Wyoming is home to some of the most breathtaking freshwater lakes in North America, many of them tucked into remote mountain basins or carved out by ancient glaciers thousands of years ago. The state's diverse geography — spanning the Absaroka Range, the Wind River Mountains, and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem — creates the ideal conditions for lakes of extraordinary clarity and beauty. Whether you're drawn to paddleboarding on glassy morning water, casting a line for native cutthroat trout, or simply camping along a shoreline far from the crowds, Wyoming's lakes offer a remarkably wide range of outdoor experiences. Water temperatures, accessibility, and surrounding terrain vary significantly from lake to lake, so it's worth understanding what each destination is best suited for before you head out. Altitude is also a key factor here — many of Wyoming's most stunning lakes sit above 9,000 feet, which means short summer seasons, unpredictable afternoon weather, and the need to pack and plan accordingly.
Carved by glaciers over 12,000 years ago, Jenny Lake sits at the base of Cascade Canyon in Grand Teton National Park, covering 1,200 acres and reaching depths of around 265 feet. Over a million visitors arrive each year to hike, kayak, swim, and camp along its famously clear shores. A shuttle boat ferries adventurers across the lake to the trailheads for Hidden Falls—a spectacular 100-foot waterfall—and Inspiration Point, which delivers sweeping views of Jackson Hole and the Teton Range. The 7.2-mile Jenny Lake Loop trail circles the entire lake and offers wildlife sightings, with moose, elk, and deer frequently spotted along the southwestern shore. For those who want to explore the water independently, canoes and kayaks are available for hourly or full-day rentals at the boat landing.
Fremont Lake is Wyoming's second-largest natural lake—stretching 12 miles long and reaching depths of up to 610 feet, making it the seventh deepest lake in the country. Situated just 3.2 miles from Pinedale in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, it was naturally sculpted by receding glaciers roughly 70,000 years ago and is considered one of the top ten cleanest lakes in the nation. The lake's clear waters support thriving populations of lake trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon, drawing anglers year-round, while kayakers, canoeers, sailors, and water skiers all share the surface. Hikers can follow Skyline Drive up to the Elkhart Park Trailhead for Wind River Mountain trails leading to Photographer's Point and Seneca Lake. In winter, the lake transforms into a hub for ice fishing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.
Tucked in the southern reach of Grand Teton National Park, Phelps Lake spans 750 acres and is fringed by dense forest and dramatic mountain cliffs that plunge directly into its emerald waters. The lake is famous for its natural jumping rock, where adventurous swimmers leap from the cliffs into the refreshingly cold water below—one of Wyoming's most thrilling summer experiences. Hikers can access the lake via the Phelps Lake Overlook Trail, which rewards trekkers with breathtaking aerial views before descending to the shore, or continue onto the Death Canyon Trailhead through rugged rocks and pine forests. Paddleboarders and kayakers can rent craft and explore the tranquil coves, while anglers cast from the shoreline or a canoe. The Valley Trail also skirts the lake's edge, connecting Phelps to a 40-mile network of trails running the length of the Teton Range.
Brooks Lake sits at 9,200 feet elevation in the Shoshone National Forest near Togwotee Pass, cradled beneath the dramatic volcanic spires of Pinnacle Buttes and flanked by meadows of summer wildflowers. The 234-acre lake provides access to trailheads leading into the Washakie Wilderness and a series of alpine lakes beyond, with routes reaching summits above 11,000 feet that offer panoramic views stretching to Yellowstone and the Tetons. Anglers find good populations of trout in the cold water, and the boat ramp provides access for paddlers looking to explore the lake's glassy surface beneath the Buttes. The historic Brooks Lake Lodge, built in 1922 in Craftsman style, still operates nearby and adds a backcountry elegance to the experience. In winter, the Togwotee Pass area surrounding the lake is recognized as one of the best snowmobile destinations in the Rocky Mountains.
Leigh Lake is one of Grand Teton National Park's most underrated gems, located just north of Jenny Lake and covering 1,792 acres of brilliantly clear glacial water. The lake is a top destination for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding, with its calm, unobstructed surface offering jaw-dropping reflections of Mount Moran and the Cathedral Group throughout the day. Backcountry campsites line the western shore, making it possible to paddle across and spend the night with the Teton peaks as a backdrop—one of the more memorable wilderness camping experiences in the American West. The hiking trails surrounding the lake connect directly to the String Lake and Jenny Lake trail networks, giving visitors access to a vast web of routes. Sandy beaches and shallow entry points also make Leigh Lake accessible for swimmers and families.
String Lake is a narrow, shallow connector lake in Grand Teton National Park that links Leigh Lake to the north and Jenny Lake to the south, making it a natural hub for trail access and water recreation. Its shallow depth means the water warms more quickly than the park's deeper lakes, making it one of the few genuinely comfortable spots for swimming in the Tetons. The 3.7-mile String Lake Loop trail is rated highly by visitors for its clear lake views, Teton peak vistas, and diverse wildlife sightings along the forested shoreline. Non-motorized craft like kayaks and paddleboards glide easily on the calm, crystal-clear water, and the trailhead also gives quick access to Paintbrush Canyon, Leigh Lake, and the Jenny Lake Loop. Arriving early is strongly recommended, as parking fills rapidly on summer mornings.
Taggart Lake is a 110-acre alpine lake in Grand Teton National Park with a fascinating backstory—it was formed in part by debris dams created after a major wildfire swept through the area in the late 1800s. The moderate 3-mile round-trip trail to the lake is one of the park's most popular hikes, winding through sagebrush flats and aspen groves before revealing a stunning shoreline framed by the jagged Teton peaks. Anglers wade in to target brook and rainbow trout, while the clear, cold water rewards swimmers willing to brave the temperatures. The trail can be extended by looping through nearby Bradley Lake, a slightly larger body of water at 250 acres, for a more full-day outing. In winter, the area around Taggart Lake transforms into a peaceful snowshoe and cross-country ski destination with well-marked routes from the same trailhead.
New Fork Lake is actually two connected glacial lakes—Upper and Lower—joined by a narrow channel along the New Fork River, sitting at 7,800 feet in the Wind River Mountains within Bridger-Teton National Forest. The lakes maintain exceptionally clean water with well below-average levels of contaminants, with Lower New Fork Lake typically showing the highest clarity of the two. The surrounding terrain borders the rugged Bridger Wilderness, placing world-class backcountry hiking and fishing just steps from the shoreline, along with a group campground ideal for organized expeditions. The lake is well-regarded for fishing, with native cutthroat trout and other species inhabiting the cold, clear depths fed by snowmelt and river inflow. Kayakers and canoeers are drawn to the calm channel between the two lakes, which offers a unique paddling experience threading through aspen groves and mountain meadows.
