Phelps Lake Loop

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Circumnavigate Phelps Lake from the Laurence S. Rockefeller Preserve. This run affords amazing views of the Teton Range and gets much less use than the Jenny Lake area, but has a similar feel.

Black bears, grizzly bears, and moose are often seen around Phelps Lake. Pay attention and carry bear spray.

Fantastic trail run! I recommend leaving the headphones at home and bring some bear spray. I've encountered both black bears and grizzly bears on this loop. - Justin Bowen

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 run and get some slightly different scenery. This trail climbs a hill and then reconnects with Woodland Trail near the Moose-Wilson Road crossing.