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Phelps Lake Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.5 (41)
  1. Areas
  2. WY
  3. …Northwestern Wyoming
  4. …Grand Teton National Park
  5. South
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“A nice hike around Phelps Lake with stunning views of the Teton Range. ”

Tom Robson
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Map Key

8.4

Miles

13.5

KM

Loop

6,800' 2,073 m

High

6,401' 1,951 m

Low

787' 240 m

Up

788' 240 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

17%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

Circumnavigate Phelps Lake from the Laurence S. Rockefeller Preserve. This hike affords amazing views of the Teton Range and gets much less use than the Jenny Lake area, but has a similar feel.

Description

Head west on the southern LSR Connector as it skirts Lake Creek and crosses Moose Wilson Rd. before hitting a four-way intersection. At this intersection head south, away from the creek on Aspen Ridge Trail. Aspen Ridge heads southwest at an easy, shallow grade and contours around a small ridge, eventually heading north.

Gain the aforementioned ridge through an easy climb, then switchback three times, contouring the top of the ridge and begin the trail's final descent. Pass Phelps Lake Trail on your left, and be sure to take in the awesome views of Phelps Lake and the surrounding Jackson Hole valley. This trail eventually reaches an intersection with Phelps Lake Trail at the southern tip of Phelps Lake.

Turn left onto this trail as it heads north and skirts along the western shore of Phelps Lake until it joins Valley Trail at the lake's northern extent. The views of Phelps Lake from this trail are splendid. At the intersection with Valley Trail turn right, then shortly after, turn right onto Phelps Lake Overlook. The views from this segment are also awesome - you can't go wrong here!

The eastern section of Phelps Lake, Spur Trail, has awe-inspiring views of multiple Teton peaks, including: Albright Peak (10,552'), Prospectors Mountain (11,241'), Mount Hunt (10,783'), and Apres Vous Peak (9,508'). Spur Trail has a great view of an Open Canyon and its U-shaped nature. This canyon was formed during the last glacial maximum approximately 15,000 years ago!

At Spur Trail's terminus, turn left onto Boulder Ridge Trail. Boulder Ridge passes David Spalding's gravestone. Once a homesteader in the area, Spalding is known as one of the first ascenders of Grand Teton.

Continue east as the trail continues to rise and switchback left, then right, then it descends heading southeast. Boulder Ridge then undulates through forests and fields. Continue straight, across an old road crossing, then you'll eventually reach a junction with an LSR Connector trail.

Turn left on this connector which will take you back to the parking area!

Flora & Fauna

Aquatic habitats and adjacent forests, marshes and meadows fulfill the needs of many forms of wildlife. Diverse and abundant vegetation offers excellent food and cover. Look for moose, river otters, beavers, muskrats, coyotes and mule deer.

Aspen, cottonwood, alder, and willow trees abound on this hike.

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Grand Teton National Park

Shared By:

Tom Robson
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 41 votes

#2

in South

#308

Overall
  4.5 from 41 votes
5 Star
61%
4 Star
32%
3 Star
5%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
2%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in South

#14

in Wyoming

#308

Overall
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5,524 Since Jan 28, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate
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Photos

The mouth of Death Canyon.
Nov 18, 2020 near Moose W…, WY
Phelps Lake and the mouth of Death Canyon.
Nov 18, 2020 near Moose W…, WY
View across Phelps Lake.
Sep 7, 2018 near Moose W…, WY
Walking through the snow looking at frozen creek.
Nov 23, 2018 near Moose W…, WY
The visitor center at Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve.
Nov 18, 2020 near Moose W…, WY
Turquoise Spring
Sep 8, 2016 near Moose W…, WY

0 Comments

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 98 days ago
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Check-Ins

Jul 26, 2024
Private User
May 18, 2024
Tom Herr
The loop around the lake was an adventure. Lots of animal sign. I saw 2 active fishers. Trail is in the Rockefeller area. Highly recommended. 8.4mi
Jul 27, 2023
Jameson Kunz
Jun 17, 2023
Molly MacNeill
Jul 31, 2022
Joey Workman
Jul 23, 2022
Lindsay Peightel
Absolutely beauty! Incredible views of the Tetons off the lake. 8mi — 3h 50m
Jun 5, 2022
Maggie Chin
May 31, 2022
John Eversmeyer
4.5mi — 2h 18m

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