Swan Lake and Heron Pond Loop

Distance: 3.3 miles

Grand Teton National Park, near Grand Teton NP in Tetons

Heron Pond

Heron Pond

 

Scenic Swan Lake and Heron Pond, nestled in lodgepole pine forest, offer good opportunities to see waterfowl and sometimes beaver and moose. Sections of the loop trail offer fine views of Mount Moran and its neighboring peaks towering above Jackson Lake.

  • Distance: 3.3 miles (Loop)
  • Elevation: 6,790-ft. at Trailhead
    Maximum elevation - 6,840-ft.
  • Elevation Gain: 50-ft.
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Basecamp: Grand Teton NP / Jackson Hole
  • Region: Tetons

 

Trail Description - Swan Lake and Heron Pond Loop

This easy, family-friendly hike travels through meadows and forest to scenic Swan Lake and Heron Pond with opportunities to see waterfowl and wildlife. Beautiful views from Colter Bay and Heron Pond stretch west to Mount Moran and nearby peaks towering above Jackson Lake.

The trail is a good option if you are looking for an easy day or if bad weather is threatening the higher elevation trails and walks near the foot of the range. The trail is also a good shoulder season hike when snow blankets the higher elevation trails.

From the parking area to the south of the Colter Bay Visitor Center (see driving directions below), walk south on the paved road toward the boat landing area. Here you will see a sign reading, “Foot Trail Only – No Road.” This is the start of the trail to Swan Lake and Heron Pond.

The mostly level trail follows the old service road that curves around the south side of the Colter Bay Marina. Soon views open to majestic Mount Moran (12,605-ft.) towering above the west side of Jackson Lake.

At a junction at 0.4 miles, bear left toward Swan Lake. The trail now heads southeast through meadows. At the next junction continue straight ahead toward Swan Lake. Soon the trail enters the forest and curves to the right (south), reaching the northwest shore of Swan Lake at 0.8 miles. Follow the trail as it travels through trees along the west lake shore. Short spur trails lead to overlooks. Lily pads fill large portions of the lake. Keep an eye out for water fowl along with beavers and moose.

Reach the south end of Swan Lake at 1.5 miles. Here the trail turns right (southwest), wandering through trees and small meadows to a junction near the east shore of Heron Pond at 1.7 miles. To the left is the Hermitage Point trail. To the right is the return leg of our loop, heading back to Colter Bay. Straight ahead a spur trail drops down to the lake shore.

Before returning to Colter Bay, take the spur trail dropping down the shore of Heron Lake. Here Mount Moran and Bivouac Peak (10,825-ft.) form a lovely backdrop for Heron Lake and Half Moon Bay, visible beyond the pretty pond. Heron is another good place to look for waterfowl, otters and moose. On my last visit I watched an otter swimming between the shore and his den near.

Return to the junction after visiting the lake. If you wish to see more of the lake, walk south on the trail toward Hermitage Point. The path now curves to the right (west) around the south shore of Heron Lake with good views across Heron Pond to Eagles Rest Peak (11,258-ft.) and Range Peak (11,355) rising above the west side of Jackson Lake. When you are done enjoying the views retrace your steps back to the junction.

At the junction take the trail heading back to Colter Bay. The trail travels along Heron Pond’s eastern shore with more lovely views of the high peaks to the west.

Pass a junction branching left at 2.3 miles. Continue straight ahead toward Colter Bay. Reach the south end of Colter Bay and a junction at 2.7 miles. Continue straight ahead on the trail that heads north along the shore toward Colter Bay. Stay on the trail along the bay at the next intersection at 3.0 miles and return to the trailhead at 3.3 miles.

Elevation Profile

Elevation Profile - Swan Lake and Heron Pond hiking trail

Driving Directions

From Jackson, WY: From the main square at North Cache and Broadway in Jackson Hole, WY, head north on North Cache Street (US-191 N / US-26 E) for 30.2 miles to the junction with US Highway 26. Turn left to stay on US 191-N (US-287 / US-89). Go through the Grand Teton National Park Entrance station in 0.2 miles and then continue straight ahead for 9.3 miles to the junction with Colter Bay Village.

Turn left onto the Colter Bay Village Road and follow the road for 0.9 miles to end of the road and a “T” intersection. The Colter Bay Visitor Center is to the right. We turn left onto Colter Bay Marina Road and park as close as possible to the south end of the road. Walk south from the parking area, following the paved road that leads down towards the boat landing area. Here you will see a "Foot Trail Only - No Road." This marks trailhead for the Heron Pond, Swan Lake and for the Hermitage Point trail.

From Teton Village, WY: Head out of the village and turn left on the Moose-Wilson Road. Follow the road for 1.1 miles to the park entrance/fee station. Beyond the fee station drive 6.9 miles on the narrow, winding road and turn right on Teton Park Road. Follow Teton Park Road for 0.7 miles and then turn left on US 191 N (US 287 N / US 89). Drive for 17.8 miles to the junction with US Highway 26. Turn left to stay on US 191-N (US-287 / US-89). Go through the Grand Teton National Park Entrance station in 0.2 miles and then continue straight ahead for 9.3 miles to the junction with Colter Bay Village.

Turn left onto the Colter Bay Village Road and follow the road for 0.9 miles to end of the road and a “T” intersection. The Colter Bay Visitor Center is to the right. We turn left onto Colter Bay Marina Road and park as close as possible to the south end of the road. Walk south from the parking area, following the paved road that leads down towards the boat landing area. Here you will see a "Foot Trail Only - No Road." This marks trailhead for the Heron Pond, Swan Lake and for the Hermitage Point trail.

 

Trail Resources