Emma Matilda Lake

Wildflowers with a lake in the background.

Emma Matilda Lake is a 10.7-mile loop that rewards solid endurance with unbroken lakeshore views of the Teton Range and early-summer wildflower displays. The terrain is moderately strenuous—not technically hard, but the muddy, marshy footing demands constant attention and solid fitness over the full distance. Wildflower season (June-July) is spectacular but coincides with peak mosquito activity; this is the trade-off. Come with trekking poles, serious bug spray, at least 2L water, and honest self-assessment of your endurance.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 10.7
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Moderately Strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet: 1430

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 10.7
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Moderately Strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet: 1430
Estimated Time: 5-7 hours if fit; add 1-2 hours if battling mud or stopping for wildflower photos
Trail Surface: Packed dirt and trail bed with extensive muddy, marshy, and waterlogged sections, especially near the lakeshore
Trail Features: Wildflower meadows
Teton Range views
Lakeshore hiking
Lake reflections
Mountain vistas
Wetland ecology
Trail Highlights: The loop delivers uninterrupted Teton Range views framed by lakeshore wildflowers in early summer. The payoff is continuous—no grinding uphill for a single vista. Instead, you're trading brutal mud for distributed visual rewards across the full 10.7 miles.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Two Ocean Lake Trailhead
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: No shuttle required. Drive to Two Ocean Lake Trailhead.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: No permits required. Standard Grand Teton National Park entrance fee applies.
Fees: $35 per private vehicle (7-day pass); $20 per person on foot or bicycle
Trail Status: Open
Seasonal Closures: Snow typically blocks access October-May. Trail accessible after snowmelt (usually June), but muddy conditions persist through early summer.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: Creek crossings and springs throughout the route due to proximity to the lake. Treat all water before drinking.
Accessibility: Moderately strenuous with constant 5% grade. Terrain is not technical or exposed, but muddy surfaces create unstable footing. 1,430 ft elevation gain is gradual but sustained. Marshy and wet sections require careful boot placement and poles for stability.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Muddy, slippery terrain
Mosquitos
Sun exposure
Uneven footing
Fatigue on descent
Water hazards near shore
Hazard Details: The primary hazard is muddy, marshy footing—especially on descent when tired legs won't hold precision. Slip risk is real. Mosquitos are exceptionally heavy due to the wetland landscape; this is not a minor inconvenience but a genuine challenge. Full sun exposure on lakeshore with minimal shade creates dehydration risk. The distance (10.7 miles) is the secondary hazard—this is an endurance test, not a technical one.
Best Season: Summer and Fall
Best Time To Visit: Start by 6:30 AM on weekday mornings to maximize solitude and cooler temps. June-July offers peak wildflowers but heaviest mosquito activity—bring fortress-grade bug spray. Late August-September provides clearer conditions with fewer bugs but fewer flowers. Avoid early summer mud (May-June) unless you're committed to slogging.
Tips Advice: Trekking poles are mandatory—mud demands them for descent control and knee protection.
Gaiters + quality hiking boots are non-negotiable; this trail will destroy cheap footwear.
Carry 2-3L water minimum; the gradual grade hides the energy cost until mile 6.
High-DEET insect repellent, not "natural" alternatives—mosquitos here laugh at weak stuff.
Start early; the afternoon sun and exposed lakeshore will cook you on the flats.
Mark your start time: darkness comes fast at 10+ miles.
Tighten your boots at the trailhead; loose boots in mud = blisters.

More details

Park Area: Two Ocean Lake area
Dogs Allowed: No. Dogs are not permitted on this trail.
Shade Level: Minimal. The lakeshore walk is mostly open exposure. Early morning and late afternoon shadows provide brief relief, but midday sun on water-adjacent terrain is relentless.
Emergency Contacts: Contact Grand Teton National Park ranger. Emergency: Call 911 from the park.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Typically snow-covered October-May. Trail accessible after snowmelt, usually June onwards.
Mud Season: Peak mud May-June after snowmelt. Wet conditions persist through early July but improve as ground dries.
Wildflower Peak: Early to mid-summer, June-July
Bug Season: Peak mosquito activity July-August due to wetland proximity. June and early September are moderate. High-DEET repellent essential.
Insider Tips: The trail is often wet and muddy—gaiters are worth their weight. Don't skimp on boot quality.
Mosquito season is real; mosquitos laugh at weak repellent. High-DEET or picaridin only.
The elevation is gradual (5% avg slope) so it's an endurance test, not technical climbing. Pacing matters more than power.
Around Mile 5-6, you'll feel the fatigue hit. This is where sharp footing becomes hard. Slow down.
Park fills early on weekends. Arrive before 7 AM.
Family Friendly Notes: Not recommended for young children. The distance (10.7 miles) and muddy conditions make this challenging for kids under 10. Older kids (12+) with solid hiking experience and proper footwear can attempt it, but parental supervision on slippery sections is critical.
Nearby Facilities: Basic services at Two Ocean Lake area. Full resupply and lodging at nearby Colter Bay or Jackson, WY (15 miles south).
Review Summary: Hikers rave about the wildflower displays and unbroken Teton views but emphasize that muddy, marshy terrain demands serious preparation. The real grinder isn't the elevation gain—it's the combination of mud, mosquitos, and distance testing your grit. Solid fitness and proper gear turn this into a memorable day; going unprepared turns it into a slog.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Is this trail safe to hike alone?

Yes. The terrain itself is not technical or exposed. The main hazard is slippery mud—wear quality boots and use trekking poles. The distance (10.7 mi) is significant, so honest self-assessment of your endurance is critical. Let someone know your itinerary and expected return time.

Do I need trekking poles?

Absolutely. The muddy and marshy sections are relentless, especially on descent when legs are tired. Poles reduce knee strain over 10+ miles and provide essential stability on wet ground. Don't skip them.

Can I bring my dog?

No. Dogs are not permitted on this trail.

How fit do I need to be?

You need solid endurance for 10+ miles at a moderate pace. The 1,430 ft elevation is spread across the full loop (5% avg grade), so it's gradual but relentless. If you can comfortably hike 8 miles without distress, you can finish this.

What about mosquitos?

Prepare for them as a real hazard, not a minor annoyance. Peak season (July-August) brings relentless mosquitos due to the wetland landscape. High-DEET insect repellent is mandatory. June and September are more moderate.

When is the best time to go?

June-July for wildflowers (but heaviest mosquitos). Late August-September for clearer conditions and fewer bugs (but fewer flowers). Avoid early summer mud (May-June) unless you accept slogging.