Jackson Lake Swims - Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

RE: Jackson Lake Swims - Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Former Member — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 08:22:22 GMT

Has anyone ventured a swim in Jackson Lake, Jackson, WY? I have been able to substantiate swimming is allowed. We were there several years ago in Aug and swam there. Water was cool in Aug, possibly in 60's. Pretty clear. Only one motorboat to watch out for at that time. Not sure what it would be like in June.

RE: Jackson Lake Swims - Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

pwprince — Sun, 06 Apr 2014 12:34:53 GMT

We were camped in the park on a peninsula. An island beckoned across the water. I don't remember what the water temperature was, but I swam to the island with my wife in a kayak. We switched on the way back. It was cold, very cold, but enjoyable. The marina posts the water temperature and allows swimming. Patrick

RE: Jackson Lake Swims - Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Former Member — Tue, 15 Oct 2013 08:04:29 GMT

Don't know about Grand Teton NP, but Glacier NP doesn't care. I have swum in four lakes, all in September, when they are warmest. Surface temp is about 60 (or colder), with a 5-degree drop rather fast. Someone has just finished a 10-year effort to immerse himself in all the named lakes in Glacier, and written about his experiences. Bears are often featured. I will try to find a link. glacierexplorer.com/.../ accessed the link finally - good entertainment glacierexplorer.com/.../ marc should try an open water swim or two.

RE: Jackson Lake Swims - Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

ViveBene — Wed, 11 Sep 2013 10:18:09 GMT

RE: Jackson Lake Swims - Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Former Member — Wed, 11 Sep 2013 09:24:30 GMT

In my experience in California and Colorado, big lakes at similar elevations are unswimmably cold in June, with water temps under 50F. Except maybe the recent Bering Strait relay swimmers ;-)

RE: Jackson Lake Swims - Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Former Member — Tue, 10 Sep 2013 15:42:59 GMT

Thanks for the info - very helpful. Will have to research hiking Jenny lake too.

RE: Jackson Lake Swims - Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Former Member — Tue, 10 Sep 2013 14:27:22 GMT

no luck with water temperature - I have posted an email to the national park. I might have better luck searching other Wyoming lake temperatures in an effort to handicap water temperatures at Jackson Lake. I am not concerned provided water temperature is higher than 55 F. The family is traveling to Jackson, WY, for a wedding in June 2014.

RE: Jackson Lake Swims - Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

ourswimmer — Tue, 10 Sep 2013 11:29:54 GMT

In my experience in California and Colorado, big lakes at similar elevations are unswimmably cold in June, with water temps under 50F. You would have better odds of water over 55F if you were going in August or September. According to Wikipedia, "The water of the lake averages below 60°F (16°C), even during the summer."

RE: Jackson Lake Swims - Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

mwest42 — Tue, 10 Sep 2013 01:51:21 GMT

I swam in Jenny Lake a few years ago; it's near Jackson Lake and probably around the same temperature. I don't know what the exact water temperature is, but I'd qualify it as: friggin' cold. I do believe it's above 55F though. String Lake, which is just north of Jenny Lake, is supposedly warmer because it's not as deep.

RE: Jackson Lake Swims - Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Former Member — Mon, 09 Sep 2013 06:36:58 GMT

What's the water temperature?