Delta Lake Hike Guide: Everything You Need To Know [2023]

This dreamy, aqua lake in Grand Teton National Park is one that not everyone has the chance to visit, because of the difficult trek to reach it.

But, if you’re willing to put in some hard work, the Delta Lake hike is definitely one to write home about.

Between the overlooks of the park, how close you get to the Tetons, and that rewarding feeling once you reach the lake, it’s highly worth the adventure.

Here’s a full guide of everything that you need to know before you head out for the incredible Delta Lake.

Distance: 7.5 miles
Elevation: 2,300 feet
Estimated Time: 5 hours
Type: Out & Back
Difficulty: Hard
All Trails Map

I’ll be honest with you: The hike to Delta Lake is hard and will definitely have you wondering, ‘what was I thinking?!’

But once you’ve reached the lake, you’ll be blown away by its beauty and will be so glad that you put in all of that effort.

The trail is out and back, so however you get there, you’ll come back the same way!

Most of the trail is kept up by the National Park Service, but after you reach the turn-off to actually get to the lake, it’s not maintained anymore.

This pretty much just means that the NPS doesn’t label, clean up, or do anything for this trail.

It’s strictly taken care of and created by hikers, so it’s especially important to follow Leave No Trace and take care of your parks.

But, this doesn’t mean that it isn’t a well-trafficked trail, because it’s definitely popular and you should be able to find your way pretty easily.

Once you reach the end of the trail, you’ll be met with the most phenomenal views of a turquoise lake with Disappointment Peak towering behind it.

Because the trail to Delta Lake can be confusing at times, I wanted to outline it in detail for you to easily follow.

Feel free to screenshot these notes or save this post for use on your hike!

The Start

From the Lupine Meadows Trailhead, you’ll jump onto the Valley Trail, which is right behind the bathrooms.

The hike up to Delta Lake starts out pretty mild and there’s only minimal elevation gain, which is a nice warm-up.

Most of this is spent in the trees with occasional views out into the meadows and fields of Grand Teton National Park.

Keep an eye out for wildlife as you hike! We saw a few marmots and people around us spotted a black bear on the trail!

You’ll hike on the Valley Trail for quite a while until you reach a fork.

Split to the Lakes

This fork splits to either Surprise, Amphitheater, and Delta Lakes or Bradley and Taggart Lakes.

You’ll want to stay right on to what is called the Garnet Canyon Trail, towards Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes (Delta Lake isn’t on the sign).

Some switchbacks start here, and you’ll hike up 6 of them before you branch off yet again to make your final ascent.

Here you’ll start to get a view out over the park where you can see Bradley and Taggart Lakes which lie below.

The switchbacks are definitely where it starts to get steeper, and you may need to take breaks more often.

After those 6 switchbacks, there will be another junction, which leads either to the lakes or Garnet Canyon.

Stay towards Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes for just one switchback.

This is where you’ll want to really pay attention because the branch off to Delta Lake is coming up and if you’re not looking, you’ll miss it!

Delta Lake Turn-Off

After that one final switchback, you’ll see an unmarked trail that leads off of the main trail to Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes.

You’ll want to jump on this trail and continue on your way.

It’s really such a great hike to embark on because the entire way is filled with beautiful views.

Follow the paths that have been created by other hikers until you reach a large boulder field. This is where it gets tough and steep.

You’ll then need to cross over the two boulder fields before you reach the lake.

If you visit when there’s snow on the ground, the boulders may be covered and it’s essential to be aware that there might be running water underneath.

In the summer, there might be cairns (stacked rocks) along the boulder field to help you find your way.

Take extra caution and slowly make your way over the snow or boulders to finally reach what you’ve been waiting for, Delta Lake!

If you’re visiting in the peak summer months, there will likely be other people at the lake

Aside from hiking just to Delta Lake, there are some other options for add-ons or alternative starts that you may be interested in.

Here are the most popular options to upgrade your hiking experience.

Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes

Distance: 11.5 miles
Elevation: 3,700 feet
Estimated Time: 7.5 hours
Type: Out & Back
Difficulty: Hard
All Trails Map

On your way back, you might consider adding on the hike to Amphitheater and Surprise Lakes, which will make it about 11.5 miles roundtrip.

You’ll also add on quite a bit more elevation gain, about 1,500 feet more, if you choose to take this route.

Both of these lakes are beautiful alpine lakes that are highly worth adding on if you have the time!

You’ll just head back down the boulder fields from Delta Lake until you get back to the maintained trail.

Now instead of heading back down to the parking lot, stay to the right and hike for about 1 mile until you reach Surprise Lake.

Amphitheater Lake is not too much further from Surprise Lake.

Then, you’ll turn back around and make your way back down the parking lot where you’ll have completed your hike!

You can of course do it the other way as well, and head to Amphitheater and Surprise Lakes before continuing to Delta Lake.

Bradley and Taggart Lakes

Distance: 12.8 miles
Elevation: 2,800 feet
Estimated Time: 7 hours
Type: Out & Back
Difficulty: Hard
All Trails Map

An alternative route to Delta Lake that isn’t as common as the Lupine Meadows Trailhead is to start at the Bradley-Taggart Trailhead.

So if the Lupine Meadows trailhead is full, go ahead and check out this trailhead instead!

This trail leads you past Taggart and Bradley Lakes on the other section of the Valley Trail..

Elevation gain isn’t huge on this portion of the trail, but there’s definitely a slight incline and is quite a bit longer than the other route.

After you’ve made your way past the lakes, you’ll eventually come to the same fork in the road that you would if you started at Lupine Meadows.

Here, stick to the left towards the Garnet Canyon Trail, or Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes.

The rest of the hike up to Delta Lake follows the same route you read above.

You can also of course choose to also add-on Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes from here, but it will become a really long hike.

Once you’ve entered the park and have paid your entrance fee ($80 annually or $35 weekly), this is how you get to the trailhead.

Because the Delta Lake hike isn’t maintained by the National Park Service, it’s not found on any of the maps that you’ll find in the park.

You’ll start your hike from the Lupine Meadows Trailhead, which is found at the very end of Lupine Meadows Road, an unpaved road.

This road is found right off of Teton Park Road, not too far from the Jenny Lake Visitor Center.

Although it is gravel, it’s really not that awful of a road to travel on and the trail is reachable for most cars.

We took our 1989 Chevy van and made it with no problems at all.

A pit toilet is located at the trailhead to use before heading out.

The parking lot does fill up pretty quickly in the summer months, especially later in the day.

So I really recommend arriving early and on a weekday if possible.

How Long Does it Take to Hike to Delta Lake?

How long it takes you to reach Delta Lake will depend on a few things, but it typically takes most people around 5 hours.

It is a fairly long hike, with quite a bit of elevation gain, so it might take you more or less time, depending on how often you stop for breaks.

Also, how long you choose to spend at the lake will vary from person to person, so add this to your timeline.

Hiking this trail in the summer will mean no (or less) snow on the ground, so you’ll be able to reach the lake faster.

If you’re going in the winter, there will be snow on the ground and it’ll take you longer to navigate the trail.

I’m not going to sugarcoat anything here about the Delta Lake hike’s difficulty.

The trail definitely isn’t easy, especially if you decide to do it when there’s snow on the ground like I did (🤦‍♀️).

A boulder field is also on the trail, and there’s no getting to the lake without climbing over it.

If you’re in good shape, are careful, and take your time, it’s definitely doable for a lot of people.

I wouldn’t recommend it for those who aren’t confident in their hiking abilities, because there are some really tricky spots.

There are also parts of the trail that can be very tough to follow, especially when there’s snow on the trail.

But, there aren’t any technical aspects to it, so you just need to be prepared and be able to conquer some tough spots.

If you’re looking for something in Grand Teton National Park that’s a bit easier, then check out the post that I wrote below! 👇🏼

Read this next 👉🏼 11 Epic and Easy Hikes in Grand Teton National Park

There are a few things to consider when planning your visit to Delta Lake.

Here’s some important information on the best times of year and days to do this hike.

Time of Year

The best time to hike to Delta Lake in Wyoming is in the summer months, between June and August.

This is when the temperatures are the warmest, the trails are (mostly) clear of snow, and you have the best chance of spotting wildlife.

You can do the hike in late spring or in the fall, but expect possible snow and colder temperatures.

I personally hiked it in May and had trouble navigating the snow on the trail.

It’s important to note that the road that the trailhead is located on, Teton Park Road, is closed to vehicles between November and April.

That road is only open to foot traffic and winter recreation, so it’s unlikely that you’ll want to hike during this time.

Plus, the snow on the trail will likely be very deep and won’t make for a comfortable hike.

Time of Day

Delta Lake used to be a hidden gem in Grand Teton National Park, with few people visiting this beautiful paradise.

But now, it’s not so hidden anymore and is heavily visited.

If you’re anything like me and prefer to be in nature with few people, then I would highly recommend hiking early in the morning.

If you start by like 7:00 am, you’re much more likely to have the lake all to yourself, which is so peaceful!

Arriving later in the day may make it hard to snag a parking spot, and you’ll have to deal with the others who also want to see the famous lake.

Setting out for hiking in national parks can be intimidating, but being prepared can help you stay safe and happy!

Here are a few of my top tips to remember to have a safe journey to the lake and around Grand Teton National Park.

• Start early: Parking lots fill up fast, and you want to ensure you get a parking spot. Plus, you’ll avoid more people and the mid-day heat.
• Prepare for the cold at the lake: While you may be warm on the trail, the higher elevation will make it chillier at the lake. Pack a sweater!
• Use a GPS app: Ensure that you’re staying on the trail by using a GPS system like All Trails.
• High elevation=snow: Because Delta Lake is over 9,000 feet above sea level, there could be snow at any time! Come prepared for this.
• Stay Hydrated: High altitudes can bring the onset of sickness, so always stay hydrated and nourished on the trail.
• Carry bear spray: You’re hiking in bear country here! Always carry bear spray on your hikes, like this one that I use.
• Leave no trace: As you should on any trail, please clean up after yourself (and others!) and leave nature where you found it.
• Have Your Park Pass: Grab either an America the Beautiful pass or weekly national park pass to enter the park.

There are definitely a few essentials that you should be packing on any hike that you embark on.

I’ve got a few recommendations here for you that will specifically come in handy for hiking in Grand Teton National Park

Read This Next! 👉🏼 Packing for a Day Hike: 21 Top Essentials to Bring

If you’re planning to do some awesome hiking in Grand Teton National Park, you’ll want to find somewhere to stay nearby

One of the best places to stay in the park is the Jackson Lake Lodge, located on the shores of Jackson Lake and just minutes from the best things to do in the park.

Another option is Colter Bay Village, which is located in the Colter Bay area of the park, with views of the nearby Tetons.

Outside of the park, this beautiful condo has mountain views and is only about 5 miles from Grand Teton National Park.

Now that you’ve read this post, you’re ready to complete dare I say, the best hike in all of Grand Teton National Park.

From beautiful mountain views to endless wildlife and a reward of a gorgeous, teal, alpine lake, nestled behind a tall peak.

This trail really has all that you ould ever want.

The Delta Lake hike is definitely not an easy one, but the views and memories that you’ll have are far worth the effort that you’ll put in.