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Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park: Phelps Lake

Ditch the roadside crowds on this family-friendly, 4.1-mile out-and-back to an indigo lake framed by the mighty Tetons. Bring binocs: Songbirds abound.

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Hike two gently rolling miles (one-way) to reach this deep-blue lake at the foot of 11,241-foot Prospectors Mountain. The route winds through conifers and aspen groves before dropping to Phelps’s northern shoreline. Picnic at the sandy beach or take the gasp-inducing plunge into the ice-cold water. Extend your stay: Continue southeast .1 mile to sleep at the designated campsites (permit required).

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/

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Trail Facts

  • Distance: 6.6

Waypoints

PHL001

Location: 43.655717, -110.781026

Begin hiking NW from well-marked trailhead through dense forest

PHL002

Location: 43.656818, -110.782204

Turn L @ 3-way

PHL003

Location: 43.656662, -110.789909

Continue straight, passing lush fern and flower undergrowth

PHL004

Location: 43.657347, -110.796014

Enter a shaded aspen forest, where Western tanagers, northern flickers, and ruby-crowned kinglets sing above a sprawling floral carpet

PHL005

Location: 43.65704, -110.7994

Overlook: Crystalline Phelps Lake sparkles nearly 1,000 ft. below; continue W to descend via switchbacks

PHL006

Location: 43.654972, -110.80508

Turn L @ Y to Phelps Lake; break to view the 10,000-ft. towering gray walls of Death Canyon, which dominate landscape to the W. Option: Extend hike by turning R to head up the glacier-carved alley of Death Canyon

PHL007

Location: 43.652924, -110.804771

Turn L @ T; this low-lying section of Phelps Lake basin is a popular watering hole for bear and moose

PHL008

Location: 43.65314, -110.800445

Arrive at sandy beach, jump into the cool water before sprawling out with a good book and picnic lunch. Option: Make it an overnight and camp at one of the lake’s beach campsites

Hikers

Location: 43.656147, -110.787827

Hikers trek along the dusty footpath.

Trailside Views

Location: 43.657378, -110.797248

Looking down Death Canyon.

The Tetons

Location: 43.657347, -110.797688

The rugged folds of the Tetons.

Phelps Lake

Location: 43.656742, -110.802655

Descending toward the emerald gem.

Moose

Location: 43.653141, -110.802986

A moose grazes near the trail.

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