HIDDEN LAKE IN GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK
Delta Lake is an incredible place, a bright blue pool of glacial melt surrounded by the massive peaks of Mt. Owen, Grand Teton, and Teewinot Mountain.
The trail up is tough and particularly tricky near the lake, but worth it to anyone feeling adventurous and able to handle the boulder climbing and the sections of steep incline.
Once you’ve made it, you’ll want to celebrate your accomplishment with a dip in its azure water!
WHAT TO BRING
Water - Plenty, it’s a long hike and you’ll be at a high elevation
Food - Light snacks and a meal to enjoy by the lake
Boots - you’ll want the ankle support
Bear mace or a bell -bears are very common
Bathing suit & small towel - feeling brave enough for a chilly dip?
Download a map - reception is scarce and you’ll want it to make sure you don’t miss where the path splits towards the lake!
Credit: AllTrails
directions
Start at Lupine Meadows and walk along Valley Trail
At 1.8 miles, peel right at the fork for Garnet Canyon Trail
Stay right at all forks, and at 3 miles turn right onto Surprise/Amphitheater Lakes Trail.
Shortly after, at 3.2 miles, the trail will switchback. Don’t miss the path leading off that corner heading North, this is Delta Lake Trail.
Follow this up another 0.5 miles, to the Delta Lake. You’ll need to traverse some boulder fields. Stay aware, the trail can be tricky to keep track of here. After enjoying the lake, watch your steps as you return the way you came.
SPECS
Distance: 7.4 miles (11.9 km)
Elevation: 2,300 ft (701 m)
Type: Out & Back
THE TRIP:
Park at Lupine Meadows Trailhead - this is a popular spot, so you may prefer to start early if you want space to yourselves.
You’ll take a brisk walk through Lupine Meadows, along a straight path before it begins to switch back up Amphitheater Lake Trail.
The woods and meadows mesh as you climb higher, creating a beautiful color pallet full of green, yellow, orange, and earthy gray against the golden morning sun.
We mostly keep quiet on our adventures, as we like to witness wildlife when we can. This comes with a risk: be mindful of bears, and be prepared for if you meet one.
Amphitheater Lake Trail breaks off to the north after about 3.2 miles, and the turnoff is easy to miss. At the crux of the corner, you’ll drop down onto some wood steps and into an embankment that leads away from the main trail and over to a boulder field.
Be very careful if this is the route you decide to take. Otherwise, you can hike along the gulch up a trail to the east. It’s tougher to locate but easier to traverse.
Take note of the unique formations that thousands of years of snow and melt cycles have carved into the cliffs.
Hop out onto the large boulders that peak out of the water and enjoy the serenity of this hidden gem. You’ve earned it!
The way down is the same way you came up.
We’d advise you watch your footing on the rocks to avoid injury, and of course be aware and respectful of the natural life around you!
A FEW MORE TIPS:
We can’t stress enough: watch your step!
Learn about bear safety before any nature walk where they roam.
There is a restroom at the trail base; use it beforehand!
Take your time on the way down; the trail gets very busy mid-day.
