Introduction:
What? :
This is one of the more challenging day-hikes in Grand Teton National Park. you will enjoy a panoramic view of the valley and lakes and the serene alpine lakes nested below the ragged mountain peaks.
This is a strenuous hike, 10.5 miles out and back with climbing nearly 3,100 feet into the alpine wilderness, it took me 5 hours to complete.
The trail's highest elevation at Amphitheater Lake is 9,698 feet.
Where? :
The Amphitheater Lake Trail begins at the Lupine Meadows Trailhead, in the southern portion of Grand Teton National Park.
From Jackson, WY, head north on US-191/US-26/US-89 toward Grand Teton National Park. Enter the park at the Moose Entrance Station and approach Jenny Lake parking, just before turning left into Lupping Meadows Rd., after the bridge crossing the river the pavement turn into a dirt road.
Turn right and follow the road all the way to its end at Lupine Meadows Trailhead.
The parking lot can fill up in the summer.
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When? :
Grand Teton National Park is open year-round, but most roads are not open to vehicles in the winter due to heavy snow.
The park tourist season is from late May through September.
Park service are open
High elevation trails are mostly snow-free
Wildflowers are blooming
Waterfalls are flowing
Wildlife is active
Shuttle boat across Jenny Lake is running
My personal recommendations are to visit Grand Teton National Park during the month of September.
The park is not as crowded as the peak tourist season of the summer months, the weather is ideal for hiking, it is not so hot or cold, all the roads are still open and the animals are in their active months.
Another option is during June when the snow is mainly cleared, all is green and the animals are getting out and active after the long winter.
Summer:
This is the peak Season (Mid-June to Mid-September)
All park roads are open to personal vehicles, making it easy to drive up to all attractions.
It is very crowded here during the summer months. The crowds exist in all park roads and tourist destinations.
Days are usually warm days (70-80f), but nights can still be cool. Afternoon thunderstorms are common.
All lodges, hotels and campgrounds are open, high price and reservations need many months in advance.
Fall:
Fall season is short (Mid-September to end October) offering pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds than summer.
All roads are still open (most interior roads close to vehicles by early November), usually there is no heavy snow but you should expect a mix of sunny and rainy days and cold temperatures.
Daytime highs can range from the 40-70F, with nights dropping below freezing.
Winter:
US Highway 89/191/26 (the outer road) is open year-round and plowed for traffic. This is the main north-south highway that runs from the town of Jackson through the park and continues toward Yellowstone. The park inner roads are typically closed to wheeled vehicles from November 1 through April 30 (dates can vary based on weather).
From approximately November through May, most visitor facilities, including visitor centers, campgrounds, and lodges, are closed or operate on very limited schedules.
Avoid visiting in early spring or late fall if you’re aiming for a hike, snow and ice may make higher elevations impassable.
The weather is cold with daytime temperatures between 0-20f.
You need proper, layered, waterproof and warm winter clothing is essential.
Spring:
Spring is a very short season, practically in May and early June.
Crowds are minimal, especially in April and May, making for a quiet visit.
Weather is unpredictable, with the potential for warm, pleasant days mixed with snow, rain, and freezing temperatures.
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Tips and inputs:
Due note 1:
This is a popular trailhead, expect parking to be full.
The first section of the trail will be crowded during mid-day. As you hike up the trail it becomes less crowded.
Due note 2:
Near the parking lot you can find restrooms.
No other tourist facilities.
Due note 3:
This is a long hike, bring with you plenty of water (2 liters per person)
Bring snacks or light lunch.
Due note 4:
Dress in Layers: Grand Teton weather can change quickly even during the summer months. Be prepared for sun, rain, and cool temperatures. Some sections of the trail are exposed to the sun so bring a hat, use sunscreen and sunglasses.
Due note 5:
Carry bear spray, know how to use it, and keep it accessible (not in your backpack). Hike in groups and make noise, especially in the forested and backcountry sections.
Due note 6:
Animals observe Safe Distances: Always maintain a safe and legal distance: 100 yards (91 meters) from bears and wolves, and 25 yards (23 meters) from all other animals, including bison and elk.
Due note 5:
The trail is well-marked and clear and you can’t get lost easily but always when hiking in the wilderness have an electronic map in your phone and bring a paper map with you.
Due note 6:
My recommendation for this hike is to start early: during hot summer days you will beat the heat, easy parking and less crowds, and avoid the potential afternoon thunderstorms.
Due note 7:
Bring with you a good binocular. Many of the most animals are often viewed at a distance. Animals may be far and hard to spot.
Due note 8:
Limited Cell Service – Don't rely on GPS or mobile maps; download offline maps before you go.
My thoughts:
This is a long, steep ascent with relentless switchbacks, but the view of the valley along the climb and the reflection of two glacial lakes in an alpine cirque below the Tetons is worth every step.
The Hike:
Warning: Amphitheater Lake is a serious physical challenge hike with a lot of elevation gain and does not fit everyone.
The trail starts at Lupine Meadows Trailhead with a relatively flat through sagebrush and pine section.
After about 0.8 mile the trail started to climb.
After 1.9 miles from the trailhead you will see a clear connecting trail from the left, this will be Valley Trail.
Keep hiking up and you will soon begin a series of steep long switchbacks that continue for several miles. Most of this section is open (exposed to the sun) and you can enjoy the view of the valley below you open up.
You can clearly see Taggart Lake and Bradley Lake nested in the forest below.
The early section of the trail also leads to Garnet Canyon, that fork left from the main trail (around 2.7 miles in).
Another popular destination with an un-marked trail is Delta Lake, located inside the deep canyon right of the main trail leading up.
Keep hiking up and you will reach the last section of your climb, through dense forests and rocky switchbacks. This section is shaded for much of the way.
Soon after the last switchback the trail level up and you will reach Surprise Lake on your left.
Walk left and you will see Surprise Lake, a beautiful alpine lake with blue-green water surrounded by rocky cliffs.
When I was here the air was calm and the reflections where amazing.
This is a great spot for a quick break, but the real gem is still ahead.
Go back to the main trail and less than 0.2 miles beyond Surprise Lake, you’ll reach Amphitheater Lake.
This breathtaking cirque is surrounded by Disappointment Peak, Middle Teton, and Grand Teton.
The scenery here is dramatic: glacial boulders, scree fields, crystal-clear water, and towering exposed granite peaks all around.
What a rewording view for the hard climb !
This is the perfect place to rest, drink, eat something and enjoy the view.
Once you are done here you need to return the same way you came, this time all is downhill.
On my way back hikers that were climbing up told me that there is a black bear on the trail but when I reached that point he was already gone.
I hiked fast all the way to the trailhead, when I reached there it was already late noon and very hot.
Final Thought:
The Amphitheater Lake Trail is a classic alpine hike that rewards your effort with some of the most pristine, high-mountain scenery in Grand Teton National Park. It’s a physically demanding trek, but offers an unforgettable journey through forest, canyon, and finally, to two spectacular glacial lakes tucked beneath the mighty Tetons.
Perfect for fit hikers and mountain lovers, this trail provides a true wilderness experience—without requiring technical climbing skills.
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