Heron Pond / Swan Lake Loop Trail of Grand Teton National Park

Heron Pond / Swan Lake Loop 8

Heron Pond / Swan Lake Loop 9

Heron Pond / Swan Lake Loop 10

Heron Pond / Swan Lake Loop 11

Heron Pond / Swan Lake Loop 12

Heron Pond / Swan Lake Loop 13

Heron Pond / Swan Lake Loop 14

Heron Pond / Swan Lake Loop 15

Heron Pond / Swan Lake Loop 16

Heron Pond / Swan Lake Loop 1

Heron Pond / Swan Lake Loop 2

Heron Pond / Swan Lake Loop 3

Heron Pond / Swan Lake Loop 4

Heron Pond / Swan Lake Loop 5

Heron Pond / Swan Lake Loop 6

Heron Pond / Swan Lake Loop 7

Location: Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Length: 3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 300 feet
GPS coordinates: N 43 54.031   W 110 38.533

Grand Teton National Park is special among all US national parks. Most of its rivers and lakes got their names as a result of expeditions in 1872. It is also the only national park of all, where there is an airport. The numerous lakes of the park attract a great diversity of waterfowl, and the height and beauty of its rocks, lots of gorges and the complexity of the climbing routes make the Teton a real Mecca of American climbing. Sounds of life never become silent here – mammals, birds, insects and amphibians rightly considered this reserve their own home. And the extraordinary and picturesque nature of the park draws awe and admiration from the tourists.

The Heron Pond / Swan Lake Loop Trail is an admirable three mile hike allowing to enjoy the beauty of several water bodies of Grand Teton – Heron Pond, Swan Lake and the Colter Bay situating at the eastern part of Jackson Lake.

The starting point of the trail is located at Hermitage Point Trailhead. The beginning of the trail, meandering along the shore of Colter Bay among lodgepole pines will please you with exquisite views of Mount Moran and Rockchuck Peak. At 0,4 mile the trail splits to make a loop, right fork leading to Heron Pond and left fork – to Swan Lake.
Whatever direction you chose for your hike (clockwise or counterclockwise) you will be impressed by the outstanding scenery of the area. Strikingly magnificent mountains towering behind the lakes are creating exceptional scenery for your photos. Be ready as well to meet some indigenous inhabitants of this area – moose, otter, bear, elk and deer, as well as a great variety of waterfowl considering the lakes their home.

For your convenience we would suggest having a trail-map with you during the hike, as you will face several trail-junctions and the map can be really handy not to get lost.

Photo: Roman Khomlyak
Photo Editing: Juliana Voitsikhovska
Information: Svetlana Baranova
Pictures taken: 10/9/16