Wyoming's Best Lakes and Waterfronts

Wyoming is landlocked but has extraordinary freshwater — fed by snowmelt from the Wind River Range, Tetons, and Absarokas. Its lakes range from high-altitude glacial tarns to large mountain valley reservoirs.

Jackson Lake (Grand Teton NP)
The largest lake in Grand Teton National Park — a natural glacial lake enlarged by a dam at its outlet. At 15 miles long and 439 feet deep, Jackson Lake provides the dramatic foreground for views of the Teton Range's north faces. Signal Mountain gives an aerial view of the lake and the valley. Motorboating, kayaking, and fishing (cutthroat trout, lake trout, whitefish) are popular. The Colter Bay Village marina is the main access point.

Yellowstone Lake
The largest high-elevation lake in North America at 7,733 feet — 20 miles long, 14 miles wide, and up to 430 feet deep. Yellowstone Lake is thermally active: hydrothermal vents on the lake bottom warm sections of the water; the West Thumb Geyser Basin sits directly on the lake's shoreline. The lake has the nation's largest inland population of native cutthroat trout. In early summer, the lake is still partially frozen; water temperatures remain cold enough to cause hypothermia within minutes of immersion.

Fremont Lake (Pinedale)
Wyoming's second-largest natural lake, at the foot of the Wind River Range southwest of Pinedale. Fremont Lake is 10 miles long and 607 feet deep — one of the deepest lakes in Wyoming. The lake was scoured by glaciers; the moraine dam at its south end is clearly visible. Motorboating, kayaking, and fishing are excellent. The lake gives front-row views of the Wind River Range summits.

Boysen Reservoir (Thermopolis)
A warm-water reservoir on the Wind River — one of Wyoming's few places suitable for water-skiing and tubing in summer. The surrounding canyon geology (Boysen Canyon) adds drama. Fishing for walleye and perch is productive.