Phelps Lake
Jackson, Wyoming
| Address: | Phelps Lake, Wyoming 83014, USA |
| GPS: |
43°37'35.8"N 110°46'23.8"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Wyoming |
| Trails/Routes: | 1.3-4.3 mi |
Backpack, Camp, Dive, Hike, and Swim
The Phelps Lake trail, located in Teton National Park, Wyoming, is in one of the most scenic locations of the park. Usually overshadowed by nearby Jenny Lake, it can often be missed by visitors of the park but it is one you will not want to miss on your next trip to Teton National Park. The 5 1/2 mile trail loops around beautiful Phelps Lake giving hikers views of gorgeous mountain scenery and the majestic bright blue waters of the lake. There are also several waterfalls in the area cascading down the Tetons only adding to the natural beauty of the area.
The Phelps Lake loop is a great hike for beginners to try backpacking. The trail is not challenging and is great for people with small children who want to accompany them while hiking.
Hikers don't have to make their trip to Phelps Lake in just a matter of hours. There are several campsites along the west side of the lake for hikers to enjoy as they swim, fish, and hike around beautiful Phelps Lake. Campsites are off the trail in small clearings between the thick pine trees that populate the rim of Phelps Lake. Fires are not allowed, but no permit is required to use the campsite. They are first come, first served. There is also a popular cliff jumping rock along the trail that allows hikers the option to get an up close look at the lake and the beauty of the park, while getting a quick swim in at the same time. The best times to hike the Phelps Lake Loop trail is from May to September to allow visitors to not only enjoy the scenery, but to be able to enjoy fishing and swimming in the lake.
There is lots of wildlife in the area including deer, moose, bears, and rabbits. Be sure to pack in bear spray incase of contact with bears. Do not hike after dark to avoid any unwanted contact with animals as they frequent the trail often.
Phelps Lake is truly a hidden gem of Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Teton National Park that is one of a kind and may be one of the most beautiful places in the continental United States.
Mapped Route/Trail Distances
| Rockefeller Preserve trail | 1.3 miles |
| Death Canyon trail | 1.8 miles |
| Phelps Lake Loop | 4.3 miles |
More Information
Be 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 Ave Continue to follow US-191 N/(6.8 mi)US-26 E/ US-89 N - 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 RdDestination will be on the left(0.4 mi)
Trails
Distance ?
1.3 milesElevation Gain ?
251 feetReal Ascent ?
338 feetReal Descent ?
87 feetAvg Grade (2°)
4%Grade (-8° to 16°)
-13% to 29%Distance ?
1.8 milesElevation Gain ?
-91 feetReal Ascent ?
476 feetReal Descent ?
567 feetAvg Grade (-1°)
-1%Grade (-30° to 11°)
-58% to 20%Distance ?
4.3 milesReal Ascent ?
991 feetReal Descent ?
991 feetGrade (-13° to 28°)
-22% to 52%Elevation differences are scaled for emphasis. While the numbers are accurate, the cut-away shown here is not to scale.