How to Hike to Delta Lake in Grand Teton National Park

If you only have time for one day hike during your visit to Grand Teton National Park, choosing the hike to Delta Lake would be a wise decision.

Be prepared, though; the hike to Delta Lake covers 7.2 miles with over 2,200 feet of elevation gain, making it a steep climb. The last half-mile takes you off the main trail and is not maintained by the park service, which means you’ll encounter some scrambling. So, ensure you’re ready for a bit of an exercise!

Grand Teton National Park is a vast area, covering over 300,000 acres with around 200 miles of hiking trails, offering a plethora of opportunities for exploration. From the rugged, jagged peaks of the Teton Range to the tranquil, glacier-fed lakes, and abundant wildlife, the beauty of Grand Teton National Park is unmatched.

Located just 30 minutes north of Jackson, Wyoming, and approximately an hour south of Yellowstone National Park, spending time with the Grand Tetons is an essential part of any trip to the American West.

With so much to see and do, it might be challenging to plan your time in the area. But fear not, as we have hiked almost every trail in the park and can confidently say that Delta Lake is our favorite.

As always, remember to follow the Leave No Trace principles during your hike – pack out what you pack in, stay on the designated trail, be well-prepared, leave nothing behind, take only photos and memories, and treat the area with respect to preserve its beauty for future generations.

Now, let’s talk about the difficulty of the hike to Delta Lake. To put it bluntly, this hike is steep! Covering 2,250 feet of elevation gain over 7.2 miles roundtrip, you’ll experience numerous switchbacks. The last few miles leading to the lake are especially challenging, and the lake itself sits at an elevation of over 9,000 feet above sea level.

Once you leave the official trail to Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes and start ascending to Delta Lake, the path becomes rugged and is no longer maintained. In some places, it can be difficult to follow, and you may need to do some scrambling. It’s advisable to consult the AllTrails map to ensure you stay on the right track.

Despite the challenges, the hike to Delta Lake is relatively short, making it an excellent option for a day hike that will leave you feeling fulfilled and accomplished.

The highlights of the hike include being one of the best in the Grand Tetons, offering stunning views of an alpine lake with the iconic Tetons up close. If you’re up for an extended adventure, you can also extend the hike to Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes. However, keep in mind that the trail can be difficult to find towards the end, and the final climb up to the lake is very steep.

To access the trailhead for Delta Lake, you’ll start from the Lupine Meadows trailhead, located at the end of Lupine Meadows Road. This road is a gravel road off Teton Park Road, just south of the Jenny Lake Visitor Center. The trailhead parking lot can get crowded, so it’s best to arrive early or use the overflow parking closer to Teton Park Road.

Alternatively, you can start the hike from the Bradley-Taggart trailhead to extend your adventure and visit Bradley and Taggart Lakes before joining the trail to Delta Lake via Lupine Meadows.

Your journey to Delta Lake starts south on the Valley Trail, taking you through lower forests with occasional views of Bradley and Taggart Lakes. After about 1.3 miles, the elevation starts to pick up, and you’ll head west towards the mountains. Five switchbacks later, you’ll reach an intersection where you’ll continue towards Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes.

To reach Delta Lake, you’ll depart from the main trail onto a rugged, unmarked spur trail. This section of the hike is not maintained, and you may need to navigate some rocky areas. Take your time on the steepest section of the trail, and eventually, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of Delta Lake with the Grand Tetons as a backdrop.

If you have the energy and time, you can combine the Delta Lake hike with Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes, adding about 4.3 miles and over 1,500 feet of elevation gain to your journey.

To plan your trip to Grand Teton National Park, keep in mind that the best time to hike to Delta Lake is during the summer months, from June through September. During this time, you’ll witness wildflowers in full bloom and more favorable hiking conditions. However, always check trail conditions and weather forecasts before embarking on any hike.

In terms of packing, make sure you have a GPS device or a downloaded trail map, as the trail can be challenging to find, and there is no cell service. Carry bear spray for safety, as Grand Teton is home to both black and grizzly bears. Sturdy hiking boots with good traction are essential for the steep and sometimes slippery terrain. Hiking poles will come in handy to ease pressure on your knees and provide extra traction on the final steep climb.

A headlamp is useful in case you finish your hike later than expected, and, of course, don’t forget your National Parks Pass for entrance to Grand Teton and other U.S. National Parks.

When it comes to accommodations, you can choose to stay in Jackson, which is trendy but can be crowded and expensive. Alternatively, consider lodging options in the Teton Valley of Idaho, just over the border, for a more peaceful and budget-friendly experience.

With all the necessary information and preparations, you’re all set to embark on your epic Wyoming adventure to Delta Lake in Grand Teton National Park! Enjoy the incredible views, experience the beauty of the area, and make unforgettable memories on this awe-inspiring hike. Happy hiking!

source: https://twooutliers.com/hike-delta-lake-grand-teton/