This is probably the most popular and photographed lake in Grand Teton National Park. If you are looking for the most stunning view with bright blue waters, then this is your place!

Part 2: Hike to Delta Lake in Grand Teton National Park

Please be aware of your hiking ability on this trail. While not a very long hike, the starting elevation, the elevation gain and ending elevation can be challenging. If it is hot, that will add to the difficulty. Initially this trail is a gradual incline, but when you make it to the turn to go to Delta Lake, the rock scramble and climb are hard along with it being steep.

Miles: 7.65
Elevation Gain: 2,275′
Trailhead Elevation: 6,800′
Lake Elevation: 9,000′
Parking Lot: Lupine Meadows Parking Lot. There is ample parking in the lot and along the road. Good for vans and larger vehicles, not good for big rigs or people towing.
Difficulty: Moderate/Hard
Dogs: NOT Allowed
Optional Addition: Amphitheater Lake

When we first started doing research about which hikes we would do while we were in Grand Teton National Park, this came up as the number one hike to do. The pictures you see of the bright blue waters under the jagged peaks had us wondering if that is how it truly looks in person. After reading about how popular it is, we knew it would be busy and that we wouldn’t have much of the trail to ourselves. Especially since part of the trail was also part of the Amphitheater Lake trail. I get a little nervous when trails are busy, especially in touristy destinations. It is usually because you never know how trail etiquette will go. I was pleasantly surprised that everyone was courteous, knew the general rules of trail etiquette and everyone was nice. You have a sense of camaraderie when you get to the lake after the last rock scramble, because it is so steep!

There is no need to get an early start to this hike unless you want to see the sun rise or beat the crowds. We had a leisurely morning and got to the trailhead mid morning and found parking along the road. There are still designated parking areas, even along the road. While there is a parking lot closer to the start of the trail, we decided to hang back.

At the very end of the parking lot is the trailhead. There are vault toilets and garbage bins. Make sure to take a picture of the map if you don’t have it downloaded.

You might think when you start this hike that people have mislead you about the elevation gain. The smooth trail and flat surface through the forest makes for an enjoyable time.

This doesn’t last too long before you start making your gradual climb up towards the lake.

Once you get to the clearing, you are close to the turn to head to Delta Lake instead of continuing on to Amphitheater Lake. Take in the views! During the late spring and early summer it will be covered in wildflowers. A few people even saw a bear walk right over the path right here. We missed it by less than a minute! Please remember to give them space if you encounter any wildlife.

Most trail guides don’t tell you that there isn’t a sign at the turn to Delta Lake. It actually isn’t even an official trail. At around 3.25 miles you will find yourself on a switchback. If you head to the left you continue on to the trail to Amphitheater Lake. At the tip of the switchback, look to your right. You will see some stairs that are quite steep to head towards Delta Lake. We almost missed it because we were looking down as we climbed up the trail. On our way back we ended up having to help a couple people find it.

This is the hard part! The last half mile, even though that isn’t that far, was grueling. Steep rock scrambling, with trail finding and having to figure out which way to go. Other than you always want to head up, there were parts you had to walk along the steep rock wall.

Once you make it to the top and walk over that last rock, you will see the most beautiful view!

It really is the color of the pictures we saw! This rivals the best alpine lakes we have seen across the US and Canada. The water was ice cold but enjoyable for about 30 seconds to dip your toes in. We found a secluded spot to have a snack and watch the marmots play. We were not thinking about the return hike to let our legs rest. But once you start, you are reminded of the hard decent you will have. The rocks again were difficult to get around but we took it slow and made it to the main trail. After that smooth sailing downhill.

Don’t miss Part 3 by subscribing! Can you guess which trail we did?

Love to Pine, use this one!