The 10 Most Amazing Lakes to Visit in Wyoming
For those who enjoy spending time outdoors, there is plenty to explore in Wyoming. The state’s diverse landscape means there are mountains, wildlife reserves, national forests, national historic trails, national recreation areas, and national parks to explore. There are also more than 4,000 lakes in Wyoming, so it is likely you will want to spend some time by the water during your visit to this destination. Here are the 10 most amazing lakes to visit in Wyoming.
10. Taggart Lake, Teton County
Taggart Lake sits 2,104 meters above sea level in the Grand Teton National Park. It sits in the Avalanche Canyon, and there are wonderful views across the national park from the lake. The lake measures 45 hectares, and there are hiking trails in the surrounding area. A visit to this lake is a fantastic day trip from Beaver Creek.
9. Lower Slide Lake, Teton County
Lower Slide Lake is a gorgeous natural lake within the stunning setting of the Bridger-Teton National Forest in Teton County. The lake was formed when a landslide dammed the Gros Ventre River in 1925. It is a popular fishing spot, as the lake is filled with an abundance of Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat trout, lake trout, and mountain whitefish. People also enjoy boating on Lower Slide Lake, and Atherton Creek Boating Site sits on the northern shoreline of the lake. There is also the Slide Lake Boating Site on the lake’s western tip.
8. Lake Alice, Lincoln County
The largest natural lake in the Bridger-Teton National Forest is Lake Alice in Lincoln County. It was created thousands of years ago following a landslide from Lake Mountain. Visitors cannot access the shore of the lake by car, so they must hike, mountain bike, or ride on horseback to see the lake and enjoy its serene and beautiful surroundings. At the south end of the lake is a picnic area, and there are nine campsites along the southeast shoreline of Lake Alice.
7. Lewis Lake, Teton County
Trip 101 recommends a trip to Lewis Lake, which is in the Yellowstone National Park. While there are things to enjoy on the shore, most people who visit do so to enjoy water-based activities, such as boat trips. It is also a popular spot for fishing for brown trout, lake trout, and Yellowstone cutthroat trout.
6. Phelps Lake, Teton County
Phelps Lake sits at the entrance to Death Canyon within Grand Teton National Park. The canyon was formed by glaciers more than 15,000 years ago. Around the 300-hectare lake, there are peaks and forests. A famous feature of the lake is the jumping rock, which is a rock that juts out from the northern edge of the lake that people use as a diving board. There are several hiking trails that lead to the lake, although there is no vehicular access.
5. Jenny Lake, Teton County
Jenny Lake is one of the most spectacular lakes in Wyoming. Cascade Canyon was formed when glaciers pushed rock debris together more than 12,000 years ago, and a lake formed in the hole. Jenny Lake is the highlight of the Grand Teton National Park and one of the state’s most popular places to visit for outdoor enthusiasts, as it is surrounded by hiking trails. Peaks from the Teton Range surround the lake, and some of the trails take walkers to elevated positions in the peaks that have breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding scenery. Visitors to the lake can also enjoy a boat ride to see the views from a different perspective.
4. Leigh Lake, Teton County
Leigh Lake is a glacial lake in Grand Teton National Park that sits 2,096 meters above sea level and measures 725 hectares. Although it is only a small lake, it boasts some of the most picturesque scenery, so it is one to include in your vacation itinerary. You can only access the lake by walking along the Leigh Lake Trail, which begins at the North Jenny Lake Junction. Completing the hike in a day is achievable, but there is the option to stay in one of the campsites if you want to split the hike or enjoy activities such as rowing, kayaking, and canoeing on the lake.
3. Yellowstone Lake, Teton County
Located within the Yellowstone National Park, Yellowstone Lake sits 2,100 meters above sea level. As it measures 35,000 hectares, it is the largest freshwater lake in North America. It is a popular spot for fishing, especially for Yellowstone cutthroat trout, and there is a fishing bridge on the north tip of the lake. The lake is surrounded by camping grounds and hiking trails. Another popular activity is taking a boat trip across the lake.
2. Flaming George Reservoir, Sweetwater County
The largest reservoir in Wyoming is the Flaming George Reservoir, which measures 17,000 hectares. Although part of the lake is in Utah, most of this body of water sits along the Green River in the Flaming George National Recreation Area in Sweetwater County, Wyoming. The lake is set in a narrow gorge that is a picturesque backdrop to the water. Depending on the time of year that you visit, some popular activities at this lake include camping, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, windsurfing, fishing, water skiing, snowmobiling, and boating.
1. Jackson Lake, Teton County
According to The Crazy Tourist, one of the most amazing lakes to visit in Wyoming is Jackson Lake in Teton County. It is in the Grand Teton National Park in western Wyoming, and the lake sits 2,064 meters above sea level. Jackson Lake is a natural glacial lake that was expanded in 1901, and it measures 10,340 hectares. It is surrounded by magnificent mountain peaks, so the scenery is spectacular. If you prefer to enjoy the natural beauty in solitude, then hike along the tranquil western shoreline. For those who prefer to enjoy activities, head to the eastern shoreline, where there are marinas, lodges, camping grounds, watersports, and restaurants.
