Jumping Rock at Phelp's Lake
Jackson, Wyoming
| Address: | Moose Wilson Rd, Jackson, WY 83001, USA |
| GPS: |
43°37'35.3"N 110°46'23.1"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Wyoming |
Restrooms Lakes National Park
Dive, Hike, and Swim
Tucked beneath the towering walls of Death Canyon in Grand Teton National Park, the Jumping Rock at Phelps Lake is one of the most spectacular places to take a leap in all of Wyoming. A lone granite boulder rises from the lake's eastern shore above clear, deep, glacier-fed water — a natural diving platform with a backdrop of soaring Teton peaks that few swimming holes on earth can match.
Reaching it is a rewarding hike through classic Teton scenery. From either the Death Canyon Trailhead or the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, the trail winds through sagebrush flats and forests of aspen and lodgepole pine to the shore of Phelps Lake — figure roughly 5 to 6 miles round trip depending on your route. Follow the shoreline around to the east side and you'll find the famous rock, where a steady parade of hikers works up the nerve to jump.
The leap is a Teton rite of passage. The boulder offers ledges at a range of heights — lower spots for a quick splash and a higher perch (commonly cited around 20 feet up) for the bold. A few words of caution: always check the water and your entry before you jump, go feet-first, and be ready for a serious cold shock — this is glacial meltwater and it's frigid even in midsummer, so know your limits and get out before you're chilled. There are no lifeguards out here.
Timing matters. The Moose-Wilson Road that accesses these trailheads is typically closed from November into May, so the season runs roughly late spring through September, with mid-to-late summer offering the warmest (relatively speaking) water. This is also bear country — both black and grizzly bears frequent the Phelps Lake area — so carry bear spray, make noise, and store food properly. Parking, especially at the small Rockefeller Preserve lot, fills early, so start at first light.
Whether you make the jump or simply swim and soak in the view, the Jumping Rock at Phelps Lake delivers one of the Tetons' great summer experiences — a cold, clear mountain lake, a perfect natural diving board, and scenery that will stop you in your tracks.
More Information
Grand Teton National Park Itinerary
This Grand Teton National Park Itinerary will help you get started as you plan your vacation to Grand Teton National Park.
https://www.justgotravelstudios.com/collections/national-park-itineraries/products/grand-teton-national-park-itinerary?ref=9zpxis0diinLocal Review- Phelps Lake | Hike, Swim, and Cliff Jump!
Contrary to what many locals would have you believe, not everything in Jackson is a race or contest to see how deep/far/high you can get on a single hike.
https://unofficialnetworks.com/2011/09/15/local-review-phelps-lake-hike-swim-cliff-jump/Phelps Lake, Grand Teton National Park Fishing, Camping, Boating
Your Complete Travel Guide For Grand Teton National Park. Check Out: Lakes Rivers Falls > Phelps Lake
https://www.jacksonholewy.net/lakes_rivers_falls/phelps_lake.phpBe courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Jackson, Wyoming
- Head north on US-191 N/US-26 E/US-89 N/N Cache St toward E Deloney AveContinue to follow US-191 N/US-26 E/US-89 N(6.8 mi)
- At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit and stay on US-191 N/US-26 E/US-89 N (5.5 mi)
- Turn left onto Teton Park Rd (0.7 mi)
- Turn left onto Moose Wilson RdMay be closed at certain times or days(3.7 mi)
- Turn left onto LSR Preserve Entrance Rd (0.4 mi)
Starting from the Laurence S. Rockefeller Preserve parking lot, you'll hike West. The trail will take you Northwest to the South end of Phelp's Lake. Continue up the Eastern Shore until you see the rock. It's about 3/4 miles from the bridge to the jumping rock and it's visible almost the entire time after you reach the lake.
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