Delta Lake Grand Teton Hike
Trailhead: Lupine Meadows
Distance: 8 miles round-trip
Elevation: 2236 ft
Delta Lake in Grand Teton National Park is one of the most beautiful hikes we have ever done. The lake is nestled right below Grand Teton in Western Wyoming and is definitely the best up-close views of the mountain you can get, next to actually climbing it. However, the trail leading up to Delta Lake is unmaintained and requires a bit of navigation. The unmaintained trail crosses three boulder fields and ends with a steep climb, but it is so worth it!
After reading about this hike on AllTrails, we have to admit we were a bit hesitant given how hard some reviewers said the hike was. The last mile is definitely challenging, given the unmaintained trail, boulders, and the very steep climb for the last section before the lake. However, this hike is doable and while challenging, not as hard as we expected. Do keep in mind we are relatively experienced day hikers. Regardless of experience level, we highly suggest wearing good hiking shoes for this hike (we saw far too many people in Nike’s) as you will want the traction. Also, hiking poles help if you have sensitive knees like Rachel!
Delta Lake Trail (red) breaks away from the maintained trail to Amphitheater Lake Trail (blue)
How to Hike Delta Lake
Start at the Lupine Meadows Trailhead and follow the Amphitheater Lake Trail. Once you get to the switchbacks, there is a beautiful view of Bradley Lake and Taggart Lake.
About three miles in, the unmaintained trail to Delta Lake begins as an offchute to the right of the Amphitheater Trail. There are stairs here made out of wood to mark this path. Once you begin the unmaintained trail, there are three boulder fields to cross. Follow the cairns (rock stacks) which mark the easiest way to cross the boulders. Also, look for the most worn path that other hikers have taken which also marks the easiest way. For the last stretch, do not try to go directly vertically up the boulder field to the lake! Instead, find the dirt path along the right side of the boulder fields. This has some loose dirt and feels almost straight uphill, so again, wear shoes with good traction!
Go to the RIGHT of this boulder field, not straight up it
Cross the bolder field
Vertical dirt path on the last stretch
Follow the cairns!
If you are hoping for a less crowded photo op at Delta Lake, we suggest beginning this hike early. We began this hike at 7:10am on a Thursday morning and encountered maybe 10-15 people on our way up. When we got to the lake around 9:40am, a couple people were headed back down already, and we had the lake to ourselves for a few brief moments. This was very serene and a contrast to the rest of the day where it got pretty crowded with people jumping in the lake! Also, the light on the lake and Grand Teton is best in the late morning.
We did this hike on September 3rd and it was a high of 80 degrees in the valley, and it got into the 70s at the lake. If you are considering doing this hike in shoulder season, make sure to check the low temperatures and if there has been any snow recently. Surprisingly, there was snow up there on August 31st so we changed the day that we planned to hike and made sure any high elevation snow had melted.
We spent the entire day hammocking and hanging out at the lake. Of course, seeing at least 30 people jump in the freezing lake, we decided we had to! But, we waited until the afternoon when the heat of the day set in a bit more. It was SO refreshing and a fun experience to jump in the turquoise water. We saw some people jumping off one of the higher rocks, and even doing backflips into the water that is no more than 5ft deep... can’t say we recommend that. Our advice is to jump in off a lower rock and don’t risk hurting yourself!
We saw many deer and pikas. We didn’t see any bears this time, but there were plenty of berries on the trail. Bring bear spray for safety. If it helps you feel more comfortable, you will likely be near a lot of other hikers on this popular trail.
Delta Lake Hiking Essentials
Read More about our Packing List and REcommended Gear
As always, know the ten essentials for your hike and especially bring these to Delta Lake:
Bear spray: this is grizzly territory and there are many berries on the trail. Bring bear spray and know how to use it - it helps your peace of mind.
Navigation: we purchased Gaia Maps and pre-downloaded the map of the area beforehand. Make sure your phone is on airplane mode so the battery lasts all day. This will help you navigate the unmaintained trail if needed.
Headlamp: especially for a sunrise or sunset hike!
Sun protection: the sun is strong on the trail and at the lake!
First aid: especially if you are playing in the sharp rocks!
Extra food: you may want to spend more time at the lake than planned, it’s gorgeous.
Extra water: even though we started the hike at 7:10am in the 40s, it got VERY warm during the day - stay hydrated!
Extra clothes: not only for layers in due to the changing temperatures or weather, but bring a bathing suit if you want to swim.
Hiking poles: helpful for your knees in general, but especially on this hike.
Towel: even if you don’t plan to swim, it helps dry your feet when you dip them into the lake.
Now, should we hike in the dark to be at the lake for sunrise? Stay tuned!
Other Grand Teton National Park Hikes
We also HIGHLY recommend the Lake Solitude hike. It is little more than double the distance of Delta Lake, but some would say ‘easier’ given a relatively low elevation change. Read more about our hike to Lake Solitude which you can access three ways (we did String Lake Trailhead and the longer loop): Lake Solitude Grand Teton Hike
We have also visited Lake Solitude by completing the Paintbrush Canyon to Cascade Canyon Loop. It tops our list as the best hike in Grand Teton National Park! Read more about the Paintbrush Canyon to Cascade Canyon Loop
