Things to Know About Hiking to Delta Lake
There is no other trail like this in the park. It is an absolute MUST DO
if you're planning on hiking in the Tetons!
This post will cover my tips for finding and hiking to Delta Lake
It's important to note that I hiked this trail in late June, so depending on when you're in Grand Teton National Park some of the information may not apply perfectly.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO I spent a lot of time on Youtube and All Trails in preparation for this hike. Delta Lake Trail is not maintained by the park. I met several people who said when they asked park staff about this trail the staff tried to discourage them from doing it, but I believe that is due to the fact that they aren't "responsible" for the upkeep of the trail. You're going to want to watch and read tips on how to find the leg of the trail that will take you over and up. I'm a visual person, so Youtube was great. Here is what I experienced that may help you! -DOWNLOAD THE ALL TRAILS APP (click to download)
This is going to be your best friend in finding and staying on trail. Once at the rock scramble it gets a little difficult to figure out which way to go. Also check this app for trail conditions We went in June, there was some snow at the top by the lake, it is not uncommon for it to snow in late May and early June, so if you're going around this time. check what other hikers are reporting on the trail!
The beginning leg of the hike to Delta Lake via Lupine Meadows Trailhead -GET THERE EARLY
This trail has become pretty popular. It's no longer the hidden gem it once was. If you're hoping to catch the sunrise or try and beat the crowds, you're going to want to rise and shine! Early bird gets the worm! My husband and I got there around 6:00 a.m. and reached the lake just before 9:00 a.m. We hiked up with 2 other couples and all 6 of us were up there together without anyone else. Just a few people were coming down. We spent a total of 1.5 hours at Delta Lake and for 45 mins of that time just my husband and I had the lake ALL TO OURSELVES! It was amazing! We headed back around 10:30 and we were back to our car by 12:30 There were a lot of people on their way up at this time, so if you feel like you'd want to go with a group to be able to find the trail, I would say starting at about 8:00 a.m. would give you that.
The view from the switchback portion of the trail overlooking Bradley Lake and Taggart Lake Parking (Lupine Meadows Trailhead) gets full fast. There were already a handful of cars in the parking lot, and by the time we got back to our car around 12:30 the parking lot was full and people had to park closer to the main road. It's a very small lot so plan accordingly.
The start of the boulder field, going across towards the gulch before heading UP. -BRING LOTS OF WATER You'll be surprised at how much water you'll drink at the high altitude and especially on the last mile or so being such a steep incline. You'll want plenty of fluids to make it up and back. Bring more than you'll think you'll need!
-MY PACKING LIST
-hiking boots
-hiking socks -day pack -bear spray -hiking poles -lunch -energy bars -64 oz of water -pullover (the morning was chilly) -iPhone
The start of going up the boulder field once veering off the main trail. Look for the footpath to the LEFT!
Looking out over Grand Teton National Park -FINDING THE TRAIL Again, I'll say USE ALL TRAILS APP. Around the 5th switchback, about 3 miles in, you're going to reach an intersection. You could go to the left and head towards Garnet Canyon, but you'll want to continue on the trail heading to Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes. Keep going for one more switchback and then look off the right for a couple of "steps" leading down. It was marked with a stick in the ground when we were there. You'll follow that trail to the right through woods and head to the rock scramble. I had hiking poles with me and they did help me cross over the boulders, they were in the way trying to go up the boulders, but SUPER helpful coming back down. Be on the lookout for cairns that will point you in the right direction over the rocks until you can pick up the path again. Once you get closer to Glacier Gulch where there is more of a cleared view of the Park. You'll want to keep your eyes left to find the dirt path that goes straight up beside the rock scramble. It's here that it will be a VERY steep incline for about .5 miles to the top! I did see young kids doing this. It is for sure a TOUGH hike, but if you're in decent shape, I wouldn't be terribly intimidated by it. Just take breaks and push through!
This incline is the HARDEST part, and you may even start regretting your decision to do this hike BUT it means you are ALMOST DONE and once you see that ice blue water and gorgeous mountain peak it will be ALL WORTH IT! I PROMISE!
Once the sound of rushing water got louder and louder I knew we had made it! There was SOME packed snow up there, but it wasn't anything too difficult to maneuver around. I would suggest trying to go around to the RIGHT. You can get some good pictures right at the mouth of the lake, but once you go to the right side there are some bigger rocks out in the water that you can get to and grab even more amazing photos. Find a place to sit, eat, drink, and rest and CONGRATULATE yourself on an amazing job well done! Delta Lake is currently my most favorite hike I have ever done and wish for everyone to get to see and experience it's beauty!
NEXT: Read my post 3 BEST DAY HIKES IN GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK HERE!
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