Two Ocean Lake Loop - 13.2mi Strenuous Hike

A hiker walks down a trail towards a mountain range.

This 13.2-mile strenuous loop circles both Two Ocean and Emma Matilda Lakes with 1,960 feet of elevation gain. The highlight is Grand View Point at mile 7, offering panoramic views of both lakes and Jackson Hole. Early to mid-summer brings wildflower blooms, but expect muddy terrain and intense mosquito pressure. Most hikers report the climb is relentless but the scenery justifies the pain.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 13.2
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet: 1960

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 13.2
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet: 1960
Estimated Time: 7-9 hours depending on fitness and stop frequency. Add time if trail is muddy or you stop frequently.
Trail Surface: Dirt and rock with dense underbrush; muddy and marshy sections. Narrow path in places. Average slope 5%.
Trail Features: Two Ocean Lake
Emma Matilda Lake
Grand View Point
Panoramic views of both lakes and Jackson Hole
Wildflowers (early to mid-summer)
Mountain scenery
Trail Highlights: Circle both Two Ocean and Emma Matilda Lakes. The trail crests at Grand View Point, offering panoramic 360-degree views of both lakes and Jackson Hole. Early to mid-summer brings wildflower displays brightening the landscape along the descent to Emma Matilda Lake.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Two Ocean Lake Trailhead
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: Not required. Drive to the Two Ocean Lake Trailhead.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: None required. Day-use only.
Fees: $35 entrance fee for Grand Teton National Park (7-day pass, private vehicle)
Trail Status: Open
Seasonal Closures: Accessible after snow melts in spring (typically late June). Not officially closed but extremely muddy and difficult in early season.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: Filter at creek crossings along the route. The landscape is wet and marshy, so water is available for filtering. Carry a lightweight filter and 3L+ capacity. Treat all water before drinking.
Accessibility: Moderately strenuous 13.2-mile loop with 1,960 feet of elevation gain and average slope of 5%. The trail has various obstacles and a narrow path through dense underbrush. Not accessible for those with mobility restrictions or limited fitness.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Steep terrain and sustained elevation gain
Muddy and marshy sections
Dense underbrush with narrow path
Mosquitos (year-round, especially heavy June-August)
Sun exposure
Remote terrain with limited cell service
Hazard Details: The 1,960-foot elevation gain is relentless and will challenge most hikers. Muddy and marshy areas are common, especially early season, sapping energy and slowing pace. The narrow path through dense underbrush creates navigation challenges and claustrophobia risk. Mosquitos are intense year-round due to wet landscape. Limited shade on exposed sections increases dehydration risk. This is remote backcountry—if injured, help is far away.
Crowd Level: Moderate to heavy on peak summer weekends; quieter mid-week and in fall
Peak Crowd Times: Summer weekends (July-August), especially mid-morning to mid-afternoon
Best Season: Summer and Fall
Best Time To Visit: Late June through September. Start by 6:00 AM to beat heat and mosquitos. Early to mid-summer (June-July) offers wildflower displays but expect muddier conditions. Avoid early spring when snowmelt creates severe mud. September has fewer bugs and fewer crowds.
Tips Advice: Bring 3L+ water minimum; filter at creek crossings.
Trekking poles are essential for descent and mud sections.
Wear DEET insect repellent; mosquitos are relentless year-round.
Start at dawn.
Never hike alone; this is remote terrain.
Pack high-calorie snacks for 8+ hours.
Avoid pre-July due to snow and mud.
Make noise for bears (clap, bell, talk).

More details

Park Area: Two Ocean Lake
Trail Markers: Standard NPS trail markers; generally well-marked but dense underbrush can obscure signs in places.
Dogs Allowed: No. Pets are not permitted on this trail.
Biking Allowed: No. Hiking only.
Shade Level: Variable. Dense underbrush provides some shade on narrow sections, but significant open, exposed sections exist. Wear sunscreen and a hat.
Emergency Contacts: Contact Park Headquarters or nearest ranger station. In emergencies, call 911 if service is available.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Trail is typically snow-free by late June but can have snow patches into July in cold years.
Mud Season: Spring through early July; muddy year-round due to marshy terrain.
Wildflower Peak: Early to mid-summer (June-July)
Bug Season: Year-round; extreme from June through August. Early and late season are slightly better but mosquitos are always a factor.
Insider Tips: Grand View Point at mile 7 is the payoff—panoramic 360-degree views; don't rush it.
The trail is often muddy; gaiters or waterproof boots help.
Mosquitos peak in early morning and dusk; hike midday if possible.
The descent to Emma Matilda Lake is steep on joints—trekking poles are essential.
Water is plentiful (marshy terrain) but must be filtered.
Consider a slower 9-10 hour pace over rushing.
Family Friendly Notes: Not recommended for young children due to distance (13.2 miles), elevation gain (1,960 ft), and narrow sections with dense underbrush. Intermediate to advanced fitness required. Older teens (14+) with solid hiking experience can succeed with early start and slow pace.
Review Summary: Hikers consistently report that the 1,960-foot elevation gain is punishing, but the panoramic views at Grand View Point make it worth the suffering. Most emphasize muddy conditions early season and relentless mosquito pressure. Veterans recommend starting before dawn and bringing double normal water quantity.

Frequently asked questions

How hard is this trail? Can I do it?

It's strenuous. The 1,960-foot elevation gain over 13.2 miles is serious work. Most fit hikers complete it in 8-9 hours. If you're experienced with 10+ mile days and have trained for elevation, you can do it. Be honest about fitness; bailing at mile 8 after sinking hours is miserable.

Will I get lost?

Unlikely if you stay on the main trail. NPS markers are generally clear, though dense underbrush can obscure signs in places. Bring a map or offline GPS as backup. The loop is logical—follow the shoreline around Two Ocean Lake, hit Grand View Point, descend to Emma Matilda Lake, and loop back.

Are there bears or wildlife?

Yes. This is wild backcountry. Make noise constantly—talk, clap, wear a bear bell. Store food in bear canisters. Stay calm if you encounter wildlife; back away slowly. Never get between a mother and cubs. Grizzlies and black bears both inhabit this area.

How much water should I bring?

Minimum 3 liters. The landscape is wet and marshy, so water is available for filtering along the route. Carry a lightweight filter. In a pinch, springs and creeks (though muddy) are drinkable after treatment. Don't rely solely on trailside water; start with a full load.

What about bugs?

Mosquitos are relentless year-round, especially June through August. Bring DEET-based insect repellent and apply generously. Long sleeves and pants help. The mud and marshy terrain breed mosquitos in millions. Early morning or dusk hiking is worst. Midday (10 AM–4 PM) is slightly better when bugs are less active.

When should I go?

Late June through September. July and August have best weather but also most crowds and bugs. September is quieter and slightly less buggy. Avoid pre-July (snow, mud) and post-September (cold, shorter days). Early morning starts are critical regardless of season.