Near Amphitheater Lake
Surprise Lake plunge - Grand Teton rising above. Brrrrr!
Near Amphitheater Lake
Amphitheater Lake in late September
Near Amphitheater Lake
July lunch at Amphitheater.
Near Amphitheater Lake
Awesome view of the local fauna and valley around the Tetons. Taken on the switchback op to amphitheater lake.
Near Amphitheater Lake
Bradley Lake

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Driving Directions
Hike Route

Amphitheater Lake

4.8 (86 Ratings)
Hike to meadow-ensconced glacial lakes as Disappointment Peak towers above.
9.8
mi
Distance
2,962
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsLakeRiver/CreekViewsWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
9.81mi
Distance
2,962ft
Elevation Gain
2,962ft
Elevation Loss
--%
Max Grade
9,699ft
High Point
6,729ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
Starting from the Lupine Meadows trailhead/parking area, Garnet Canyon Trail contours southward, across Glacier Gulch Creek, and then turns west ascending a semi-steep fall line. Shortly after heading west, the trail is intersected by the Bradley Lake Trail, stay straight (right) here to continue on Garnet Canyon Trail.From this intersection, the trail switchbacks five times, popping in and out of the trees multiple times. Be sure to take a quick look back at Bradley and Taggart Lake below, as well as Sheep Mountain (11,239') and its "Sleeping Indian" formation across the Jackson Hole Valley. Just after the fifth switchback you'll reach an intersection with Amphitheater Lake Trail - turn right.Once on the Amphitheater Lake Trail, you'll switchback lazily four more times until the trail hits a steep segment, switchbacking ten more times very sharply. The top of these switchbacks brings you to a nice, gently sloping area that plays host to both Surprise Lake and Amphitheater Lake. These two glacial lakes sit just below Disappointment Peak (11,618') and Surprise Lake features a backcountry campsite (permit required).

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

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River/Creek
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Contributors
Tom Robson