Taggart Lake Loop - 3.8mi Easy Hike

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Distance

3.8 mi

Elevation Gain

620 ft

Est. Time

2–3 hours for average fitness; 3–4 hours if you stop for lake photos.

Route Type

Loop

Dogs Allowed

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.

Overview

About This Trail

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.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Easy

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.

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.

Best Season to Hike

Summer and fall for standard hiking. Winter and spring require snowshoes or cross-country skis; winter access is seasonal and varies by snow depth.

Hiking Tips

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.

Family Info

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.

What Hikers Say

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.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 3.8 miles

Elevation Gain: 620 ft

Duration: 2–3 hours for average fitness; 3–4 hours if you stop for lake photos.

Difficulty: Easy

Route Type: Loop

Surface: Dirt trail with rocks, exposed roots, and stair sections. Mix of packed dirt and loose stone throughout.

Getting There

Trailhead: Taggart Lake Trailhead

Fills Up: Full by 8:00 AM in peak summer (June–August); 9:00 AM in shoulder seasons.

Requirements

Permit Required

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 Rules

Dogs: No. Dogs are not permitted on the Taggart Lake – Beaver Creek Loop trail.

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.

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: 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.

Shade: Partial shade in aspen groves early and mid-trail. Exposed moraine section in the first mile—wear sun protection and a hat.

Cell Service: Spotty. Rely on offline maps and carry a whistle for emergencies. Do not depend on cellular signal.

Hazards:

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.

Emergency: Call 911 in emergencies. For non-emergency ranger assistance, contact Grand Teton National Park at https://www.nps.gov/grte/index.htm.

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Conga line in peak summer; moderate crowds spring and fall; quieter in winter with snowshoes.

Peak Times: Mid-morning through early afternoon on summer weekends. June–August weekdays are also heavy; avoid 10 AM–2 PM if seeking solitude.

Accessibility & Family

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.

Family Notes:

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.

What Hikers Say

FAQs

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?

How much water should I bring?

What's the hardest part of this hike?

Can kids do this hike?

Will the parking lot really be full?

📖 National Park Service — Taggart Lake - Beaver Creek 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 →

Visit Website