How to Complete the Taggart Lake Hike at Grand Teton National Park

We recommend the Taggart Lake hike as the first thing to do on your Grand Teton National Park itinerary. This trail will give you a nice introduction to the area and has some great scenery!

This trail is also fairly easy, and we always like to try to take it easy on our first day out exploring. This trail is also perfect for visitors with families.

With the Teton Range in view as you hike the entire trail, it’s a photographer’s dream. If you are looking for a longer hike, take the connector trail to Bradley Lake, which is about 1 mile north.

Check out our Grand Teton/Yellowstone itinerary if you’re looking for more fun in Grand Teton National Park. Now, let’s talk about Taggart Lake.

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Need to Know Info

• An entrance fee is required at Grand Teton National Park. We recommend getting an annual pass. The pass expires after one year, but it usually pays for itself if you visit enough parks in one year. Visit our gear page to purchase your America the Beautiful Pass online at REI’s website.
  • In some cases, you can purchase an annual pass at the entrance of some parks. Plus, sometimes they have designated lanes for entry if you already have your pass!
• Arrive early at Grand Teton National Park. Arriving before or around 8 am is the best way to secure parking. We arrived around this time each day, and we had no issue with parking. Plus, with the sun behind you, lighting up the Tetons in that amazing morning light: *chef’s kiss* 😍
• It’s best to visit the Grand Tetons during late June, July, or August. During these warmer months, you can hit the trails, and everything should be mostly snow-free along the trails in the higher elevations. Key word there…”should”.

Taggart Lake Hike – 4 miles – moderate, loop

First up, head to the Taggart Lake Parking area just off Teton Park Road. You should be able to find parking here if you are early, and the lot is fairly large. Restrooms are available as needed. If you’re staying in Jackson, it’s just a quick 20-minute drive.

To start the Taggart Lake hike, head down the trail and follow the loop to the left. The trail starts out very flat and manageable as you work your way toward the lake. You will wind through plenty of aspen groves and fields filled with wildflowers if the season is right.

The trail gains steady elevation (but not too steep) as you reach the junction with the Valley Trail at around the 1.75-mile mark. Take a right and stay on the Taggart Lake Trail. At this point, the trail gets steeper as you begin to approach Taggart Lake.

At 2.25 miles in, the trail flattens out, and you’ll lose a bit of elevation as you approach the bridge to cross the lake. Outstanding views of the Teton Range reflecting on the lake make this a great, easy hike for superb views.

Just after the bridge at about 2.5 miles, you have the option to continue the Taggart Lake hike or continue on to Bradley Lake. We’ll discuss Bradley Lake more below.

If you want to complete the shorter route to Taggart Lake only, take the trail to the right here and continue hiking downhill until you reach the parking lot where you started. This is a great short hike with amazing views if you are short on time.

➡️ Read next: Ultimate 10-Day Itinerary to the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone.

Taggart Lake & Bradley Lake Loop – 6.2 miles – moderate, loop

From the 2.5-mile mark on the Taggart Lake hike, take the Valley Trail at the junction. Follow this trail around the lake and don’t forget to stop for the amazing views of the Teton Range! Be on the lookout for moose, elk, and deer. You may even spot a black bear around here as well.

Continue along the trail for another 1.5 miles or so, and you’ll reach Bradley Lake around the 4-mile mark. Along both of the lakes, you’ll have amazing views of Nez Perce Peak, South Teton, and Grand Teton. Finally, take the connector trail south back toward the parking area. This is about a 2-mile trek, and it’s all downhill from here to complete the Taggart Lake & Bradley Lake Loop.

Animal Safety in Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park has a diverse range of animals living in the park. Grizzly bears, black bears, moose, elk, bison, squirrels, snakes (not venomous!), marmots, and eagles are just a few of the animals you might see.

Always carry bear spray while hiking in the Tetons. Purchase your bear spray near the park in Jackson, or rent it from somewhere if you don’t plan on keeping it. Bear spray is NOT allowed on aircraft in checked or carry-on luggage. Make sure to review the steps to take if you encounter a bear during your adventure.

Before hiking, you should also learn how to spot the difference between grizzly and black bears and what to do if you see one. That being said, it’s unlikely that you will have an aggressive animal encounter, but always be prepared. Furthermore, do NOT leave food in your car!

Safety and Weather in Grand Teton National Park

• Cell phone coverage could be spotty in certain areas of Grand Teton National Park.
• Don’t forget to bring your bug spray. Get our favorite here!
• Plan on letting a family member or friend who isn’t on the trip with you know where you’ll be each day while exploring. If you get lost, this will aid in your rescue.
• Water: Still using one-time-use plastic bottles? Let’s get more sustainable and carry a water bladder instead! It’s recommended to carry at least 1 liter of water for every 5 miles you are hiking.
• Food: There are limited food options near the Grand Tetons. If you are looking for food here, your best bet is to travel back to Jackson Hole.
• The weather can vary depending on your location in the park. Higher elevation areas will be cooler, especially in and around the forested and shady areas. You may even see snow at high elevations in the summer months. Be aware of afternoon thunderstorms and the threat of lightning from July through August. Check out the current conditions on the national park website.

Where to Stay At Grand Teton National Park

Jackson Hole is the perfect spot to stay while spending 4 days in Grand Teton National Park. It’s also possible to stay a bit farther away in Victor, Idaho. Here are some of the top accommodations:

• Flat Creek Inn: This roadside motel is located directly across from the National Elk Refuge. Clean and comfortable. This is one of the closest hotels to Grand Teton National Park, situated just north of Jackson Hole. We had a great stay here during part of our trip! Book it here at Expedia or Booking.com.
• Wyoming Inn of Jackson Hole: Just minutes from downtown. Rooms feature private fireplaces and views of Wyoming’s surrounding wild beauty. Pet-friendly, hot tub, and a restaurant is located on site. Check it out on Expedia or Booking.com.
• The Rockwell Inn: Luxury accommodations in Jackson Hole. Begin each day with a hearty breakfast. Free parking, an on-site pool and hot tub, and fresh-baked cookies in the afternoon. Reserve your room on Expedia or Booking.com.
• Cobblestone Hotel & Suites – Victor, ID: A newer hotel offering free breakfast. However, this hotel is about 1.5 hours from Grand Teton National Park. That being said, it’s possible it could be cheaper than others in Jackson Hole during the high season. We stayed here due to this exact reason. We loved it! Book your stay on Expedia or Booking.com.

Final Thoughts

What a great way to start your vacation and adventure in the Grand Tetons. The Taggart Lake hike is a perfect trail to get acclimated to the high elevation of the park while exploring the stunning scenery that this gem has to offer.

We extended our hike to Bradley Lake, and the added miles were worth the trek to see both lakes. The stunning reflection of the mountains on the lake is a sight to see. After our hike at Taggart Lake, we headed to Jenny Lake for some more fun in the Tetons.

🛏️ Wait a minute! Before you explore more, be sure to book your stay at the Wyoming Inn of Jackson Hole.