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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

6.7

Miles

10.8

KM

Loop

6,761' 2,061 m

High

6,404' 1,952 m

Low

447' 136 m

Up

446' 136 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (1°)

16%

Max Grade (9°)

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.

Need to Know

Black bears, grizzly bears, and moose are often seen around Phelps Lake. Pay attention and carry bear spray.

Description

From the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, head west on the Lake Creek Trail. This will cross Moose-Wilson Road before hitting a four-way intersection. Continue straight to follow Lake Creek toward the outlet of Phelps Lake. Enjoy serene views of cascades along the creek, and look for mule deer grazing at the edge of the meadows.

Upon reaching the lake, turn left on Phelps Lake Trail as it heads north and skirts along the western shore. The views of Phelps Lake from this trail are splendid, and you'll encounter far less people on this stretch of trail. After brief uphill it will meet Valley Trail at the lake's northern extent. Turn right at this intersection, then shortly after, turn right at Phelps Lake Overlook. The views from this segment are also awesome--you can't go wrong here!

Continuing clockwise around the lake, the eastern section of Phelps Lake 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 into Open Canyon and its U-shaped nature. This canyon was formed during the last glacial maximum approximately 15,000 years ago!

Back at the southern end of the lake, continue onto Woodland Trail to complete your loop back to the trailhead. Note that you could turn onto Boulder Ridge Trail if you want to extend the hike and get some slightly different scenery. This trail climbs a hill and then reconnects with Woodland Trail near the Moose-Wilson Road crossing.

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Grand Teton National Park

Shared By:

Tom Robson with improvements by Justin Bowen
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 41 votes

#2

in South

#313

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

#313

Overall
9 Views Last Month
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

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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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