Swimming Holes near jackson, WY

Best Swimming Holes near Jackson, WY

Few places on earth combine world-class scenery with wild swimming quite like the Jackson Hole valley. The Teton Range rises abruptly to 13,000 feet just west of town, feeding a network of glacier-cold rivers and alpine lakes that rank among the most spectacular swim destinations in the American West. On a clear July afternoon, floating in String Lake with the Cathedral Group of the Tetons reflected in the water above you is one of those experiences that simply doesn't have a parallel.

The trade-off, as with all alpine swimming in the Northern Rockies, is temperature. The lakes and rivers in the Jackson area are almost universally cold — Jenny Lake and String Lake, fed by glacial meltwater, rarely climb above 60°F even at peak summer. The Snake River runs even colder in its braided channels. But the scenery is so extraordinary that most visitors don't care, and the combination of cold dips and warm, sunny rock-sitting creates its own irresistible rhythm.

Granite Hot Springs is the outlier — a developed geothermal pool 45 minutes southeast of Jackson where the water holds around 93°F in summer. It's a beloved local secret that has become increasingly popular, but it remains one of the best soaking experiences in the Rockies.

TL;DR:

  • Most iconic swim: String Lake — calm, clear, Teton views, free
  • Best alpine lake: Jenny Lake — deep, blue, world-famous scenery
  • Best hot springs: Granite Hot Springs — geothermal pool in the Bridger-Teton backcountry
  • Best river access: Snake River — wide gravel bars, float and swim
  • Best hidden gem: Phelps Lake — longer hike, fewer crowds, stunning payoff

Top 5 Swimming Holes Near Jackson

  1. [[Listing: SNAKE RIVER]] – The Snake River runs through the heart of Jackson Hole, braiding across wide gravel floodplains before gathering into swift channels below Jackson. The gravel bars along the river — particularly in the Grand Teton National Park section near Deadman's Bar and the Moose-Wilson corridor — are ideal for wading, cooling off, and letting the current carry you gently between bars. The water is cold (50–58°F most of summer) and swift in the main channel, so stick to the calmer braid channels and bars. Combined with the Teton backdrop, a river afternoon here is one of the quintessential Jackson Hole experiences. No fees for most river access points outside the park.

  2. [[Listing: STRING LAKE]] – String Lake in Grand Teton National Park is the valley's favorite family swim spot — and with good reason. The lake is shallow (naturally warming more than the deeper lakes), calm, clear, and framed by the Teton peaks on one side and rolling forest on the other. A wide sandy beach area and short loop trail make it easy to spend a half-day here. Kayak and canoe rentals are available nearby. Water temps in the upper 50s to low 60s°F are reached by mid-July. The lake connects via a portage to Leigh Lake, opening up a longer paddling and swimming circuit. Entrance to Grand Teton NP required — a 7-day pass runs $35/vehicle.

  3. [[Listing: JENNY LAKE]] – The crown jewel of Grand Teton National Park, Jenny Lake is a deep, glacier-carved moraine lake at the base of the Cathedral Group. The water is an intense turquoise-blue, dramatically cold, and perfectly clear. Swimming is permitted in the lake, and the rocky shoreline on the south end near the visitor center provides decent access. The more adventurous hike around the lake (7 miles) to the north shore near Hidden Falls for a swim in total solitude. Jenny Lake is one of the most photographed lakes in North America — swimming in it feels appropriately monumental. Grand Teton NP entrance fee applies.

  4. [[Listing: GRANITE HOT SPRINGS]] – Located 45 miles southeast of Jackson up Hoback Canyon on US-189/191, then 9 miles of dirt road on the Granite Creek Road, Granite Hot Springs is one of Wyoming's most rewarding developed hot springs. A Forest Service-operated pool sits at the base of a canyon where Granite Creek cascades over ledges — you can alternate between soaking in the 93°F pool and cooling off in the adjacent icy creek. The pool is open summer and winter, with higher capacity and longer hours in summer. A day-use fee applies. The dirt road is suitable for most passenger vehicles in summer. Arrive early on weekends — the parking area fills.

  5. [[Listing: PHELPS LAKE]] – Accessed via the Death Canyon Trailhead inside Grand Teton National Park, Phelps Lake rewards hikers with a 1.8-mile walk through aspen groves and meadows before opening onto a stunning lake backed by the towering walls of Death Canyon. The lake is deep and cold — temperature in the low 50s°F — but the setting is extraordinary and far less crowded than Jenny or String Lake. A rocky overlook above the north end makes a scenic perch for lunch before descending to the water's edge. The Death Canyon trail beyond continues into one of the most spectacular wilderness corridors in the park. Grand Teton NP entrance fee applies.

When to Go

June: String Lake and Jenny Lake are still ice-free but frigid. The Snake River is running high from snowmelt — stick to gravel bar wading, not swimming. Granite Hot Springs is open and less crowded than summer. Most hiking trails are clear by mid-June.

July: Peak season. String Lake warms to swimmable temps by mid-month. The Snake River gravel bars are at their most accessible. Jenny Lake is cold but swimmable. Granite Hot Springs is at full summer capacity. Grand Teton NP is at its busiest — expect parking challenges at popular trailheads.

August: The warmest month overall. String Lake hits its seasonal high. Phelps Lake is as warm as it will get. Snake River bars are wide and accessible. Afternoon thunderstorms are common — watch the western horizon and get off exposed peaks and lake shores quickly.

September: Crowds thin dramatically after Labor Day. Water temps drop but the golden aspen foliage in the Phelps Lake corridor and around String Lake is worth the trip alone. Granite Hot Springs becomes magical again in the cooler air.

Safety & Access Notes

  • Grand Teton NP entrance: Most of the top swim spots require a Grand Teton National Park pass ($35/vehicle for 7 days). The America the Beautiful annual pass covers entry.
  • Cold water shock: Jenny Lake and Phelps Lake are dangerously cold for extended swimming. Enter gradually, never dive in headfirst, and know the signs of cold water shock.
  • Snake River current: Do not enter the main Swift channel of the Snake during high water. The braided sections are generally safe for wading and gentle swimming.
  • Bear country: Phelps Lake and Granite Hot Springs area are active grizzly habitat. Carry bear spray and make noise on all trails.
  • Granite Hot Springs road: The 9-mile dirt access road can be rutted after rain — check road conditions before heading out.

FAQs

How far are swimming holes from Jackson?
String Lake and Jenny Lake are about 25 miles north of Jackson town center (30–35 minutes) inside Grand Teton NP. The Snake River gravel bars start just minutes from town. Phelps Lake trailhead is about 20 miles north (25 minutes). Granite Hot Springs is 45 miles southeast (about 55 minutes via Hoback Canyon plus a 9-mile dirt road).

Is the water safe to swim in near Jackson?
Yes. Grand Teton NP lakes and the Snake River are fed by clean snowmelt and glacial sources with no significant contamination. The main concern is cold water temperature — water below 60°F can cause cold shock and rapid hypothermia. Granite Hot Springs' developed pool is tested and maintained by the Forest Service.

Do I need a permit for swimming holes near Jackson?
No specific swim permits are required. Grand Teton National Park charges a $35/vehicle 7-day entry fee covering String Lake, Jenny Lake, and Phelps Lake. Granite Hot Springs charges a day-use soak fee ($8–10/person). Snake River access outside the park is generally free at designated public access points.

What should I bring to a swimming hole near Jackson?
A wetsuit or rash guard is genuinely useful for extended swimming in Grand Teton lakes — the water is cold enough to cut your time short without thermal protection. Also bring: bear spray, sun protection, water shoes, a dry bag for valuables, warm layers for after, and a National Parks pass if you plan multiple visits.

Responsible Recreation

Grand Teton National Park is one of the most visited parks in the country, and the pressure on String Lake and Jenny Lake in particular is significant. Stay off the fragile lakeshore vegetation and use established swim access areas only. Pack out all food waste — human food left behind habituates bears, which is a death sentence for the animals. On the Snake River, respect nesting areas for osprey and trumpeter swans, which use riverbanks throughout the park. At Granite Hot Springs, follow all Forest Service rules, don't bring glass containers into the pool area, and yield to families and other guests. The Tetons will outlast all of us — swim here with that in mind.