Yes. Black bears inhabit this area. Make noise—talk or use a bear bell. Carry bear spray if you have training. Don't hike alone if possible.

Ages 7+ with moderate fitness. Watch footing on roots and rocks. Keep them close at Phelps Lake—no formal drops, but water proximity is real.

Lake Creek Woodland Loop - 3mi Easy Hike

Q: What if the parking lot is full?

It fills by 7:30 AM mid-summer. Arrive by 7 AM or return within 20 minutes. Better strategy: Visit in May or September when crowds vanish.

Q: Will I get cell service?

No. Cell is unreliable here. Tell someone your plans and expected return time before leaving.

Q: Do I need special gear?

Yes: Hiking boots (for roots/rocks), 2+ liters of water, sunscreen (exposed lake area), trekking poles optional but helpful on descent. No technical gear needed.

Distance

3 mi

Elevation Gain

770 ft

Est. Time

1.5 hours for a strong hiker, 2.5–3 hours if you stop for lake views and photos.

Route Type

Loop

Dogs Allowed

Best Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Overview

About This Trail

Lake Creek–Woodland Trail Loop is an easy 3-mile loop ideal for hikers building fitness or seeking a quick lake fix. The first 1.5 miles wind through shaded forest alongside Lake Creek; then the trail opens onto Phelps Lake's shore with views into Death Canyon's granite walls. Rocks and exposed roots dot the path, but the 770-foot gain is gentle and manageable for most fitness levels. The payoff is real: lake views, mountain backdrop, and a firm confidence builder.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Easy

Trail Highlights

Phelps Lake's shore and the panoramic Death Canyon views. The forest opens suddenly at the lake—moment of reward.

Insider Tips

• The false flat at mile 1.2 will mess with your head—keep pace, the lake is coming. • Fill water bottles at the trailhead if carrying a filter; the final mile back is sunny and dehydrating. • Death Canyon views hit hardest from the lake's southern edge; don't just glance and move on. • Early morning light transforms the granite walls—shoot photos before 9 AM. • The Woodland Trail segment on the return is where most hikers see mule deer; stay alert.

Best Season to Hike

Spring, Summer, Fall

Hiking Tips

Carry 2 liters of water minimum—sun exposure at lake is real.
Trekking poles ease the descent (root hazards).
Make noise consistently—bear country.
Tighten your boot laces before the rocky sections.
The Moose-Wilson Road approach is scenic; don't text and drive.
If parking is full, return in 30 minutes or accept a shoulder-season trip.

Family Info

Kid-approved for ages 7+. The rocks and roots demand focused footwork; younger children may find this tedious. Phelps Lake edges have exposure—keep children within arm's reach. No formal drop-offs, but water proximity warrants supervision.

What Hikers Say

Hikers rate this as a solid, achievable hike with real payoff. The consensus: parking is the real battle, not the trail itself. Fitness levels consistently report confidence gain. Reviews highlight lake views and creek corridor as highlights; some note midday sun exposure is brutal without full water supply.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 3 miles

Elevation Gain: 770 ft

Duration: 1.5 hours for a strong hiker, 2.5–3 hours if you stop for lake views and photos.

Difficulty: Easy

Route Type: Loop

Surface: Dirt path, wide and mostly level. Rocks and exposed roots throughout—boot-friendly terrain.

Getting There

Trailhead: Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve parking area. Drive Moose-Wilson Road south from Moose Junction; follow signs to preserve. Road closed to RVs and trailers; occasional seasonal closures possible.

Parking: Limited to 50 cars.

Fills Up: Full by 7:30 AM mid-summer (June–August). Fills by 9–10 AM in shoulder season. Arrive by 7 AM to guarantee a spot; expect a wait if visiting mid-summer peak (mid-July to mid-August).

Requirements

Permit Required

No permits required.

Fees: $35 per private vehicle (Grand Teton National Park entrance fee, valid 7 days). Motorcycle: $30. Per person (foot/bike): $20. Additional nonresident fee of $100 applies to non-US residents aged 16+.

Shuttle Available

No shuttle service. Arrive early or accept the parking lot lottery.

Trail Rules

Dogs: No; pets are not permitted on this trail.

Biking: No; bikes not allowed.

Trail Markers: Well-marked trail. Signs at key junctions. Difficult to get lost on this established loop.

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: Lake Creek runs alongside the trail throughout. Filter at the creek or carry a full load from the trailhead. Phelps Lake is filterable but further out.

Shade: Mostly shaded through the forest (miles 0–1.5). Full sun at Phelps Lake and along the return loop. Sunburn risk is real mid-summer.

Cell Service: Poor to unreliable. Do not depend on cellular for emergencies.

Hazards:

Parking lot capacity (50 cars) creates arrival stress mid-summer. Trail surface hazards: rocks and exposed roots demand boot grip and attention. Phelps Lake area has no shade—heat and sun exposure risk. Black bears inhabit the area; make noise. Moose-Wilson Road closure potential affects access.

Emergency: Grand Teton National Park Rangers: Dial 911 or report to any ranger station. Park headquarters contact: +1 307-739-3300.

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Conga line mid-summer (especially July–August weekends); moderate in shoulder season (May, September). Ghost town in early October.

Peak Times: Mid-July through mid-August, especially weekends and holidays. Mornings (7–9 AM) are prime; by noon, the trail is busy.

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Wide, mostly level trail with rocks and exposed roots. The 770-foot gain is gentle (7% average slope) over 3 miles—no steep pitches. Suitable for hikers aged 7+ with moderate fitness. Root hazards may challenge those with ankle stability issues.

Family Notes:

What Hikers Say

FAQs

Is this beginner-friendly?

Yes. The 770-foot gain is gentle (7% average slope). Expect 2–2.5 hours at a moderate pace. Rocks and roots demand attention, but they're not technical.

Are there bears?

What if the parking lot is full?

Will I get cell service?

Can kids do this?

Do I need special gear?

📖 National Park Service — Lake Creek - Woodland Trail Loop (official page) (checked 2026-06-12) 📖 National Park Service — Grand Teton National Park fees, hours & conditions (checked 2026-07-05) 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works →

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