Can You Swim In Jenny Lake?

Jenny Lake is a glacially carved alpine lake in Grand Teton National Park in northwestern Wyoming, about 20 miles north of the town of Jackson. The lake sits at an elevation of approximately 6,800 feet, covers roughly 1,100 acres, and reaches depths of about 250 feet. It was formed by glacial activity thousands of years ago, and its water comes primarily from snowmelt and Cascade Creek, which feeds into the lake from the west side. The result is some of the clearest water in the Greater Yellowstone area — and some of the coldest.

Can You Swim in Jenny Lake?

Yes. Swimming is permitted in Jenny Lake and in most other bodies of water within Grand Teton National Park. The National Park Service allows swimming and wading in all park waters except in designated restricted areas. For Jenny Lake specifically, swimming is prohibited in the northwestern corner of the lake near the Jenny Lake Boat Concession (the ferry dock area) to prevent conflicts between swimmers and boat traffic. Everywhere else along the lakeshore, swimming is allowed.

That said, Jenny Lake is extremely cold. Even in the warmest weeks of July and August, surface temperatures typically reach only the low-to-mid 50s°F (around 10–13°C). The lake is deep and fed by snowmelt, so it does not warm up the way shallow lakes do. Most visitors who swim in Jenny Lake stay in briefly — a quick plunge after a hike rather than an extended swim. A wetsuit makes longer swims feasible but is not something most casual visitors bring.

Where to Access the Water

The easiest access to Jenny Lake’s shoreline is from the Jenny Lake area on the east side of the lake, near the visitor center and boat dock. A paved path leads from the parking area to the lakeshore, and there are several small rocky beaches along the eastern shore where you can wade in. You can also access more secluded stretches of shoreline by walking the Jenny Lake Loop Trail, which circles the entire lake (approximately 7.7 miles). The further you walk from the parking area, the fewer people you will encounter.

A Better Swimming Option: String Lake

If you want to swim comfortably in Grand Teton, String Lake is the better choice. Located just north of Jenny Lake and connected to it by a short portage trail, String Lake is shallow (most areas are wadeable) and warms up significantly more than Jenny Lake during summer. The sandy bottom is gentler on feet than the rocky shores of other Teton lakes, making it the most family-friendly swimming spot in the park. A picnic area with parking is located at the south end of String Lake. This is the most popular swimming area in Grand Teton and fills up quickly on summer weekends — arrive before 9 a.m. to find parking.

Other Swimming Spots in the Park

Grand Teton has two areas with designated swimming beaches: Colter Bay (near the picnic area on Jackson Lake) and Signal Mountain (near the campground, also on Jackson Lake). Jackson Lake is large and deep, so the water is cold but swimmable in summer. Swimming is prohibited at Jackson Lake’s marinas and boat mooring areas.

Several backcountry lakes are also swimmable if you are willing to hike. Taggart Lake (3.5-mile roundtrip hike) and Bradley Lake (slightly further) both offer alpine swimming with dramatic Teton views. Leigh Lake, accessible by a short hike from the String Lake trailhead, is more secluded and less crowded than the roadside options.

Snake River

The Snake River flows through Grand Teton National Park and is open to swimming and wading in most sections. However, inner tubes, air mattresses, and similar personal flotation devices are prohibited on all rivers and streams in the park. The NPS restricts these because the rivers carry debris that creates hazards for floating. Swimming is also prohibited within 150 feet downstream of the Jackson Lake Dam due to dangerous currents.

Snorkeling and Diving

Underwater diving and snorkeling are only permitted in Jenny Lake and Jackson Lake, and only within areas where swimming is allowed. Snorkeling and diving are prohibited in all other park waters. Jenny Lake’s exceptional clarity makes it appealing for snorkeling, though the cold water limits how long most people stay in.

Cold-Water Safety

The biggest risk when swimming in Grand Teton’s lakes is cold-water shock and hypothermia. Water in the low 50s°F can cause involuntary gasping, rapid breathing, and loss of muscle control within minutes. Even strong swimmers can become incapacitated by cold water faster than they expect. Practical precautions for swimming in Jenny Lake and other Teton waters:

Enter the water gradually — do not jump or dive in. Give your body time to adjust to the cold. Stay close to shore, especially if you do not have a wetsuit. Swim with a partner; never swim alone in cold alpine water. Keep your swim short unless you are wearing proper cold-water gear. Know your exit point before you enter — if you start feeling numb or having difficulty moving your limbs, get out immediately. Be aware that the lake bottom is rocky in most areas; water shoes or sturdy sandals are strongly recommended. There are no lifeguards anywhere in Grand Teton National Park.

Practical Visitor Info

Grand Teton National Park requires an entrance fee: $35 per vehicle (valid for 7 days), or use an America the Beautiful annual pass ($80). The Jenny Lake area is one of the busiest sections of the park. The Jenny Lake Campground is tents-only (no RVs), with 49 sites that are extremely competitive to reserve — book through Recreation.gov well in advance. The Jenny Lake Visitor Center is open during summer months and has rangers, maps, and restroom facilities. Yellowstone National Park is approximately 10 miles north of Grand Teton’s northern boundary, and many visitors combine the two parks in a single trip.