One of our favorite hikes in the Grand Tetons was the Delta Lake hike. This hike is strenuous but will reward you with a beautiful alpine lake at the end! Here was our adventure.
We started at Lupine Meadows Trailhead, just south of Jenny Lake. When we exited the car, we saw our first wildlife, a snake! Honestly, anywhere you go in the Tetons, you will most likely see some wildlife.
That is why it is essential to be prepared and leave no trace when hiking. We always had bear spray, carried the trail data, and packed extra clothes. We are entering into the wildlife, so we must respect it.
Starting from Lupine Meadows, this hike is 7.4 miles out and back with an elevation gain of 2,296 feet. The first part of the hike is on the Valley Trail. The first 0.5 miles had little elevation gain, and then after that, we went up, up, up.
The Valley Trail is an extensive trail stretching over 17 miles. We were only on it for about 1.9 miles before we turned onto Granite Canyon Trail. On this trail, you are given incredible views of Bradley Lake and Taggart Lake in the distance as you walk along the switchbacks.
This part of the trail is challenging, you will have a lot of elevation gain on the Granite Canyon Trail, but the path is well-maintained and easy to follow.
Granite Canyon was also where we saw elk way in the distance and so many marmots!
After six switchbacks, you will follow the trail that leads to Delta Lake; this is when the hike gets strenuous. You will be scrabbling up some rocks and have a lot of elevation gain in a short amount of time.
After the intense .4 miles of scrambling up the mountain, you walk into the most beautiful view of Delta Lake.
The first glimpse of Delta Lake in Grand Teton National Park is an awe-inspiring moment that leaves you breathless (maybe partly because of the hike). The emerald green waters, nestled in a natural amphitheater of jagged granite cliffs, reflect the majestic beauty of the surrounding mountains, creating a scene that feels almost surreal. It’s a captivating sight that leaves an indelible impression, reminding you of the sheer magnificence of nature in the Grand Tetons.
We went on this hike in late May, so there was a lot of snow on the trail for the last half mile up the mountain. It was such an exciting, beautiful hike, but it was a challenging one. I would go on this hike one hundred times!
