Lower Lakes

Dogs No Dogs

Features Lake · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Starting east of the main Jackson Visitor Center parking lot and across Paradise Road, find the path heading southwest through a stand of pines. Descend the ridgeline along the western flank of stupendous Paradise Valley. Paradise River flows down below. Negotiate a few patches of lingering snow. Descend steeply off the crest and arrive in a forested part of the valley. Cross Paradise River and speculate about the age of the glacial melt water you just stepped over. The Narada Falls Trail also departs to the west from this lowpoint.

Carefully cross Paradise Valley Road and begin an ascent up out of the Paradise basin. After a final short, steep push you reach a densely forested saddle where the High Lakes Trail branches off heading east. Continue south through the trees, eventually arriving at open meadows and the incredibly picturesque shores of the Reflection Lakes.

Although this trail can certainly be done as an out-and-back (increasing the mileage to 3 mileage round trip) another nice option is to arrange for a ride to pick you up at the end.

Deer can be seen frequently in this area.