Delta Lake

Dogs No Dogs

Features Geological Significance · Lake · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Delta Lake remains somewhat of a hidden treasure within Grand Teton National Park. This picturesque turquoise alpine lake might be one of the more perfect settings to relax and catch your breath before descending back to the trailhead. Nestled in a glaciated drainage beneath the Grand Teton, Mount Owen, and Teewinot, the lake is framed by some of the park's most iconic peaks. At the head of the drainage lies the impressive Teton Glacier, whose glacial sediment gives Delta Lake its striking turquoise hue.

Be bear aware! The park has a high bear population. Minimize encounters/attacks by not hiking alone, and be prepared with a bear bell, bear spray, and bear canister to store food items.

The most efficient route to Delta Lake is to take the Amphitheater Lake Trail from the Lupine Meadows Trail. As with most parking lots within the park, it will typically reach capacity by 9:00 a.m., so grab the first overflow parking spot you see on either side of the dirt road on your way in.

Following the Valley Trail to the Amphitheater Lake Trail, your trek is entirely uphill with virtually no break in trail grade. Along the sun exposed switchbacks, there are small patches of trees that provide many convenient opportunities for breaks in the shade to hydrate and catch your breath. The highly trafficked trail is very smooth and predictable for most of the first three miles up.

At the 6th switchback, or the first switchback after the junction for Amphitheater Lake and Garnet Canyon Trail, a trail to Delta Lake veers off the main trail, continuing north. It's not marked at all, and the trail isn't clear unless you're looking for it. This is where the hike gets interesting.

This mile of the trail is much more difficult and will make you earn your views at the top. You'll immediately find yourself navigating under and over downed trees on significantly steeper terrain. Once through the woods, you'll reach a giant boulder field that you'll have to scramble up. The trail is difficult to follow here, but just keep heading uphill, look for the stacked cairns, and you'll end up on the right path. After the boulder field, you'll have just one final stretch of very steep, loose dirt to climb before you reach Delta Lake.

Delta Lake has arguably the most beautiful turquoise water and the most awe-inspiring backdrop that you'll find within the park. There isn't a better destination for a round-trip hike under 10 miles within Grand Teton National Park. Take a dip in the picturesque water, string up a hammock and take a nap, or just enjoy the view and relax before carefully making your way back down.

Description by Randy Johnson on Outdoor Project with improvements by Justin Bowen