Introduction:
What? :
If you're seeking a serene, less-crowded hike with breathtaking views in Grand Teton National Park, look no further than the Hermitage Point Trail.
This scenic hike offers panoramic views of the Teton Range, peaceful lakeshore vistas, and a deep dive into the park's diverse ecosystems. It's a perfect day hike for people who want to connect with the quieter side of the Tetons.
Where? :
The Hermitage Point Trail begins at the Colter Bay Visitor Center, located on the eastern shore of Jackson Lake in the northern part of Grand Teton National Park.
From Jackson, WY: Drive about 40 miles north via US-191/US-89/US-26. The route follows the Snake River and offers stunning views.
Once in Colter Bay Village, park near the Visitor Center, on the left side of the large parking lot, near Colter Bay Marina & Boat Launch. The trailhead is well marked.
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When? :
Grand Teton National Park is open year-round, but most roads are not open to vehicles in the winter due to heavy snow.
The park tourist season is from late May through September.
Park service are open
High elevation trails are mostly snow-free
Wildflowers are blooming
Waterfalls are flowing
Wildlife is active
Shuttle boat across Jenny Lake is running
My personal recommendations are to visit Grand Teton National Park during the month of September.
The park is not as crowded as the peak tourist season of the summer months, the weather is ideal for hiking, it is not so hot or cold, all the roads are still open and the animals are in their active months.
Another option is during June when the snow is mainly cleared, all is green and the animals are getting out and active after the long winter.
Summer:
This is the peak Season (Mid-June to Mid-September)
All park roads are open to personal vehicles, making it easy to drive up to all attractions.
It is very crowded here during the summer months. The crowds exist in all park roads and tourist destinations.
Days are usually warm days (70-80f), but nights can still be cool. Afternoon thunderstorms are common.
All lodges, hotels and campgrounds are open, high price and reservations need many months in advance.
Fall:
Fall season is short (Mid-September to end October) offering pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds than summer.
All roads are still open (most interior roads close to vehicles by early November), usually there is no heavy snow but you should expect a mix of sunny and rainy days and cold temperatures.
Daytime highs can range from the 40-70F, with nights dropping below freezing.
Winter:
US Highway 89/191/26 (the outer road) is open year-round and plowed for traffic. This is the main north-south highway that runs from the town of Jackson through the park and continues toward Yellowstone. The park inner roads are typically closed to wheeled vehicles from November 1 through April 30 (dates can vary based on weather).
From approximately November through May, most visitor facilities, including visitor centers, campgrounds, and lodges, are closed or operate on very limited schedules.
Avoid visiting in early spring or late fall if you’re aiming for a hike, snow and ice may make higher elevations impassable.
The weather is cold with daytime temperatures between 0-20f.
You need proper, layered, waterproof and warm winter clothing is essential.
Spring:
Spring is a very short season, practically in May and early June.
Crowds are minimal, especially in April and May, making for a quiet visit.
Weather is unpredictable, with the potential for warm, pleasant days mixed with snow, rain, and freezing temperatures.
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Tips and inputs:
Due note 1:
This is a popular trail.
Due note 2:
Near the parking lot you can find restrooms and many other tourist facilities.
Due note 3:
This can be a long hike if you are hiking all the way to Hermitage Point, bring with you plenty of water (2 liters per person)
Bring snacks or light lunch.
Due note 4:
Dress in Layers: Grand Teton weather can change quickly even during the summer months. Be prepared for sun, rain, and cool temperatures. Some sections of the trail are exposed to the sun so bring a hat, use sunscreen and sunglasses.
Due note 5:
Carry bear spray, know how to use it, and keep it accessible (not in your backpack). Hike in groups and make noise, especially in the forested and backcountry sections.
Due note 6:
Animals observe Safe Distances: Always maintain a safe and legal distance: 100 yards (91 meters) from bears and wolves, and 25 yards (23 meters) from all other animals, including bison and elk.
Due note 5:
The trail system in this area is well-marked and clear but always when hiking in the wilderness have an electronic map in your phone and bring a paper map with you.
Due note 6:
Bring with you a good binocular, or even better, a viewing telescope. Many of the most animals are often viewed at a distance. Animals may be far and hard to spot. If you have a viewing telescope a cellphone camera magnetic mount is highly recommended.
Due note 7:
Limited Cell Service – Don't rely on GPS or mobile maps; download offline maps before you go.
My thoughts:
I really liked my time here, I spent the afternoon here all the way to sunset and darkness.
The view of the lake with the mountains on the far side was amazing.
The Hike:
The Hermitage Point Trail is a moderate flat 9.7-mile loop that takes about 4 to 6 hours to complete depending on pace and breaks.
The route gently flat, rolls through dense forests, passes along wetlands and ponds, through meadows, and along the lakeshore.
Starting at Colter Bay Marina the first mile is shared with the Lakeshore Trail, offering views of Jackson Lake and the Tetons.
About 1.5 miles in, take a short detour to see Heron Pond and Swan Lake. Here you can go out on one trail and hike out on another.
Continuing on, the trail winds through pine forests and open sagebrush meadows
You’ll be treated to quiet solitude and sweeping views of the Teton Range.
At the farthest point of the hike, you’ll reach Hermitage Point itself. This is a wonderful spot for lunch or a long break, with wide-open views across Jackson Lake to the towering Tetons beyond. The serenity and scenery make the distance well worth it.
The loop returns south and east, gently climbing back through similar terrain. The path eventually rejoins with connector trails to Lakeshore Trail, guiding you back to the Colter Bay area.
When I hiked here (Sep. 2025) late afternoon, just before sunset I was the only one in the parking lot and on the trail. This was quite a solitude experience.
At some point of the hike I saw a black bear walking in the bushes not far from me. He saw me, we exchanged eye contact, and he kept going into the forest. I did not follow him and let him enjoy the relaxing afternoon.
Final Thought:
The Hermitage Point Trail is a hidden gem within Grand Teton National Park, it is less trafficked than many of the park’s famous hikes, but equally stunning. It offers a diverse landscape, incredible lake and mountain ridges views, and a chance to experience the tranquility of the Tetons away from the crowds.
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