Boating and Water Sports

Water sports in Grand Teton are diverse. You can float the Snake River, which runs high and fast early in the season (May and June) and more slowly in late summer. Canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) dominate the smaller lakes and share the water with motorboats on large Jackson Lake and smaller Jenny Lake (which has an engine limit of 10 horsepower). You can launch your boat at Colter Bay, Leek's Marina, Signal Mountain, and Spalding Bay on Jackson Lake and at the launch on the south shore of Jenny Lake, just off Lupine Meadows Road.

Before launching on any of the state's waters, including those in the park, you must purchase a seasonal permit ($40 for motorized boats, $12 for nonmotorized, including SUPs), available year-round at Craig Thomas and Colter Bay visitor centers, where you can also check with rangers about current conditions. You also must go through an AIS (Aquatic Invasive Species) inspection, which costs $30 for motorized boats and $15 for nonmotorized; the nearest inspection sites are at the Moose and Moran park entrance stations.

Additionally, many guided float trips are offered on calm-water sections of the Snake; outfitters pick you up at the float-trip parking area near Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center for a 15-minute drive to upriver launch sites. Ponchos and life preservers are provided. Early morning and evening floats are your best bets for wildlife viewing. Be sure to carry a jacket or sweater. Float season runs from mid-April to mid-October.

Colter Bay Village Marina. All types of services are available to boaters, including, guided fishing trips, boat rentals, and fuel. Jackson Lake cruises launch from here. On Jackson Lake, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, 83013. 307/543–3100; 800/628–9988; www.gtlc.com/activities/marina.

Leek's Marina. At this Signal Mountain Lodge–operated marina on the northern end of Jackson Lake, there are boat rentals, nightly buoys, an excellent pizza restaurant, and parking for boat trailers and other vehicles for up to three nights. U.S. 89/191/287, 6 miles north of Jackson Lake Junction, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, 83013. 307/543–2831; www.signalmountainlodge.com. Mid-May–late Sept..

Signal Mountain Lodge Marina. This Jackson Lake marina rents pontoon boats, deck cruisers, motorboats, kayaks, and canoes by the hour or all day. Signal Mountain Lodge Rd., Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, 83013. 307/543–2831; www.signalmountainlodge.com. Mid-May–late Sept..

Tours and Outfitters

Barker-Ewing Scenic Float Trips. Float along a peaceful 10-mile stretch of the Snake River within the park and look for wildlife as knowledgeable guides talk about area history, geology, plants, and animals. Private custom trips can also be arranged. Moose, Wyoming, 83012. 307/733–1800; 800/365–1800; www.barkerewing.com. From $80. May–Sept..

Colter Bay Village Marina. You can rent motorboats, kayaks, and canoes at Colter Bay from Grand Teton Lodge Company. Guided fishing trips are also available. Colter Bay Village Rd., Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, 83013. 307/543–3100; www.gtlc.com. Late May–Sept..

Rendezvous River Sports. However you'd like to hit the water, the river rats at Rendezvous are here to help. They offer instruction for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking, as well as guided trips on area rivers and lakes. Or you could choose a backcountry adventure in the national parks. The shop rents kayaks, canoes, rafts, and paddleboards. 945 W. Broadway , Jackson, Wyoming, 83001. 307/733–2471; www.jacksonholekayak.com. From $205. Mar.–Nov..

National Park Float Trips. The knowledgeable and charismatic Triangle X guides will row you down 10 miles of the Snake River through pristine riparian habitat in Grand Teton National Park. For the best wildlife viewing, book a dawn or evening dinner float. Moose, Wyoming, 83012. 307/733–5500; nationalparkfloattrips.com. From $82. Mid-May–Sept..