Delta Lake Trail

Lupine Meadows Trailhead - Grand Teton National Park

Quick Hits

• Location: Grand Teton National Park | Jackson Hole, Wyoming

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Route Type: Out and Back

• Distance: 7.7 miles round trip

• Elevation

  • Start: 6,736 ft

  • Total Gain: 2,952 ft

  • Highest Point: 9,022 ft

• Pacing: 5 hr 31 min

• Hiked: July

Notes

The “Delta Lake Trail” is inside Grand Teton National Park. The park charges an entrance fee of $25 - $30 per vehicle, but a National Park Pass will waive the fee. Leave the highway and arrive at the Lupine Meadows trailhead at the base of the Tetons.

After the first mile of hiking into the trees, you climb a ridge leading to a series of switchbacks. There is limited shade along this part of the trail so avoid hiking during peak temperatures during the day. Don’t forget to enjoy the views of the valley below.

Delta Lake is not an officially marked trail. Leave the smooth switchbacks and cross the railroad tie steps at the turn-off to start your ascent to Delta Lake.

Now the real climb begins as the unmarked trail leads you through a series of boulder and scree fields before a VERY steep dirt hill at the base of Delta Lake.

Once you reach Delta Lake enjoy a small waterfall, blue glacier lake, and stunning views of Grand Teton Peak.

Bonus

I saw my first cinnamon black bear on this trail! I didn’t get a photo because I was holding bear spray and he walked into the brush too quickly, We also saw this claw mark along the trail. We also identified Pika, Marmot, Chipmonk, and Pronghorn on this hike.