Hiking to Delta Lake in Grand Teton National Park

Deep inside Grand Teton National Park, there is a stunning glacial lake called Delta Lake. This lake sits high up in the mountains, about 2,300 feet above the valley floor. The hike to reach it is roughly 8 miles round trip. It is not an official trail, but it has become very popular because of the amazing views.

The lake gets its beautiful turquoise color from fine rock particles that come from a nearby glacier. But this color only appears when the lake is not frozen. From about November until June, Delta Lake stays frozen solid. The trail is also covered in snow during those months, making the hike much harder.

My First Try in June

I first hiked to Delta Lake in mid-June of 2022. I found a lot of melting snow and a lake that was only half-frozen. The snow made the hike very difficult. I kept sinking into the snow up to my knees. I also lost the trail a few times. Before reaching the lake, I had to climb up a steep snow slope. Summer and early fall hikers will not face these same problems. For them, the trail is much easier to follow.

What You Will See Along the Way

The trail to Delta Lake offers more than just the lake itself. You will walk through peaceful forests. You will see beautiful mountain views. You can look down at Bradley and Taggart Lakes far below. The trail is also a great place to see wildlife. You might see mule deer, marmots, coyotes, and even bears.

I have done this hike four times in total. One time I saw no bears. Another time I saw one bear. And once, I saw eight bears, including cubs. So you always need to be careful.

Important Safety Rules

Give all wild animals at least 25 yards of space. For predators like bears and wolves, stay at least 100 yards away. Bear spray is a must for this trail. You should also make plenty of noise while hiking. This lets animals know you are coming, so you do not surprise them.

Getting Started

The hike begins at the Lupine Meadows Trailhead. There is a large parking lot here. But this trail is extremely popular, so the lot fills up very quickly. I recommend starting very early in the morning.

The hike goes up about 2,300 feet in elevation. The round trip is 7.5 to 8 miles. You should plan to spend about 6 hours on this hike. You might need more time if you stay a long time at the lake. Bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and bear spray.

The First Part of the Trail

From the parking lot, you walk to the back to find the Lupine Meadows Trail. The first 15 minutes are through a forest and are mostly flat. Even though this trail is busy, I once saw curious mule deer right at the beginning. They were not afraid of people at all. They did not even try to move out of the way.

Soon, you come to a meadow on your left. Here I once saw a lone coyote moving near the tree line. I watched it for a while as it searched for food. It was a great chance for photos.

Heading Uphill

The trail then starts going up into a denser forest. Your next landmark is a bridge that crosses Glacier Gulch Creek. After the bridge, the trees open up a bit. You can see the Tetons, including the Grand Teton off to the right. The trail is still uphill, but it is gradual. The true switchbacks have not started yet.

One of my favorite views from the trail is of Nez Perce Peak. It stands out as the trail opens up. This section ends at a trail junction. This is a good place for a quick break. The left trail continues on the Valley Trail. The right trail takes you toward Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes, and also to Delta Lake.

The Switchbacks

Once you turn right, get ready for six switchbacks. These switchbacks are hard work for your legs. But the trees are less dense here, so you get amazing views of Jackson Hole Valley. Hiking in the fall is especially beautiful. The golden aspen trees make everything even more lovely.

From the switchbacks, you can see two greenish lakes down below. These are Bradley and Taggart Lakes. You can hike to them using a different trail.

Watching for Wildlife

Be careful if you stop to rest on the switchbacks. Chipmunks will try to get into your packs to steal your snacks. One time, I turned my head for just a few seconds. When I looked back, a chipmunk was trying to get into my pocket. Please do not feed them.

You should also scan the areas between switchbacks for bears. In 2022, I saw a mother black bear with two cubs from a safe distance. I used a long camera lens to watch them and take photos. Later that same day on my way down, I saw a completely different mother bear with her cub.

In June of 2024, I walked part of this trail hoping to photograph black bears. I was not having much luck. But near the very last switchback, I spotted a cinnamon black bear. It was busy searching for food, so I had plenty of time to get great footage and photos.

The Off-Trail Section

At the end of the sixth switchback, you do not turn left to continue the next switchback. Instead, you go straight. This is where the off-trail portion begins. Even though it is not an official trail, people have done some maintenance on it. It is also very heavily used, so it is usually easy to follow.

It is easy, that is, until you reach the first boulder field. Yes, there are two boulder fields to cross. You also have to deal with some steep slopes. You need to be very careful where you put your feet on these boulders.

Crossing the Boulder Fields

If you are doing this part early in the year and there is still snow, you should bring crampons and trekking poles. You should also start very early. Once the sun hits the snow, it speeds up the melting. Then you will likely sink into the snow with every step. Be careful of any wobbly boulders hidden under the snow.

Make your way across the first boulder field. Look up, and you should just barely see the tip of the Grand Teton. Head in that direction. Cross a wooden beam and find the trail again through the woods. This part is brief.

Soon you come to the second boulder field. Stay to the left at first, heading up a steep incline. Eventually you have to cross the field. This spot can be a little confusing. It really helps to have an offline map on your phone.

Cross the field while heading uphill. Use the Grand Teton, which is much more visible now, as your guide.

The Final Push

When I did this hike in the spring, the last climb to the top was very tough. I had to go up a steep snow-covered slope. I needed my crampons and poles to pull myself up. In the fall, however, it was just another boulder scramble.

At the top, you step over a small stream. Then you see one of the most fantastic views in Grand Teton National Park.

The Lake Itself

This past autumn, Delta Lake was a perfect turquoise color. The mountains around it had very little snow. The view was breathtaking.

Here is the same view from mid-June in 2022. The lake was half-frozen. There was much more snow on the Tetons. The lake had no color at all. It was still beautiful in its own way, but very different.

I am not completely sure which peaks you can see from the lake. I think you are looking at the Grand Teton, partly blocked by another mountain. That might be Disappointment Peak, or something else. But no matter the names, the view is wonderful.

Swimming and Going Back

Some people choose to swim in Delta Lake. But be warned. The lake is fed by a melting glacier. The water never gets warm. No matter what time of year you visit, the water is painfully cold. Swim only if you are very brave.

I made my way around to the right side of the lake. I took a break there and grabbed plenty of photos. When you are ready, begin your hike back down.

A Few Final Tips

If you are hiking in the summertime, do not stay too late in the afternoon. That is when thunderstorms are most common. You do not want to be caught on an exposed mountainside during a storm.

Conclusion

Delta Lake is one of the most beautiful places in Grand Teton National Park. But getting there is not easy. You will climb 2,300 feet. You will cross two boulder fields. You might walk through snow. You will definitely feel the burn in your legs.

But the reward is worth it. A turquoise lake sitting high in the mountains. A view of the great Tetons right in front of you. A feeling of peace and wildness that you cannot find on easier trails.

Just remember to be safe. Carry bear spray. Make noise. Do not feed the chipmunks. Give wildlife plenty of space. And if you go in spring or early summer, bring crampons and poles.

Grand Teton National Park has many wonderful hikes. But Delta Lake is something special. It feels like a secret hidden away in the mountains. Go see it for yourself. You will not forget it.