WPT001
Location: 43.627312, -110.773207
From parking lot, follow winding gravel path through sagebrush meadow and past an aspen grove to the LSR Preserve Center (look closely at tree trunks for bear claw marks).
WPT002
Location: 43.627048, -110.775536
Step inside the LSR Preserve Center to see multimedia exhibits on the Rockefeller Preserve and its 7 different ecosystems (the center also overlooks 10,552-foot Albright Peak). Next, follow wheelchair-accessible Lake Creek Trail.
WPT003
Location: 43.627647, -110.777283
Bear left @ Y-junction, and cross bridge over Lake Creek. Follow Lake Creek Trail, a narrow, dirt-packed path, through lodgepole pines and Douglas fir. Ahead, the trail parallels the creek, which flows down a gully to the right of the trail, and offers peek-a-boo views of the Tetons.
WPT004
Location: 43.625484, -110.783585
Caution: Cross Moose-Wilson Road and continue on dirt-packed trail, keeping creek on your right; keep an eye out for elk tracks and scat along trail.
WPT005
Location: 43.626282, -110.785454
Continue straight @ 4-way junction (Boulder Ridge Trail on right and Aspen Ridge Trail on left). Next: Hike northwest for a gentle ascent up dirt-packed and pine needle trail. The creek parallels path on the right; pass through forest of blue spruce and lodgepole pine.
WPT006
Location: 43.630299, -110.788902
Walk across an open field, which offers clear views of the Tetons ahead. Watch for Clark's nutcrackers and deer as you cross over the bridge in wetland area. Tip: The trail can be hard to follow in the field; make sure to keep the creek on your right.
WPT007
Location: 43.634052, -110.791046
Continue straight @ 4-way junction for final 0.1 mile to Phelps Lake; pass restrooms on the right and the junction for Lake Loop Trail. Sit on the bench or the boulders that dot the shore, and take in stunning views of the lake, the sandy beach (and campsites) on the opposite shore, and Albright Peak rising above it.
WPT008
Location: 43.63496, -110.791283
Pass a great lookout spot overlooking the lake, then follow Phelps Lake Trail to the east, keeping the lake on your left. In 350 feet, turn left (south) on trail, briefly leaving lake views behind.
WPT009
Location: 43.634933, -110.789917
Bear right @ Y-junction. Continue on Phelps Lake Trail, passing restrooms on right. Ahead, cross bridge and follow singletrack trail through forest; benches rest along the trail.
WPT010
Location: 43.634407, -110.787933
Turn right onto the Woodland Trail, leaving lake views behind (Phelps Lake Trail continues straight and loops around lake). The dirt-packed Woodland Trail passes through open forest and across several grassy meadows where young pine trees soak up the sun. Listen for the high-pitched cries of elk and keep an eye out for elk tracks on path. Several glacial erratics can be found along this section of trail.
WPT011
Location: 43.630699, -110.786049
Continue straight on Woodland Trail @ 4-way junction (Boulder Ridge Trail enters on left and Aspen Ridge Trail enters on right. Pass an open hillside dotted with aspens and pine trees, and giant rock blanketed in green and white lichen; watch for deer.
WPT012
Location: 43.629135, -110.780602
Carefully cross Moose-Wilson Road and switchback down hillside toward the creek. At Waypoint 3, bear L onto Lake Creek Trail; pass a waterfall in roughly 100 feet, and follow trail back to the parking lot.
LSR Preserve Center
Location: 43.627041, -110.775528
LSR Preserve Center Exhibit
Location: 43.627068, -110.775558
Waterfall
Location: 43.627129, -110.776413
Trail Sign
Location: 43.627644, -110.777283
Phelps Lake
Location: 43.634048, -110.791046
Views at Phelps Lake
Location: 43.634102, -110.791046
Glassy Reflection
Location: 43.634155, -110.791054
Glassy Waters
Location: 43.634209, -110.791061
Lakeside Views
Location: 43.634254, -110.791077
Bridge Crossing
Location: 43.634926, -110.789917
This scenic, 3-mile loop tours a wide range of ecosystems in the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, a 1,106-acre ranch donated to Grand Teton National Park and opened to the public in June 2008. From the parking area, follow a winding gravel path through a sagebrush meadow and past an aspen grove to the visitor center—step inside the center to view multimedia exhibits on the preserve.
From here, the trail winds through forests of lodgepole pine, Douglas fir, and blue spruce, and parallels Lake Creek. Listen for the high-pitched cries of elk, and watch for deer and Clark's nutcrackers. After 1.5 miles, the path traces the southern shore of Phelps Lake, offering spectacular views of the Tetons and the lake, before turning south for the trip back to the trailhead.
INFO For information on permits, current trail and camp conditions, and wilderness guidelines, go to nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/things2know.htm.
PERMIT A wilderness permit is required for all overnight camping in the backcountry. Reservations accepted ($20 administrative fee for permits during peak season). nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/back.htm
CONTACT Grand Teton National Park, (307) 739-3300; nps.gov/grte/
-Mapped by Kari Bodnarchuk
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