The trail is well-marked, but always carry a map and GPS. Trail conditions may change in 2026 due to improvements.

Taggart Lake

Q: Is this trail suitable for kids?

Yes, but supervision required. Children 8+ with hiking experience are fine. Younger kids need close supervision on rocky sections and near the lake edge.

Q: How much water should I carry?

Minimum 3 liters in summer. The second half has zero shade and full sun exposure. Dehydration is your biggest risk, not the elevation.

Q: Are there restrooms at the trailhead?

No. Use facilities at Moose (30 min drive) before you head out.

Q: Is this trail crowded?

Yes. It's one of the most popular hikes in the park. Arrive before 7 AM to avoid the conga line, or visit on weekdays in shoulder season.

Q: Is the trail fully open in 2026?

Partially. A section is closed for trail improvements. Check park conditions before you go. Alternative: Lakeshore Trail in Colter Bay area.

Overview

About This Trail

Taggart Lake is an easy, accessible out-and-back trail that delivers unobstructed views of the Teton Range—one of the most reliable panoramic hikes in Grand Teton without technical climbing. The 3-mile round-trip climbs steadily through aspen forest before opening to an alpine lake with the peaks towering beyond. Parking fills early and fast in summer, and a section of trail is under maintenance in 2026, so check conditions before you go. For accessible Teton views, this is your baseline hike.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Easy

Trail Highlights

Spectacular views of the Teton Range reflected in Taggart Lake; one of the most accessible and reliable panoramic hikes in the park without technical climbing.

Insider Tips

• The Bradley Lake junction at Mile 1.5 is a temptation—resist it and stay left for Taggart Lake • Best light for photography is late afternoon (4–6 PM) when the Tetons catch golden hour and light rakes across the peaks • Position yourself on the rocky shoreline at the lake facing the peaks (not the parking lot side) for the iconic reflection shot • If the main lot is full, gravel shoulder parking is available; pull completely off the main road and follow all posted signs • The false lake view at Mile 2.2 isn't the summit—walk the final 0.5 miles to the lakeshore proper for the real shot

Best Season to Hike

Spring (May–June) and Fall (September–October); summer (July–August) is accessible but extremely crowded.

Hiking Tips

Arrive by 6:30 AM to lock down a parking spot; the lot fills by mid-morning in summer
Carry 3L of water minimum—the second half is fully exposed alpine with zero shade
Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat are mandatory, not optional
Make noise on the trail; this is bear country—speak or use a bear bell
Trekking poles save your knees on the rocky descent
The Bradley Lake junction at Mile 1.5 is a fork—stay left to reach Taggart Lake
Park fully off the main road if the lot is full; follow all posted parking signs

Family Info

This easy trail is suitable for children and families with hiking experience. The 6% average grade and consistent elevation gain are manageable for ages 8+. Rocky sections and some exposed drop-offs near the lake require close supervision of younger children.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 3 miles

Elevation Gain: 360 ft

Duration: 1–2 hours if you're fit and don't linger; 2–3 hours if you stop at the lake for views and photos.

Difficulty: Easy

Route Type: Out-and-back

Surface: Dirt with embedded rocks and stone steps; initial section on moraine with aspen roots, later sections more compacted. Loose rocks on the descent require careful footing.

Getting There

Trailhead: Taggart Lake Trailhead

Fills Up: Typically full by 8:30 AM on weekends and 9 AM on weekdays in summer; often fills by mid-morning.

Requirements

Permit Required

None required.

Fees: $35 per private vehicle (7-day park entrance pass).

Shuttle Available

Not applicable.

Trail Rules

Dogs: No; dogs are not permitted on Grand Teton trails.

Biking: No; hiking only per park regulations.

Trail Markers: Well-marked; the trail is popular and well-maintained, though a section is under construction in 2026.

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: Taggart Lake itself is the endpoint, but water must be filtered. Carry all your water; no reliable water sources along the trail.

Shade: Mixed: shaded first half (aspen forest) with dappled light; fully exposed second half with alpine sun. The open section offers zero shade—this is a real factor in summer heat.

Hazards:

The trail includes rocky sections and embedded stone steps; some portions are steep. Significant sun exposure on the second half with minimal shade—this is the real hazard in summer. This is bear country; make noise while hiking. A section is under construction in 2026, potentially affecting access.

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Very heavy. This is one of the most popular trails in Grand Teton. Expect a conga line of hikers during peak hours (9 AM–3 PM) in summer.

Peak Times: 9 AM to 3 PM daily in summer; weekends are significantly busier. June–August peak months.

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Taggart Lake is a 3-mile round-trip hike with 360 feet of elevation gain and a 6% average slope. The trail gains and loses elevation steadily and includes rocks and steps. Rooty sections on the moraine; later sections more compacted dirt.

Family Notes:

Nearby Facilities

Nearest fuel and supplies are in Moose, approximately 30 minutes' drive from the trailhead. No facilities immediately adjacent to the trailhead.

FAQs

Can I bring my dog?

No. Dogs are not permitted on any Grand Teton trails.

Is this trail suitable for kids?

Do I need a map?

How much water should I carry?

Are there restrooms at the trailhead?

Is this trail crowded?

Is the trail fully open in 2026?

🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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

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