Adventure Hike to Delta Lake in Grand Teton

Go on a strenuous hike to Delta Lake in Grand Teton National Park and experience breathtaking views of a milky-green glacial lake under the towering peaks of the Grand Tetons.

Last updated: May 2024

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Entry to Grand Teton National Park requires a National Park Pass, which costs $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass or $70 for an annual pass.
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Description

Delta Lake in Grand Teton National Park is a challenging 7.4-mile round-trip hike that takes you through a mix of well-maintained trails and off-trail boulder scrambling. The journey starts at Lupine Meadows Trailhead and continues along the Valley Trail, followed by the Garnet Canyon Trail. You'll ascend 2,325 feet in elevation through a series of switchbacks, offering views of Bradley and Taggart Lakes below. After reaching the final trail junction, prepare for a steep and rocky scramble to reach the stunning alpine lake with its milky-green color due to glacial silt. Enjoy the serene beauty and breathtaking scenery at the lake's edge, with the majestic Grand Tetons towering above.

What's included

Access to Grand Teton National Park (with National Park Pass)
7.4-mile round-trip hike to Delta Lake
Stunning views of the Grand Tetons
Opportunities to encounter wildlife such as grizzly bears and mule deer

Perfect for

For solo

For two

For groups

Outdoorsy

Challenging

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Itinerary

Start: Begin the hike at Lupine Meadows Trailhead.
Trail: Follow the Valley Trail to Garnet Canyon Trail, then turn onto the unmarked Delta Lake Trail.
Switchbacks: Ascend six switchbacks with 1,100 feet of elevation gain.
Off-Trail Section: Scramble through steep boulders for the last half-mile.
Destination: Reach Delta Lake at 3.7 miles from the trailhead and 2,325 feet of elevation gain.
Enjoy: Take in the views, swim in the glacial lake, and relax before heading back the same way.

Location

Lupine Meadows Trailhead, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

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Packing List

Hiking boots
Lightweight Merino wool hiking socks
Small day pack
Sunblock
Light, quick-drying towel
Sun hat (preferably waterproof)
Lightweight rain jacket
Bear spray

4.8 ● Google reviews

Easy through the beginning, through the forest. The middle is switchbacks with a absolutely beautiful view. The last 1-2 miles is pretty difficult. Scrambling up about 600-900 feet. The lake at the top is beyond beautiful and you can swim in it if you can handle the freezing temperatures. Absolutely worth the difficult hike.

Our most memorable time in Grand Teton National Park. The hike is hard if you want to get all the way to the lake. Especially as it started to hail/rain on the way back! But the views are world class You'll see bears sleeping on tall trees, bear cubs floriking, and more yellow flowers than you can shake a stick at. All along amazing views of the valley. The lake, to die for views. Keep climbing for even better views.

We hiked this trailhead to get to Delta Lake, Surprise Lake, and Amphitheater Lake. This trail is heavily-wooded, but has some awesome views of Taggert and Bradley Lakes when you climb! Quite a few bears out here, so keep your bear spray handy! The trail to Delta is primitive, and I recommend ascending and descending to the south of the rock fields, on solid ground. This trail winds a lot more than a macro-map shows, so prep for plenty of switchbacks!

Easy access and we'll maintained. Switchbacks make for less steep grades, and an awesome trail run.

I hiked to Garnet Canyon and then Amphitheater. Amphitheater was pretty much an afterthought but ended up being an amazing experience. Garnet Canyon by itself was about an 8 mile hike with about 2000 feet of elevation gain. The views were spectacular. On tve way back I decided to hike to Amphitheater which adds another 4 miles and 1500 feet of elevation. It's well worth the hike. When you reach Amphitheater you have a lake in front of you surrounded on three sides by the Tetons. Both hikes are highly recommended.

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