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.

Phelps Lake Loop

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Overview

About This Trail

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.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Moderate

Trail Highlights

Circle Phelps Lake and absorb commanding views of Death Canyon and the southern Teton Range from an established moderate loop trail.

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.

Best Season to Hike

Spring through Fall (May-October)

Hiking Tips

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.

Family Info

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.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 6.4 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,060 ft

Duration: 3-5 hours depending on fitness and photo stops.

Difficulty: Moderate

Route Type: Loop

Surface: Exposed roots, rocks, dirt, and stable bridge crossings. Mild to moderate grade with root hazards and occasional slippery sections near water.

Getting There

Trailhead: Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, accessed via Moose-Wilson Road from Grand Teton National Park entrance. RVs and trailers prohibited on Moose-Wilson Road.

Parking: 50 cars maximum

Fills Up: Full by 7:30am on summer weekends; typically available by 8-9am on weekdays and shoulder seasons.

Requirements

Permit Required

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)

Shuttle Available

No shuttle service available for this trail.

Trail Rules

Dogs: No

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.

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: Creek crossings provide water access, but filter or carry treated water. Bring 2-3L minimum—no reliable water sources mid-loop.

Shade: Partial. Forested sections offer shade; the lake shore is fully exposed. Afternoon sun is intense.

Hazards:

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.

Emergency: Grand Teton National Park Ranger Station: (307) 739-3300. Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: High in mid-summer; moderate in spring and fall.

Peak Times: July and August (especially weekends); mid-morning through afternoon.

Accessibility & Family

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.

Family Notes:

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.

FAQs

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?

Is it safe to hike alone?

Do I need trekking poles?

What about bears?

Will I overheat or dehydrate?

🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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

Visit Website