Christian Pond is a small marsh pond just east of Jackson Lake Lodge in Grand Teton National Park — and one of the best easy wildlife walks in the region. Famous for nesting trumpeter swans, moose and a wealth of waterfowl, it is ringed by a gentle 3.5-mile loop trail with big Teton views. This guide is part of our growing Wyoming Lakes Database.
Christian Pond at a glance
- Location: just east of Jackson Lake Lodge, Grand Teton National Park (Teton County, WY)
- Trail: an easy 3.5-mile (5.6 km) loop, about 490 ft of climbing, through marsh and forest
- Wildlife: nesting trumpeter swans, moose, elk, deer and waterfowl — and occasional bears
- Best for: birding, wildlife photography and an easy family hike with Teton Range views
- Access: trailhead near the corrals at Jackson Lake Lodge
A pond made for wildlife watching
Christian Pond is small, but its marshy shallows are prime habitat — most famously for trumpeter swans, which have long nested here. In the early morning and evening you may spot moose feeding among the water lilies, elk and deer in the sagebrush, waterfowl of all kinds, and, in the surrounding country, the occasional bear. Bring binoculars; this is a wildlife-viewing pond first and foremost.
The Christian Pond Loop
The Christian Pond Loop starts near the corrals at Jackson Lake Lodge and circles the pond through marsh and up a forested ridge with views of the Teton Range — about 3.5 miles round trip with gentle climbing, an easy outing for most visitors. As always in Grand Teton, this is bear country: carry bear spray, keep your distance from moose and swans, and give nesting birds plenty of space.
Know before you go
- Easy hike: a ~3.5-mile loop from Jackson Lake Lodge — great for families and birders.
- Wildlife first: best at dawn and dusk; carry bear spray and keep your distance.
- Not a fishing lake: a protected marsh pond for wildlife, not angling.
Frequently asked questions
What wildlife can you see at Christian Pond?
Nesting trumpeter swans are the highlight, along with moose, elk, deer and many waterfowl — and sometimes bears in the surrounding meadows. Dawn and dusk are best.
How long is the Christian Pond Loop?
About 3.5 miles round trip with roughly 490 feet of elevation gain — an easy loop from Jackson Lake Lodge.
Where is Christian Pond?
Just east of Jackson Lake Lodge in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming.
Related: explore more small lakes of Wyoming, or head back to the Wyoming Lakes Database.
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