Jackson, Wyoming
Delta Lake
An unmarked scramble to one of the most photographed lakes in the Tetons.
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Length
- 7.4 mi
- Elevation Gain
- 2,300 ft
- Duration
- 5–7
- Best Season
- Jul–Sep
- Permit
- Not required
- Dogs
- Not allowed
- Features
- Glacial lake, Grand Teton views
About the trail
Delta Lake glows electric blue at the base of Grand Teton itself. The route leaves the official Amphitheater Lake Trail at an unmarked junction and climbs through forest before crossing a steep boulder field. The reward is a lake-and-Teton view that rivals any in the Rockies.
Trailhead map & directions
Trailhead: 43.7311, -110.7864Get directions →
Turn-by-turn route
- Park at the Lupine Meadows trailhead in Grand Teton NP.
- Climb the switchbacks 3 miles toward Amphitheater Lake.
- At the third major switchback past the Surprise Lake junction, leave the trail at the unmarked use path heading east.
- Follow the climber's trail through forest and across the boulder field.
- Drop into the lake basin at 3.7 miles.
Parking
Lupine Meadows — fills by 7 AM in July and August.
Tips from the trail
- Bring GPS or a downloaded track; the social trail is easy to lose.
- The boulder field is slow and dangerous in rain — turn back in storms.
- Bear spray is mandatory equipment in Grand Teton NP.