Delta Lake Guide
Delta Lake: featured in countless Instagram posts and YouTube videos, it's become the premier hike in Grand Teton National Park over the years--but not without good reason: the view at the end is stunning. Interested in tackling this unofficial hike yourself? Learn how in this complete guide!
When to Visit
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The main road through Grand Teton National Park is closed from November until the end of April. That being said, the trail to Delta Lake won't completely thaw until about late June. Should you decide to hike it, don't be surprised to find snow and a frozen lake. Crampons and trekking poles wouldn't be a bad idea in this case!
How to Get There
Delta Lake is reached by the Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes trail (before venturing off onto the unofficial part), found at the Lupine Meadows parking lot, just before the Jenny Lake turnoff if you're coming from the south along the main park road. Arrive early--this is a popular hike and the lot fills quickly.
Delta Lake Trail
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Time: 5-6 hours.
Distance: 7.5-9 miles.
It’s important to note that this is not an official hike, and reaching the lake requires navigating off-trail. That doesn’t mean it’s illegal, and it seems in recent years the park service actually has put some trail infrastructure in–at least near the beginning of the unofficial-trail. That being said, do yourself a favor and at least for this hike subscribe to AllTrails’ premium service and download the map for the Delta Lake hike so you can tell where you are while using your phone–even if you don’t have service.
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The actual mileage that it takes to reach Delta Lake is up-in-the-air, but in my experience, it was around nine miles roundtrip–the discrepancy likely coming based on what route you take up the boulder fields near the end–again, follow the map you downloaded/saved to your phone once you head off trail.
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Begin at the Lupine Meadows area, found just before the turn off for Jenny Lake if you’re coming from the south. This is a popular area and a longer hike, so arrive early as the parking lot will fill quickly. Take the trail for Amphitheater and Surprise Lakes: the first mile or so is relatively flat, before ascending for pretty much the rest of the hike: we’re doing about 2,300 feet of elevation gain on this one! Also, while a busy area, it’s also pretty popular with wildlife, namely black bears. If doing this trail in the morning hours, be cautious and give any bear you might see at least 100 yards of space.
Lupine Meadows parking lot with trail start near back (above) & black bear cubs along trail (below).
Eventually, you’ll come to a spot where the trail branches off: stay to the right, following the sign for Amphitheater and Surprise Lakes. You’ll begin to take notice of the elevation, either through labored breathing, and/or the stunning views of Jackson Hole Valley and of both Bradley and Taggart Lakes below. This is the beginning of the switchbacks: you’ll be hiking six of them. When you reach the end of the sixth, continue straight, as opposed to turning left and beginning the seventh switchback.
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Hi there, I'm Dan: videographer, travel-addict, and beer-lover. I left corporate life behind to start my own video business and travel the world. Want to know more about me and Dan Treks?
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Follow signs for the Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes (above) & Jackson Hole view from trail (below).
Staircase turnoff after switchback (above) & snowy trail (below).
Grand Teton Video Guide
Explore the amazing Grand Teton National Park in this video guide! From the shores of Jenny Lake, to the views from Schwabacher Landing, the summit of Delta Lake, grizzly bears, moose, Mormon Row, and more!
Sooner than later, the easy-to-follow part of the trail will end, and you’ll be at the first boulder field. There might be rock cairns, there might not, but either way, you’ll want to cross/ascend this field until you reach another that will seem pretty much impassable. Look for a rugged dirt path to the left of this boulder field and head up–if your map isn’t out yet, it definitely needs to be at this point. Note: there’s multiple ways to reach Delta Lake from this point, this is just the way I found to be easiest. It’s also not a bad idea to take some photos with your phone so you remember the way down–it’s easier than you think to get sidetracked, even with the AllTrails map.
Boulder field.
I bet you’re glad that’s over, right? Well you get to cross TWO MORE boulder fields, each worse than the last! Follow the trail on the app, and be VERY careful–these rocks are loose, making it all too easy for a misstep and tumble. After crossing the final boulder field, it’s a very steep hike upwards through the forest until you reach a somehow even steeper, final hill! Trekking poles could come in handy here, but either way, you’re going to need to climb this hill, where at the very top, you’re greeted with an absolutely breathtaking view of Delta Lake!
Delta Lake!
Flour from glacial melt gives this lake it’s signature color, and while you’re likely to see people taking a dip, just note that this lake stays extremely cold year round–if you plan on swimming, keep it brief, unless hypothermia is your thing. The mountain view behind the lake is breathtaking, but also a little deceiving: it might look like you’re seeing just the Grand Teton, but a closer view reveals another mountain that blends into its foreground: Disappointment Peak. Still, it’s an amazing view regardless.
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Take your break, eat your lunch, do your taxes, and whatever else before making the trip back down–trekking poles are extra handy here since it’s so steep: your knees will be thanking you. Photos of the trail on your phone help too, since it can get a bit confusing on the unmarked portion you took upwards. Get to the bottom, and make sure you post those photos on Instagram just like everyone else! Or don’t, it doesn’t matter to me. For more things to do and see in Grand Teton National Park, click here.
A small staircase will lead you off the main trail and towards Delta Lake. Despite being unofficial, it’s fairly straightforward to follow for now. If you’re hiking this trail in the spring, there’s a solid chance that there will be some snowpack left–you’ll probably want to pack some crampons just in case.