Two Ocean Lake

A hiker walks along the lakeshore with mountains in the background.

This 6.4-mile loop circles Two Ocean Lake for solid mountain views and secluded terrain. It's a moderate hike with 700 feet of elevation gain—manageable but honest work. The payoff: lakeshore views, unobstructed Teton Range vistas, and early-summer wildflower fields. The price: relentless mosquitos and marshy footing that test your boots and your patience.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 6.4
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet: 700

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 6.4
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet: 700
Estimated Time: 3 hours if you're moving steady. 4-5 hours with photo stops, muddy footing, and mosquito breaks.
Trail Surface: Narrow, muddy, and marshy. Dense forest sections with roots and rocks. Wet footing is constant. Stream crossings on logs and stepping stones.
Trail Features: Lakeshore loop
Teton Range views
Alpine lake
Wildflower meadows (early-mid summer)
Mountain vistas
Secluded terrain
Forested sections
Trail Highlights: Circle the pristine lakeshore with unobstructed Teton Range views. Early-to-mid summer rewards you with wildflower fields brightening the landscape. The northern stretch opens to ridgeline exposure with 360-degree peaks.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Two Ocean Lake Trailhead
Shuttle Required: 0

Permits & conditions

Fees: $35 (Grand Teton entrance fee for private vehicle, valid 7 days)
Trail Status: Open
Seasonal Closures: Typically impassable November through May due to snow. Spring snowmelt creates waterlogged conditions through June.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: Dry trail—no safe drinking water at the lake or along the route. Carry all water. The surrounding landscape is marshy but not potable. Filter stream crossings only if absolutely necessary.
Accessibility: Rooty, narrow, and steep in sections. Muddy, marshy footing throughout. Average slope of 4% but elevation gain is consistent and relentless. Dense forest sections with exposed drop-offs. Not wheelchair-friendly. Hiking poles recommended for stability and knee protection on descent.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Mosquitos (severe)
Muddy footing (slip risk)
Narrow trail sections
Elevation gain
Exposed ridgeline
Weather exposure
Bear presence
Stream crossings
Hazard Details: Mosquitos are severe in the wet, marshy landscape—bug spray is essential, not optional. Muddy, wet footing throughout the route increases slip risk, especially on descent. Narrow trail through dense forest with exposed drop-offs in places. Afternoon thunderstorms move in quickly; weather exposure on ridgelines is real. Bears are present—make noise and carry bear spray. Stream crossings are slippery when wet.
Cell Service: Unknown—assume unreliable. Satellite communicator or personal locator beacon (PLB) strongly recommended for solo hikers.
Crowd Level: Ghost town (relative to other Grand Teton trails)
Peak Crowd Times: Peak tourist season (July-August) sees moderate crowds on weekends. Weekday mornings are quiet. Shoulder seasons (June, September) are emptiest.
Best Season: Summer through early fall. Accessible after spring snowmelt (late May) but marshy and muddy through June.
Best Time To Visit: Early-to-mid summer (June-July)—wildflowers peak and weather is stable. Start by 6 AM to beat the afternoon heat and the peak mosquito surge. Spring snowmelt makes the trail impassable until late May.
Tips Advice: Bring 3L water minimum—the elevation gain and limited shade will drain you.
Bug spray with 20%+ DEET is non-negotiable. Mosquitos are relentless and inescapable.
Wear waterproof boots and gaiters—expect marshy, muddy sections throughout the entire route.
Trekking poles are essential for the muddy descent and stream crossings.
Hike early morning (before 9 AM) to avoid crowds, peak heat, and peak mosquito activity.
Make noise constantly—bears are present. Carry bear spray as backup.

More details

Park Area: Two Ocean Lake
Trail Markers: Well-worn path with occasional cairns. Easy to follow in good weather. Bring a map and GPS in fog or snow—the dense forest can disorient quickly.
Dogs Allowed: No. Pets are not permitted on this trail.
Biking Allowed: No. This is a hiking-only trail.
Shade Level: Mostly exposed. The trail passes through dense forest sections (partial shade) but opens onto exposed lakeshore and ridgelines. Wear a hat and sunscreen constantly.
Emergency Contacts: Grand Teton National Park Dispatch: 911 (in park). Non-emergency: (307) 739-3300. Colter Bay Visitor Center: (307) 739-3594
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Typically impassable November through May. Snow can linger at higher elevations into June.
Mud Season: Spring through early summer (snowmelt creates wet, marshy conditions). Peak mud is April through June.
Wildflower Peak: Early to mid-summer (June-July). Peak viewing on south-facing slopes and open meadows around the lake's western shore.
Fall Colors Peak: Mid-to-late September. Aspen and willows turn gold along the lakeshore and forest edges.
Bug Season: Peak mosquito season is late spring through mid-summer (June-August). Marshy terrain makes this trail a mosquito breeding ground year-round during wet season. Bug pressure decreases after Labor Day.
Insider Tips: The loop allows bail-out at the midpoint—if conditions worsen, cut the route in half and return via the other lakeshore (minimal added distance).
Start counterclockwise from the trailhead (go left/north first)—better light angles on the west shore and you'll see the Teton reflection earlier.
Marshy sections freeze solid in winter, but deep snow makes the route impassable (typically November-May).
The 'false payoff' at Mile 2.5 (small lakeshore clearing) tempts you to turn back—ignore it. The real Teton reflection views start at Mile 4.
Family Friendly Notes: Moderate difficulty suits ages 12+. Younger kids need supervision on narrow sections and muddy terrain. Bug exposure is intense—children should wear long sleeves, pants, and treated clothing. Bring plenty of snacks and water; mental grit matters as much as physical fitness. The relentless bugs can stress young children—consider this a 13+ trail realistically.
Review Summary: Hikers praise the secluded terrain and unobstructed Teton views but emphasize the relentless mosquitos and muddy footing as real hazards. The moderate difficulty is honest—700 feet of gain is spread over 6.4 miles, making it manageable but not a stroll. Most report: bug spray warning should be in all-caps, and the descent is harder than the ascent due to wet footing.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 700-foot gain too much for me?

No, if you can hike a 3-mile trail at a steady pace, you can do this. The gain is spread over 6.4 miles—an average 4% slope. The real killer is the bugs and mud, not the elevation.

Can I hike this alone safely?

Yes, but carry a satellite communicator. Cell service is unreliable in the park. The trail is well-marked and well-traveled. Stay aware of afternoon weather—thunderstorms move in fast. Make noise for bears.

What do I do if I encounter a bear?

Unlikely but possible. Make noise constantly. If you see a bear, back away slowly and give it 100 yards. Don't run. Carry bear spray as backup and know how to use it.

How bad are the bugs really?

Brutal. Bring insect repellent with 20%+ DEET and reapply every 2 hours. Wear long sleeves and pants if possible. The marshy terrain breeds mosquitos relentlessly—bug pressure is the hardest part of this hike.

Do I need trekking poles?

Yes. The descent is muddy and slippery—poles reduce knee strain and give you grip on wet rocks and stream crossings. Non-negotiable for solo hikers.

What if I turn back halfway?

Smart decision. The loop allows you to bail at the lake's midpoint and return via the other shore. No added distance, no shame in cutting the hike short if conditions worsen or bugs overwhelm you.