Taggart Lake Loop - 3.8mi Easy Hike

Wildflowers bloom in a meadow at the base of a mountain range.

This is an easy 3.8-mile loop gaining 620 feet—a solid lung-breather accessible to beginners and families. After climbing an aspen-covered moraine with zero early shade, you'll reach Taggart Lake with the Teton Range as your permanent backdrop. Most hikers finish in 2–3 hours. Tactical alert: the parking lot is full by mid-morning in peak summer, so arrival time is your first tactical decision.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 3.8
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Easy
Elevation Gain Feet: 620

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 3.8
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Easy
Elevation Gain Feet: 620
Estimated Time: 2–3 hours for average fitness; 3–4 hours if you stop for lake photos.
Trail Surface: Dirt trail with rocks, exposed roots, and stair sections. Mix of packed dirt and loose stone throughout.
Trail Features: Alpine lake at loop terminus
Teton Range panorama
Aspen-covered moraine
Bradley Lake junction
Lakeshore views
Trail Highlights: Taggart Lake with the Teton Range backdrop. The aspen moraine climb delivers immediate elevation and early views. The full-loop lakeshore walk seals the visual payoff.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Taggart Lake Trailhead
Parking Fill Time: Full by 8:00 AM in peak summer (June–August); 9:00 AM in shoulder seasons.
Shuttle Required: 0

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: None required. Day-use trail. Grand Teton National Park entrance fee applies.
Fees: $35 (7-day Grand Teton National Park entrance pass for private vehicle). Per-person on foot/bicycle/ski: $20 (ages 16+). Motorcycle: $30. Valid as of 2026-06-12.
Trail Status: Open
Seasonal Closures: Winter snow typically closes standard hiking access (November–April). Trail is accessible with snowshoes or cross-country skis year-round, conditions permitting.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: Carry all water—minimum 2L mandatory. Taggart Lake is available for filtering at the loop terminus, but the trail itself is dry until then. Treat or filter before drinking.
Accessibility: Rooty and rocky with stairs throughout. Average slope 6%. Not wheelchair accessible. Obstacles include exposed roots, rock steps, uneven terrain, and sustained elevation change.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Rocks and exposed roots
Steep moraine climb
Full sun exposure on early section
Bears in aspen groves
Elevation gain at altitude
Hazard Details: Rocky and rooty terrain requires sturdy footwear with ankle support. The moraine section is a steep, sustained climb with full sun and minimal shade—dehydration risk is real. Bears inhabit aspen groves; make noise. Average slope of 6% is sustained but not extreme; dangerous only if you're unprepared for the sun or dehydrated.
Cell Service: Spotty. Rely on offline maps and carry a whistle for emergencies. Do not depend on cellular signal.
Crowd Level: Conga line in peak summer; moderate crowds spring and fall; quieter in winter with snowshoes.
Peak Crowd Times: Mid-morning through early afternoon on summer weekends. June–August weekdays are also heavy; avoid 10 AM–2 PM if seeking solitude.
Best Season: Summer and fall for standard hiking. Winter and spring require snowshoes or cross-country skis; winter access is seasonal and varies by snow depth.
Best Time To Visit: Start by 6:00–7:00 AM to beat the parking bottleneck and full sun exposure on the moraine. Early morning means stable weather and sharp lake reflections. Fall offers better solitude and aspen color without the crowds.
Tips Advice: Arrive before 7 AM in summer—the lot fills without mercy.
Carry 2L water minimum. The moraine section is full sun exposure with zero shade early on.
Tighten your boots tight. Rocky and rooty sections demand solid ankle support.
Make noise in aspen groves—bear country.
At the Bradley Lake trail split, stay left for Taggart Lake. Right branch costs you time.

More details

Park Area: Eastern Grand Teton National Park
Trail Markers: Well-worn trail with clear junctions. Bradley Lake split is the critical navigation point—signage is clear, but verify left fork before committing.
Dogs Allowed: No. Dogs are not permitted on the Taggart Lake – Beaver Creek Loop trail.
Shade Level: Partial shade in aspen groves early and mid-trail. Exposed moraine section in the first mile—wear sun protection and a hat.
Emergency Contacts: Call 911 in emergencies. For non-emergency ranger assistance, contact Grand Teton National Park at https://www.nps.gov/grte/index.htm.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Winter access (typically November–April) requires snowshoes or cross-country skis. Snow conditions and depth vary by year; check park conditions before winter attempts.
Mud Season: Early spring (April–May) can be muddy on lower trail sections, especially around seepage areas. Traction becomes an issue after heavy rain.
Fall Colors Peak: Mid-September to early October in the aspen groves—peak color window is short (2–3 weeks).
Bug Season: Mosquitoes peak in early summer (June–July); consider deet insect repellent and long sleeves at dawn/dusk.
Insider Tips: The trail 'opens up' suddenly after Mile 1—that's your signal the lake is near. Don't rush; take photos of the Tetons emerging.
Bradley Lake junction is the critical navigation point: stay LEFT for Taggart. Right branch goes to Bradley (different destination).
Loop counterclockwise from the parking lot for better midday light on the lake surface.
The moraine climb is where most hikers feel the work. Everything after the Bradley split flattens out. Pace yourself early and drink before you're thirsty.
Family Friendly Notes: Excellent for families. Children should be comfortable with rocky, rooty terrain and stairs. No major drop-offs. Hand-holding recommended at the Bradley Lake junction crossing if kids are nervous. Bring snacks and water; the payoff at the lake motivates tired legs.
Nearby Facilities: Parking available at Taggart Lake Trailhead. Nearest supplies, food, lodging: Jackson or Moose (10–15 miles south via park roads). Fill water bottles and eat before arriving at the trailhead.
Review Summary: Hikers praise the early payoff and family-friendly difficulty. The parking lot bottleneck is the real challenge—arrive early or hike in shoulder seasons. Overall: accessible alpine lake views worth a 6–7 AM start in summer.

Frequently asked questions

Can I do this as a beginner?

Yes. The 'easy' designation is accurate. 620 feet of elevation over 3.8 miles is sustainable for most fitness levels. Pace yourself on the moraine climb, carry 2L water, and start early to avoid heat stress.

Is this safe to hike alone?

Yes. Make noise for bears in the aspen groves—don't be silent. The trail is well-traveled and marked. Carry a whistle, offline maps, and extra water for emergencies. Trust your instincts about group size.

How much water should I bring?

Minimum 2L. The moraine section is fully exposed with no shade—dehydration happens fast. Refill at Taggart Lake if needed (filter or treat the water first). Drink early, don't wait until you're thirsty.

What's the hardest part of this hike?

The first mile. It's a sustained moraine climb with full sun exposure and no shade cover. Pace yourself and drink before Mile 1.5. Everything after the Bradley Lake junction flattens out and feels easier.

Can kids do this hike?

Yes. The lack of major drop-offs and busy crowds make it family-friendly. Kids should be comfortable with rocky, rooty terrain and stairs. Bring snacks and water. The lake payoff motivates tired legs.

Will the parking lot really be full?

Yes, in summer. Arrive by 7 AM to guarantee a spot. If you arrive later, park on the road and start even earlier to beat heat. Spring and fall have easier parking—consider those seasons if summer crowds stress you.