In search of serenity, beauty, turquoise lakes, and beautiful rocky mountains, I found this hike. Delta Lake is arguably one of the most beautiful hikes in Grand Teton National Park. And, most definitely, one of my most favorite hikes I’ve ever done. It’s a challenging, 4-mile there and 4-mile back unmaintained trail where you’ll hike over fallen trees, climb over boulder fields and walk up very steep hills. Despite it being 8-miles, this hike is no easy climb but it’s absolutely worth it.

It’s blue waters are fed by the Teton Glacier.

Elevation gain of 2400 ft

8 miles

Strenuous

While you may not find this hike on the NPS website, it’s popularity is growing everyday.

HOW TO GET THERE:

The trail begins at the Lupine Meadow parking lot. This parking lot often fills pretty quickly so I suggest getting there early! From the Lupine Meadow trailhead, the trail starts nice and easy through a forest with views of Wyoming’s beautiful wide open fields and short glances at the Tetons above you.

You’ll then reach a junction and you need to make sure you stay straight for Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes. Follow the trail through some easy switchbacks with more views of Wyoming’s open fields and Bradley lake below.

About another mile and a half, you’ll run into another junction, where you’re going to keep going towards Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes. On the first switchback, after this junction, you’ll begin your journey on the unmaintained trail. The unmaintained trail will begin at the end of this switchback on the right-hand side. It will be a steep drop and a steep hike back up. You’ll see a large fallen tree in which you’ll have to climb over. It’s not hard to miss if you’re paying attention.

Follow the trail up to the first boulder field and look out for all the cairns to avoid getting lost. You’ll then reach a larger boulder field and, again, take it slow and pay attention to where you’re going. The boulder fields are the trickiest part of this hike. After the larger boulder field, you’ll come across the steepest part of the hike where crawling may become necessary.

Once you bust out this part of the hike, you’ll reach the turquoise waters of Delta Lake and all the hard work will slip out of your mind.

Reward yourself by laying out on a rock and soaking in the sun. Listen to the water draining from the lake under the boulders. Breathe, smile, enjoy.