For a list of must-have experiences, read our article Best Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park. Saw a couple along the trail we spoke with shortly after we arrived at our car. Distance: 11.5 miles Difficulty: Strenuous Total Elevation Gain: 3,800 feet Starting Elevation: 6,750 feet Highest Elevation (Amphitheater Lake): 9,700 feet Length of Time: 5.5 to 7.5 hours, Elevation profile for Surprise, Amphitheater and Delta Lake. Yay! Grand Teton, the highest mountain in the Teton range, forms the backdrop of the lake. But, if youre willing to put in some hard work, the Delta Lake hike is definitely one to write home about. She loves to share her expertise on hiking on The Hiking Helper, whether that be recommendations for trails, her favorite gear, or tips that she's come across during her time on the trail. I did not do the trail that actually takes you to Delta, but a couple of people I met that did, says it looks completely different from up high. Of course they were gone when we arrive at that spot.Take your photos and keep your mouths shut! Learn how your comment data is processed. Amazing views made it worth it! Our experience is the rocky areas were not too bad: there are plenty of solid, stable rocks to step on, and the dirt path, in our opinion, is steep and slippery. Enjoy your hike. , Read this next 11 Epic and Easy Hikes in Grand Teton National Park. Lupine Meadows Road is a gravel road that is suitable for standard cars. Make sure you have good grips on your shoes. Highly recommend adding delta lake, this was easily the best of the 3 lakes (Delta, Surprise, Amphitheater). She didnt research the trail nor had the clothing. The beginning is a steep downhill through some dead trees and brush. The hike to Amphitheater and Surprise Lakes is one of the more popular hikes to do in Grand Teton National Park. From towering old-growth giants to placid lakes with craggy mountain views, this hike has everything you want in a trail. Thank you! These hiking stats are for the round-trip hike to Delta Lake from the Lupine Meadows trailhead. The first thing she said, I have no business on this trail. It is a fairly long hike, with quite a bit of elevation gain, so it might take you more or less time, depending on how often you stop for breaks. You have a clear view of several epic Teton mountains: Middle Teton, Grand Teton, Disappointment Peak, and Mount Owen. Youll start your hike from the Lupine Meadows Trailhead, which is found at the very end of Lupine Meadows Road, an unpaved road. You may see a line of hikers climbing up the boulder fieldthey are not on the trail. This dirt trail heads steeply up the mountain, before reaching a second boulder field. On this hike, you have the option to add on a third lake, Delta Lake. Well worth it though as you will see one of the most beautiful lakes. The Delta Lake hike is definitely not an easy one, but the views and memories that youll have are far worth the effort that youll put in. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Many hikers have recorded their tracks to Delta Lake. But, there arent any technical aspects to it, so you just need to be prepared and be able to conquer some tough spots. Delta Lake State Park Loop: 104 Reviews, Map - AllTrails GRAND TETON ITINERARY: In our Grand Teton Itinerary Planner, learn how to plan your visit to the park, whether you have one day or a full week. I'm here to show beginner hikers that you can get outdoors and explore the trails just like everyone else. My name is Kari. The view and the lake are worth the incline! The beginning of the hike is an easy path with a mild incline walking through forests and meadows with the occasional view of Bradley and Taggart Lakes. When you are in the park, practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace. Surprise and Glacier Lakes Washington Trails Association Very snowy! But once youve reached the lake, youll be blown away by its beauty and will be so glad that you put in all of that effort. Almost 3,000 ft elevation gain. They will end up on a ridge high above the lake and will have to traverse down the boulder field to get down to Delta Lake, making their hike longer and more difficult than it needs to be. Do not hike up the hill. Delta Lake + Surprise & Amphitheater Lakes hike, Grand Teton NP (8/21 So it was nice to hike as a group. It came in handy for our recent trek up to these lakes. The wildflowers are beautiful and even saw a cinnamon bear and elk close to the trail! This 18.5 km long trail is steep and challenging. Go straight across the second boulder field. Hiking this trail in the summer will mean no (or less) snow on the ground, so youll be able to reach the lake faster. Trail is pretty clear with some snow on the last half mile. The switchbacks arent very rocky, so I trailran down to finish early. Easy 4.3 (104) Delta Lake State Park. This is where hikers can take the trail to head into Garnet Canyon. Saw one black bear on the way back; overall a hood hike. If youre visiting in the peak summer months, there will likely be other people at the lake. Surprise and Amphitheater are gorgeous. It sits at 9,698 at its surface level with towering peaks all around it. Once a hidden gem in Grand Teton National Park, the secret is out. Get to know this 12.3-mile out-and-back trail near Moose, Wyoming. I score this 5 stars if adding Delta Lake (extra 2 miles maybe, with ~500 feet of elevation), 4 stars without Delta. 18 Best Hikes in Grand Teton National Park Written by Julia Jones Updated on January 16, 2023 100 shares From the majestic mountain peaks to the alpine lakes, one of the best ways to see the natural beauty of Grand Teton National Park is on a hike. If you plan on doing all 3, need to make sure you have the time and energy - Delta adds significant elevation after youre already exhausted. The Amphitheater trail is well maintained and marked, ending at two beautiful alpine lakes surrounded by mountains. View from the top of the trail near Delta Lake. Im not going to sugarcoat anything here about the Delta Lake hikes difficulty. This is unmarked and there isnt any kind of sign. DO pack bear spray. Passable snow starting about 1/3 mile from Surprise (about 10 people there), mostly snow up to Amp (10 people). This hike has it all! Aside from hiking just to Delta Lake, there are some other options for add-ons or alternative starts that you may be interested in. This ensures that you get a parking space and gives you some solitude on the trail, before the masses arrive mid-morning. Saw grizzly cub around second switchback, we tread carefully but she payed us no attention. From a couple of switchbacks below, I could see another group taking photos, clapping, laughing, and being very loud. Its really such a great hike to embark on because the entire way is filled with beautiful views. Because the trail to Delta Lake can be confusing at times, I wanted to outline it in detail for you to easily follow. And if youre up for a long day, you can add in the super popular Delta Lake as well to make for a triple lake day. . Didn't make it past Surprise Lake bc didn't feel safe hiking solo in the conditions and there was no one else around. Enjoy the Surprise Lake Hike, New York, Sat Mar 11th 2023, 10:00 am - 7:00 pm EST. At the second boulder field, stay to the right and head for the trees on the opposite side. This view is worth all the effort. Make sure to bring waterproof layer up to your knees at least if you dont want to be soaked all the way down. One last view of the boulder field. Shorts, T shirts with running shoes. Snow pack at the lakes follow foot prints plenty of people on trail if youre solo and worrried about that. Hiking to Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes. Amphitheater Lake Hike (Grand Teton National Park) - 10Adventures This 18.5 km long trail is steep and challenging. Begin your day by hiking up an access road under powerlines for roughly 0.2 miles before finding the Surprise Lake trail sign . After checking out Surprise Lake and Amphitheater Lake, backtrack to the last split in the trail and take the other path to head northwest up to Delta Lake. Made it up in under 2h, down in 1h 30m. Distance: 7.5 milesElevation: 2,300 feetEstimated Time: 5 hoursType: Out & BackDifficulty: HardAll Trails Map, Ill be honest with you: The hike to Delta Lake is hard and will definitely have you wondering, what was I thinking?!. Very snowy! Went with Janet Winnie, Ewot, and Nechla. Yes, you should carry bear spray with you at GTNP because there are both grizzlies and black bears all over the place. Winds were about 15 mph, with gusts to 20-25, and much colder, just above freezing. The trail starts at the far end of the parking lot. If it hasnt snowed recently then leave them in your car. This dirt trail heads steeply up the mountain, before reaching a second boulder field. So once we get to these boulders and are looking up do we stay to the left or the right to reach this dirt trail mentioned as it doesnt show anything in your photo like the 2nd scramble does. Hike back down was rough for us. World class hike. Surprise and Amphitheater Lake via Amphitheater Trail, https://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/fees.htm. We did this in late September. Still quite a lot of snow at the top. I heard recently that the trail is easier to follow now. After enjoying the beauty of Amphitheater Lake, hike back the trail you came on, back through all the switchbacks and the last two miles, back to the parking lot. 18 EPIC GRAND TETON National Park HIKES (Photos + Video) Pack lunch and snacks. We hiked through the rockfall toward the lake and came out following along the steep dirt path, as you can see from our record route (through the white arrows <, > you can see the paths we came in and out). Its worth it. At the first boulder field, head across it to find another dirt path leading to the 2nd boulder field. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. It only adds around 1.5 miles and 1,000 of elevation gain to the mix, but its hard-won through a couple of boulder fields, so dont underestimate combining these 3 lakes! Surprise Lake Hike, New York, Sat Mar 11th 2023, 10:00 am - 7:00 pm EST In clouds and then it cleared and there were blue skies. Distance: 8.2 miles, roundtrip (how far you hike around the lake will alter your mileage slightly) Elevation Gain: 2,190 ft. This road is found right off of Teton Park Road, not too far from the Jenny Lake Visitor Center. The parking lot is fairly large, with enough space for at least 50 cars. This is the correct trail. Avid hiker. Its a tough hike but your reward is a visit to two stunning alpine lakes. Delta is a tough hike, steep incline last 20 minutes. This trail is absolutely amazing from start to finish! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We replied Isnt this is?. The hike to Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes is a well-marked, well-maintained and official trail that you can find information for on NPS (National Park Service). Read all of our articles about Wyoming in our Wyoming Travel Guide and the United States in our United States Travel Guide. As you steadily gain elevation, you get wonderful views over both Bradley and Taggart Lakes. We had snowshowers while we did this hike (in late September). We want to share our experience and our hiking track from AllTrails to help you prepare for this hike. When is the Best Time to Visit Grand Teton NP? Even a smartphone will do. From there its just a super steep climb to the lake. Once the elevation begins, it pretty much doesnt end until you get to the top, but not in a bad way. Almost lost the trail a few times both going up and coming back down. Shorts, T shirts with running shoes. How to Hike to Surprise, Amphitheater and Delta Lakes Check out this 9.9-mile out-and-back trail near Moose, Wyoming. Youll hike on the Valley Trail for quite a while until you reach a fork. Find out what we carry in our day packs and what we wear on the trails. Hopefully, with our trail description and photos, we can point you in the right direction, to make your experience better and to prevent damage to the area by keeping you on the correct trail. With a vibrant turquoise color and the massive Grand Teton peak as a backdrop, Delta Lake is one of the most beautiful glacial lakes in Grand Teton National Park. I know a lot of people love to swim in alpine lakes because its so adrenaline-pumping.Theres just something exhilarating about jumping into a lake surrounded by mountains.But, its very important to remember that the water that makes up the lake is glacial runoff, so its very cold all the time.Even in the dead of summer, the water is going to be frigid! It cant be more than .25m up the hill, and it gives you a ridge line view of Delta lake, so you get a lake trifecta. It is a very rewarding trail and one of the most popular hikes in the park. In clouds and then it cleared and there were blue skies. From the Teton Park Road, turn at Lupine Meadows and follow a dirt road about a mile to the trailhead. This is the second boulder field. gorgeous otherwise. If you have plans to hike Delta Lake, you can do so now, or add it in after hiking Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes. For avid hikers and climbers, from Amphitheater Lake you can continue hiking to Disappointment Peak. Thank you for your post! At the 2nd boulder field, you will see a steep path heading straight up the left side most likely with lots of people following it. Leaving from the Lupine Meadows Trailhead, the trail switchbacksup the mountains for five miles before reaching Surprise Lake. Snow pack at the lakes follow foot prints plenty of people on trail if youre solo and worrried about that. Saw a couple along the trail we spoke with shortly after we arrived at our car. But of course, weather can vary year to year. Hiking Surprise and Glacier Lakes. This lake is larger than Surprise Lake and is surrounded by several of the largest mountains in the Teton Range: Middle Teton, Disappointment Peak, and Grand Teton. How Long Does it Take to Hike to Delta Lake? On a backcountry hike, you have an exclusive view. There isnt an absolute correct or incorrect way to the lake. Hi everyone! This trail is great for hiking and walking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter . But it was still a nice challenge and an excellent hike. Took me 4 hours to get to the top . Hike uphill to the campsites and be rewarded with great views of Delta lake! Do your research people! Took me 4 hours to get to the top . Wear layers and pack a hat and gloves. Tickets are only $77.95 USD + BF. From there we booked it down the trail to get out before dark, seeing over 6 bears total that day! Delta Lake was the hardest climb/scramble that I have ever done, but the view was absolutely worth it! Hiking in bear country, bear spray is your life insurance. There are several additional alpine lakes in the area such as the Delta Lake, and Bradley and Taggart lakes. Take extra caution and slowly make your way over the snow or boulders to finally reach what youve been waiting for, Delta Lake! Sun protection, lots of snacks, and lots of water are essential on this trail. precambrian 3 yr. ago They take weight off your legs when going uphill and release some pressure on your knees going downhill. They seem to be overly comfortable getting close to you on the trail. After the first mile to 1.5 miles, there are NO flat segments going up. Your post is very useful! Youll then need to cross over the two boulder fields before you reach the lake. The first boulder area is not that large. Cheers, Julie. Some I was actually concerned for. This trail is long and challenging. We got a little turned around trying to find Amphitheater Lake, but the trail is otherwise easy to follow. Surprise, Amphitheater & Delta Lake Hiking Stats, How to Hike to Surprise, Amphitheater, and Delta Lake, If you are new to hiking or are curious about what you should bring on a hike, check out our. . The trail gains 3,000 ft over five miles and can be hazardous for those not acclimated to high altitude. You might have difficulty getting to the trailhead due to road closures in the park. Do not use poles if adding Delta - you are scrambling rocks. Surprise + Amphitheater Lakes | Outdoor Project The parking area at the trailhead is fairly large but can fill up fast in summer months. I wrapped her knee with an ace wrap and gave her some pointers with using her poles. Surprise Lake via Amphitheater Lake Trail - Wyoming | Gaia GPS If you take the trail to the left you go to Bradley and Taggart Lakes. Campers need permits for the sites. Youll want to jump on this trail and continue on your way. As far as snow on the trail, it really depends on how much snow this area will get in the spring months and if it will be melted by that point. There is some snow as you approach the lakes but nothing bad. Took us 5.50 out and back with food brakes . For more than half of this hike you will be exposed to the sun, with very little shade. South Fork Cascade Canyon to Hurricane Pass Hike, Bradley and Taggart Lakes via Lupine Meadows Hike, Lake Solitude via Jenny Lake Trailhead Hike, Wind River Mountain Range Hiking Route Guides, Yellowstone National Park Hiking Route Guides, Ski touring Route Guides in Grand Teton National Park, Snowshoeing Route Guides in Grand Teton National Park, XC skiing Route Guides in Grand Teton National Park. For more information, please visit, Inspiration Point via Jenny Lake Boat Shuttle, South Fork Cascade Canyon to Hurricane Pass, Paintbrush Canyon, Cascade Canyon, Inspiration Point, Jenny Lake Loop, Bradley and Taggart Lakes via Valley Trail and Lupine Meadows [CLOSED]. On your way back, you might consider adding on the hike to Amphitheater and Surprise Lakes, which will make it about 11.5 miles roundtrip. That road is only open to foot traffic and winter recreation, so its unlikely that youll want to hike during this time. The trail to Surprise and Amphitheater lakes ascends into the heart of the Tetons to a high glacial basin nestled in a scenic cirque. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Saw one black bear on the way back; overall a hood hike. The Amphitheater Lake . coming down was much much faster than going up. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here. I wrapped her knee with an ace wrap and gave her some pointers with using her poles. Delta is an unofficial trail, so be prepared to miss the trail and circumnavigate on your own, but definitely worth the effort (lots of selfie-worthy views at Delta). Awesome hike with amazing views . There is only one other trail junction with Garnet . Hikers should use caution when traveling over snow and not attempt Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes unless they have previous snow experience and the proper equipment. Very long hike but totally worth it. Have a great hike! Amazing views throughout. We will follow that order in this article. This trail leads you past Taggart and Bradley Lakes on the other section of the Valley Trail.. Elevation gain isnt huge on this portion of the trail, but theres definitely a slight incline and is quite a bit longer than the other route. Its strictly taken care of and created by hikers, so its especially important to follow Leave No Trace and take care of your parks. Best Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park. You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. We spent a total of 8.5 hours on the trail - 2 of which were much needed rest breaks. Snow was a challenge as once you get to the short switchbacks its just straight up scrambling off trail in the snow. But you warm up fast, especially hiking uphill into the mountains. Most of this is spent in the trees with occasional views out into the meadows and fields of Grand Teton National Park. Youll want to stay right on to what is called the Garnet Canyon Trail, towards Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes (Delta Lake isnt on the sign). We spent a total of 8.5 hours on the trail - 2 of which were much needed rest breaks. NATIONAL PARKS: In our Guide to the US National Parks, get the full list of national parks with important travel planning information, such as things to do in the parks and sample itineraries. 2 to 2.5-liters of water per person should be enough for a not super-hot summer day. The parking lot does fill up pretty quickly in the summer months, especially later in the day. If you start by like 7:00 am, youre much more likely to have the lake all to yourself, which is so peaceful! But since it was early in the season, we missed the sign pointing up the trail to Amphitheater Lake. This includes packing out what you bring into the park, be considerate of other hikers, stay on the trail, and do not remove anything from the park. You probably will be fine without traction cleats, but you could bring them along just in case. We got a dusting of snow but thats it. From beautiful mountain views to endless wildlife and a reward of a gorgeous, teal, alpine lake, nestled behind a tall peak. Amazing hike. The hike starts at Lupine Meadows Trailhead. Yet the unsanctioned Delta Lake draws way more attention than the o. Delta Lake Hike: Best Hike in the Tetons | Where We Went Next Passable snow starting about 1/3 mile from Surprise (about 10 people there), mostly snow up to Amp (10 people). The way up wasnt that bad. Saw a lot of people who were not at all prepared for the hike nor the weather. Download the 10Adventures App View Map Map Data: OpenStreetMap Tiles: CyclOSM How long it takes you to reach Delta Lake will depend on a few things, but it typically takes most people around 5 hours. The first thing she said, I have no business on this trail. At the divide, take the path on your right and head up the switchbacks. Delta Lake Hike | Grand Teton National Park Hiking Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 7 h 10 min to complete. Both of these lakes are beautiful alpine lakes that are highly worth adding on if you have the time! Photos (8,410) Directions. Very long hike but totally worth it. -8/21/2022 ("Teton Winds" road trip, day 4 of 10)One trailhead, three lakes. 7 8 comments Add a Comment SpeedyTortoise1 3 yr. ago Delta lake is a tougher hike and it is harder to find off the trail (there isn't really one) but I think that Delta lake is the best lake to see out of the three. Delta Lake was the hardest climb/scramble that I have ever done, but the view was absolutely worth it! I hope you have a great visit to Grand Teton NP! Now, you are heading up a moderate incline and the trail almost never seems to level out. Check out this 11.5-mile out-and-back trail near Moose, Wyoming. Check out this 15.9-km out-and-back trail near Moose, Wyoming. Has some snow on top. Not a rain poncho, instead, get an outdoor style water-resistant, wind-breaker jacket. Camera. The hike started with drizzle then turned to a steady light rain, about 45 deg. Rain jacket or fleece. Poles and crampons would help immensely. You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. This hike may be hard, but it is beautiful as well. We packed 3 liters of water each on this hike in early September and felt that it was more than enough. Most of the trail is kept up by the National Park Service, but after you reach the turn-off to actually get to the lake, its not maintained anymore. This trail is absolutely amazing from start to finish! Delta Lake from Taggart Lake: 153 Reviews, Map - AllTrails I personally hiked it in May and had trouble navigating the snow on the trail. Hike uphill to the top of this rockfall and you will run into a steep noticeably traveled dirt path. If you hike in the late fall when the weather is cooler, pack a hat, a neck gaiter, and gloves. If youre anything like me and prefer to be in nature with few people, then I would highly recommend hiking early in the morning. This hike is difficult, but if you arrive prepared and are up for the challenge, this trail will likely become a favorite. The switchbacks are definitely where it starts to get steeper, and you may need to take breaks more often. Distance: 10.3 miles Difficulty: Strenuous Total Elevation Gain: 3,100 feet Length of Time: 4 to 6 hours. We took your advice after hitting the snow. After youve made your way past the lakes, youll eventually come to the same fork in the road that you would if you started at Lupine Meadows. I stopped and helped a woman who twisted her knee. Print/PDF map. Continue straight. And to finish off this super long day we ended up driving all the way north of Yellowstone to get home, and back to work! Time of Year Time of Day From here to Surprise Lake, the incline increases, with 1000 feet elevation gain in one mile, but it is not too hard to manage if you made it through to Delta Lake. Because the Delta Lake hike isnt maintained by the National Park Service, its not found on any of the maps that youll find in the park. You can print this post by pushing CTRL+P on a PC or Command+P on a Mac. We passed people who saw a bear and cub. With just 1 day in Grand Teton National Park, we really enjoyed it. I hope the others were ok. Distance: 10 miles (visiting both lakes) Elevation Gain: 3,000 ft. They share the beginning portion of the trail, but theres no doubt doing all 3 is a long day. Tips for Hiking in Grand Teton National Park, Where to Stay Near Grand Teton National Park, FAQs: Hiking in Grand Teton National Park. To reach Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes, continue up the switchbacks. Yes, there is a pit toilet at the Lupine Meadows Trailhead, so be sure to use it before you start the hike! The view and the lake are worth the incline! It will probably be gone in a few days as people continue to hike the area. Amazing views throughout. Heres some important information on the best times of year and days to do this hike. We took your advice after hitting the snow. When we were researching trails in Grand Teton, we were immediately enamored by the turquoise color of Delta Lake and put it on our must-do list. We had ham, cheddar, and crackers this particular day. Surprise and Amphitheater Lake via Amphitheater Trail Hard4.8(1690) Grand Teton National Park Photos(3,078) Directions Print/PDF map Share Length9.9 miElevation gain2,952 ftRoute typeOut & back Discover this 9.9-mile out-and-back trail near Moose, Wyoming. We passed people who saw a bear and cub. Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes - U.S. National Park Service Winds were about 15 mph, with gusts to 20-25, and much colder, just above freezing. Surprise, Amphitheater, & Delta Lake via Amphitheater Trail - 10Adventures Absolutely beautiful trail. If you stand right in front of Grand Teton peak, you can clearly see Disappointment Peak on your left, Mount Owen on your right, and Teton Glacier in between Grand Teton and Mount Owen. At the first boulder field, head directly across to the other side, where you will reach another dirt trail. But now, its not so hidden anymore and is heavily visited. With sublime views of mountain peaks, unblemished beauty of secluded alpine lakes, and ample opportunity for spotting wildlife, Grand Teton National Park offers some of the most rewarding hikes in the United States. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 7 h 10 min to complete. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. trail! We ended up hiking across the log dam at the inlet and up the rocky left side to enjoy lunch overlooking the lake. This water in this glacial lake is turquoise in color. We chose to hike to Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes first, to get the majority of the climbing over with early in the hike. Pack something to read and relax at Amphitheater Lake. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. You will reach Surprise Lake first. A boulder field is also on the trail, and theres no getting to the lake without climbing over it. Then decided to add on Garnet Canyon and then on to Surprise Lake and Amphitheater Lake.
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