We kayaked in one of the most amazing places with our inflatable kayaks – The Grand Tetons!
Here is everything you need to know about bringing your kayak to the Grand Tetons.
Permits
Grand Teton National Park requires you to purchase a Grand Teton Boat Permit. The permit for non-motorized vessels is $25 for the whole year. You can purchase these permits at recreation.gov, Moose Visitors Center, or Colter Bay Visitors Center.
We purchased two permits for our two double kayaks at the Moose Visitors Center.
They were effortless to get. The rangers asked you a few questions about the size and color of your craft. Then, they give you your stickers, and you’re off! Kinda.
If your watercraft is over 10 feet, you must display a Wyoming Aquatic Invasive Species decal. The decal can be purchased online at the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website or from local vendors.
These kayaks are great because they are inflatable watercraft less than 10 feet long, so they are exempt from the Wyoming State AIS Decal requirement.
The official ruling states: Non-motorized inflatable watercraft 10 feet or less in length, all solid and inflatable paddleboards regardless of length, and all devices defined as water sport toys are exempt from the Wyoming State AIS Decal requirement.
Boat Inspection
Before you put your boat in the water, you must get it inspected.
So, after getting the permits, we drove across the road to get our kayaks inspected.
This process was straightforward. I thought we might need to inflate our kayaks for the inspections, but the ranger just opened the bag, looked around, and gave us the stamp of approval.
It really is a stamp of approval. The rangers give you a little card and stamp it with the date, and you must have this card on you as you are kayaking.
You need to get your kayak inspected each day that you use it.
Make sure your kayak is clean and dry to pass the inspection.
Kayaking!!
We took our kayaks to Jenny Lake for our adventure. We blew them up in the parking lot and carried them down to the lake about .25 miles away.
Then, we put them in the lake, and we were off!! Kayaking on Jenny Lake was so peaceful and relaxing. We were the only kayakers on the lake, and it felt like we had the entire park to ourselves.
The beauty of being on the lake surrounded by the towering mountains is indescribable. There is such a difference from experiencing the park through driving, hiking, and boating that makes this place so unique.
You can take non-motorized watercraft, like kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards, on the Snake River and Jackson, Jenny, Phelps, Emma Matilda, Two Ocean, Taggart, Bradley, Bearpaw, Leigh, and String lakes.
Kayaking on Lake Jenny in the Grand Tetons is an immersive experience that allows you to connect with nature in a profound way. It offers a unique perspective of the stunning scenery and will enable you to appreciate the tranquility and grandeur of this remarkable mountain environment. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a chance to explore the natural wonders of the Grand Tetons, kayaking on Lake Jenny is an unforgettable experience.
I wish we had more time to kayak in all the lakes, but that means we must go back!
