Grand Teton National Park guide · 2 min read
Boating Rules: Jackson, Jenny and String Lakes
Motorboats are allowed on only two lakes in Grand Teton: Jackson Lake and Jenny Lake. Jackson Lake has no top horsepower limit, though boats must still meet a noise restriction.
It is also the only lake where sailboats, windsurfing and water skiing are allowed. Four designated boat launches serve its shoreline, and Colter Bay Marina is one spot where you will see boats at anchor.
Rules on Jenny Lake are stricter. Motors there may not exceed 10 horsepower, and the lake has a single boat launch. Wherever you go in the park, jet skis are not permitted on any waterway.
String Lake and Leigh Lake are for human-powered boats only, which makes them a good fit for canoes, kayaks and paddleboards. Reach them by turning off the Teton Park Road at the North Jenny Lake Junction. String Lake is shallow, with clear water and a sandy bottom, so it suits an easy paddle. From there you can portage your boat up to Leigh Lake, which sits beneath Mount Moran. Leigh Lake has no road access, so only hikers and paddlers make it there. Non-motorized craft are also welcome on Phelps, Emma Matilda, Two Ocean, Taggart, Bradley and Bearpaw Lakes.
Every boat must carry a personal flotation device for each person aboard and must display an Aquatic Invasive Species decal. Wyoming state boating rules apply, and you may never run a boat while impaired by drink or drugs. Stay at least 1,000 feet from the Jackson Lake Dam. A campfire requires a permit and must sit below the high water line on Jackson Lake, and the east shore between Spaulding Bay and Lizard Creek Campground is off limits for fires.
Aside from these lakes and the Snake River, park waters are closed to boats. That includes alpine lakes and creeks such as Pacific Creek, Cottonwood Creek and Buffalo Fork.
