Near Phelps Lake Loop
Near Phelps Lake Loop
Near Phelps Lake Loop
Near Phelps Lake Loop
Near Phelps Lake Loop

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Driving Directions
Hike Route

Phelps Lake Loop

4.5 (42 Ratings)
A nice hike around Phelps Lake with stunning views of the Teton Range.
6.6
mi
Distance
574
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsLakeLakefrontLess CrowdedRiver/CreekSwimmingViewsWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
6.58mi
Distance
574ft
Elevation Gain
574ft
Elevation Loss
40%
Max Grade
6,778ft
High Point
6,402ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
From the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, head west on the Lake Creek Trail. This will cross Moose-Wilson Road before hitting a four-way intersection. Continue straight to follow Lake Creek toward the outlet of Phelps Lake. Enjoy serene views of cascades along the creek, and look for mule deer grazing at the edge of the meadows.Upon reaching the lake, turn left on Phelps Lake Trail as it heads north and skirts along the western shore. The views of Phelps Lake from this trail are splendid, and you'll encounter far less people on this stretch of trail. After brief uphill it will meet Valley Trail at the lake's northern extent. Turn right at this intersection, then shortly after, turn right at Phelps Lake Overlook. The views from this segment are also awesome--you can't go wrong here!Continuing clockwise around the lake, the eastern section of Phelps Lake Trail has awe-inspiring views of multiple Teton peaks, including: Albright Peak (10,552'), Prospectors Mountain (11,241'), Mount Hunt (10,783'), and Apres Vous Peak (9,508'). Spur Trail has a great view into Open Canyon and its U-shaped nature. This canyon was formed during the last glacial maximum approximately 15,000 years ago!Back at the southern end of the lake, continue onto Woodland Trail to complete your loop back to the trailhead. Note that you could turn onto Boulder Ridge Trail if you want to extend the hike and get some slightly different scenery. This trail climbs a hill and then reconnects with Woodland Trail near the Moose-Wilson Road crossing.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Denis LeBlanc