse to treat yourself to lunch. Retrace your steps for a longer trip, or drop a car here ahead of time to cut the hike in half.
10.6 miles round-trip. Easy. Access: Horse corrals at Colter Bay.