Spaulding Bay Road ~ Grand Teton National Park

​Spaulding Bay Road is a picturesque touring route that runs through the open countryside next to Jackson Lake in Grand Teton National Park. Jackson Lake is a very large body of water that borders upon the Grand Teton Mountain Range along the Snake River. The high plains and high elevation forest ecosystems meet the towering mountains in this area, so the wildlife is all around. Spaulding Bay Road goes through this lakeside wilderness between next to the mountains and the views along the way are nothing less than spectacular!

Spaulding Bay is a large bay in Jackson Lake that is near Teton Park Road, which is the long paved road touring loop. The signs for Spaulding Bay Road are easy to spot and there is an information kiosk at the trailhead that lists numerous restrictions concerning vehicle size limits and watercraft invasive species inspections. Spaulding Bay Road ends at a boat launch on the lake and there is a small trailer parking lot at the end of the line. As can be guessed, Spaulding Bay Road is most often used by boat fishermen that prefer to not be around the big marina on the other side of the lake, which is usually very busy.

People tour Spaulding Bay Road by driving, biking and hiking all day long because this is a very scenic stretch of dirt road. The wildlife is everywhere and the mountain peaks look close enough to touch. Wildfire scarred trees are all around and this creates some eerie views near Spaulding Bay. When considering this dirt road is only a few miles long, the driving experience will seem extra lengthy because the urge to stop to take the sights and sounds in will occur often. This is one beautiful stretch of dirt road, so be sure to bring a good camera along for the trek!

At the end of the line is the boat launch beach and a picnic area with facilities. The beach at Spaulding Bay goes way into the distance and several islands can be seen. The fly fishing is world class in Jackson Lake, so it is possible to catch a free lunch and dine with a scenic bayside view. There are plenty of shade trees to be found in this spot, so the Spaulding Bay Picnic Area definitely is a cool place to be on a hot summer day!