Grand Teton National Park · Easy · Loop

Swan Lake and Heron Pond from Colter Bay

An easy loop from Colter Bay past two quiet ponds used by moose and waterbirds, with Mount Moran in view across Heron Pond.

Distance
3.4 mi (5.4 km)
Ascent
217 ft (66 m)
Time
About 1 h 30 min
High point
6,890 ft (2,100 m)
Grade
Easy

Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.

0 mi1 mi2 mi3 mi6,893 ft6,788 ft
Move along the height chart to see each point on the map.
Swan Lake and Heron Pond from Colter Bay
G. Edward Johnson · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

The hike

The walk starts at the Hermitage Point Trailhead, just south of the Colter Bay Visitor Center on Jackson Lake; park in the large lot by the visitor center. The trail heads south through lodgepole pine forest to Heron Pond, which looks west across the water to Mount Moran. Past the pond, the loop leaves the trail to Hermitage Point and turns back north by Swan Lake, a larger pond, to return to the start.

It is a 3.4-mile (5.4 km) loop with 220 feet (66 m) of climbing; allow about 1½ hours. The grade is Easy: a mostly level trail through forest, meadow and wetland.

Moose, beavers and waterbirds use the ponds, so walk quietly and give animals room: stay at least 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from other wildlife. Bears may be about at any time: carry bear spray, make noise and hike in a group.

Going round counterclockwise, as here, brings you to Heron Pond first, in the best light on a morning walk.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.

Good to know

  • An easy loop past two ponds where moose, beavers and trumpeter swans may be seen
  • Heron Pond has a fine view of Mount Moran across the water
  • Starts at the south end of the Colter Bay Visitor Center car park on Jackson Lake

Getting there

Start: Hermitage Point Trailhead. 43.90313, -110.64270

Directions to the start

Places to stay nearby

Rooms in and around Grand Teton National Park: Booking.com → Expedia →

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Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.