Phelps Lake Loop: 6.4mi, 1,060ft, 5-Hour Hike

This 6.4-mile loop circles Phelps Lake with commanding views into Death Canyon and the southern Teton Range—a moderate but meaty hike with 1,060 feet of elevation gain spread across switchbacks and bridge crossings. The trail delivers solid climbing, root-strewn and rocky sections, and a descent that tests your quads hard. Expect 3-5 hours of sustained hiking for the full loop, with payoff: mountain reflections and alpine scenery worth every step.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 6.4
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet: 1060

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 6.4
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet: 1060
Estimated Time: 3-5 hours depending on fitness and photo stops.
Trail Surface: Exposed roots, rocks, dirt, and stable bridge crossings. Mild to moderate grade with root hazards and occasional slippery sections near water.
Trail Features: Phelps Lake
Death Canyon views
Teton Range views
Bridge crossings
Alpine scenery
Lake reflections
Trail Highlights: Circle Phelps Lake and absorb commanding views of Death Canyon and the southern Teton Range from an established moderate loop trail.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, accessed via Moose-Wilson Road from Grand Teton National Park entrance. RVs and trailers prohibited on Moose-Wilson Road.
Parking Lot Size: 50 cars maximum
Parking Fill Time: Full by 7:30am on summer weekends; typically available by 8-9am on weekdays and shoulder seasons.
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: No shuttle service available for this trail.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: Day hiking requires no permit. Backcountry camping in Grand Teton requires a separate permit from the park.
Fees: $35 — Grand Teton National Park entrance fee (7-day vehicle pass, as of 2026-06-12)
Trail Status: Open
Seasonal Closures: Moose-Wilson Road may have seasonal closures. Winter access typically unavailable October-May due to snow and road conditions.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: Creek crossings provide water access, but filter or carry treated water. Bring 2-3L minimum—no reliable water sources mid-loop.
Accessibility: Moderate, 6.4-mile loop with 1,060ft elevation gain and 7% average slope. Trail surface is mostly dirt with exposed roots, rocks, and stable bridge crossings. Not suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, or those with severe mobility limitations.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Exposed roots and rocks
Elevation gain and descent
Bridge crossings
Sun exposure on lake shore
Wildlife (bears)
Slippery sections when wet
Hazard Details: Exposed roots and rocks demand careful foot placement on the ascent. The 1,060ft elevation gain is spread across six miles but the descent is relentless on tired quads. Bridge crossings are stable but slippery when wet. The open lake shore offers zero shade and afternoon sun exposure is intense—bring sunscreen. Bears are present in this area; make noise at creek crossings. Slippery rocks and mud near water crossings increase ankle-roll risk.
Crowd Level: High in mid-summer; moderate in spring and fall.
Peak Crowd Times: July and August (especially weekends); mid-morning through afternoon.
Best Season: Spring through Fall (May-October)
Best Time To Visit: Start by 6:30am to beat crowds and secure a parking spot. Spring (May-June) and fall (September-October) offer stable weather, minimal crowds, and cooler temps. Avoid mid-summer (July-August) unless you arrive before 7am—the 50-space lot is a war zone by mid-morning.
Tips Advice: Arrive by 7am on summer weekends or lose your parking spot.
Carry minimum 2L water—exposed lake shore has zero shade mid-hike.
Trekking poles mandatory: root hazards and a quad-burning descent demand knee support.
Wear hiking boots, not trail runners—exposed roots and rocks will punish soft-soled feet.
Make noise at creek crossings: bear country.
Check Moose-Wilson Road status before leaving—seasonal closures happen.

More details

Park Area: Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve
Trail Markers: Well-marked. The loop is established and busy enough that getting lost is unlikely, but marking could be clearer in dense forest sections.
Dogs Allowed: No
Shade Level: Partial. Forested sections offer shade; the lake shore is fully exposed. Afternoon sun is intense.
Emergency Contacts: Grand Teton National Park Ranger Station: (307) 739-3300. Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Winter access typically unavailable October-May due to snow and seasonal road closures.
Mud Season: Spring (May-June) may have muddy sections and slippery conditions from snowmelt, especially near creek crossings.
Fall Colors Peak: Late September through October
Bug Season: Mid-summer (July-August) may have mosquitoes near water sources; bring insect repellent.
Insider Tips: The false summit at Mile 3 tempts early turnarounds—keep hiking for the best lake reflection shot on the north shore around Mile 1.5.
Bridge crossings are stable but scout them if water is high from late spring snowmelt.
Death Canyon views are sharpest in clear morning light—clouds roll in by afternoon.
The boulder field at Mile 2 makes a solid rest point; fill water here if needed.
Recent Updates: Moose-Wilson Road occasionally closes due to seasonal conditions or maintenance. Check the Grand Teton National Park website before driving.
Family Friendly Notes: Not recommended for children under 10. Older kids (10+) with hiking experience and solid fitness can manage it, but exposed roots, rocks, and a challenging descent demand attention and sturdy footwear. Full supervision required near bridge crossings and water sources.
Nearby Facilities: Limited at trailhead. Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve has a 50-space parking area. No dining, gas, or extended services adjacent to the trail. Check the Grand Teton website for nearest visitor amenities.
Review Summary: Hikers consistently report the 1,060ft gain is challenging but achievable, and the lake and mountain views are worth the effort. Mid-summer crowds frustrate many, but spring and fall deliver similar scenery with solitude. Most hikers note the descent is harder than expected on tired legs.

Frequently asked questions

Can a beginner do this hike?

Only if you hike regularly. Moderate difficulty means 1,060ft of elevation gain and six miles of hiking—not a stroll. Fitness matters here. If you've crushed easier trails, this is your step-up challenge.

How long does it actually take?

3-5 hours is honest. Fit hikers make it in 3-3.5 hours. Most hit 4-5 hours accounting for photo stops and a breather. Don't expect speed with 1,060ft of elevation gain.

Is it safe to hike alone?

Yes. The trail is well-established and busy enough that help is within shouting distance. Bears are present but attacks are rare if you make noise. Tell someone your itinerary, carry a charged phone, and hike with confidence.

Do I need trekking poles?

Yes. The descent is steep and root-hazardous. Poles reduce impact on knees by 25% and prevent ankle rolls on exposed rocks. They're mandatory equipment here, not optional.

What about bears?

Bears live here. Make noise at water crossings, store food properly at the trailhead, and carry bear spray if you're paranoid. Standard precautions work. Attacks are vanishingly rare.

Will I overheat or dehydrate?

The lake shore has zero shade and afternoon sun is relentless. Bring 2-3L of water, wear sunscreen, and start early to finish before peak heat. Dehydration on the descent is the real threat.