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: Apr 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

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

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.

Hiked to Delta Lake Takes around 5h total. Lots of snow. The snow is melting so it's super slippery and you have to be careful with each step as sometimes the snow collapses. Crampons, waterproof shoes and trekking poles are a MUST. We saw people without them but that was just dangerous. The lake is still partially Frozen.

I used the trailhead to head up to amphitheater lake- my yearly pilgrimage. It’s a great hike with stunning views and 2 subalpine lakes. I hope the weather and my body cooperate enough to go back tomorrow to head to Garnet canyon trail. Some of the best hikes on the East side of the Tetons can be reached from this trailhead. Get there early, though, the parking lot fills up fast!

There are several trailheads that start here (varying from short easy hikes to 2 day backpacking and rock climbing). There is a bathroom and garbage disposal available. We got there at 6:40am, and most of the lot was full! (End of August) When we finished hiking (about 7, 7:30pm) and there were many open spots.

Go prepared. We did not. The trail head is about a mile off the road not RV friendly. At the end you see that any hikes are 3 miles at the least. Better signs qould be helpful

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