Introduction:
What? :
If you're looking for a relatively easy, family-friendly hike in Grand Teton National Park that still delivers jaw-dropping mountain views, peaceful lakeside serenity, and wildlife viewing opportunity, the Taggart Lake Trail is your destination.
Taggart Lake Out-and-Back is a 3.8 miles round trip relatively easy hike, if you are doing the longer loop hike this will be 6 miles with 900 ft of elevation gain.
This popular day hike offers incredible views of the Teton Range across the large lakes, dense forest paths, open meadows, and lake experience. It’s a perfect introduction to the park’s dramatic landscapes without the strain of high-elevation hiking.
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Where? :
Taggart Lake is located in the southern section of Grand Teton National Park, and it is one of the most accessible hikes in the 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 after a short drive, turn left at the sign for Taggart Lake Trailhead.
The trailhead parking lot is just off the main road.
The parking lot can fill up quickly in summer mid-days so you may find parking on the side of the park road.
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 one of the most popular hiking destinations in the park, so expect it to be crowded during mid-day.
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 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 was a fun afternoon hike, the forest hikes and the large lakes with the panoramic backdrop of south Teton mountains is an amazing view.
I saw large bull moose from the far side of the lake but even without animal viewing this hike is enjoyable.
I hiked here late in the afternoon so it was not so crowded and I enjoyed my quiet hike.
The Hike:
There are few trail options to hike here, you can do it out and back visiting only Taggart Lake or make it a longer loop hike that also visits Bradley Lake.
Note: when I visited here during Sep. 2025 the direct trail to Taggart Lake was close for hiking and we used a detour trail, passing by the nearby farm house to reach the lake area.
Starting at the Taggart Lake Trailhead, the trail begins in a sagebrush meadow with immediate views of the Tetons towering in the distance. The peaks of Grand Teton, Middle Teton, and Nez Perce are visible on a clear day.
The trail quickly enters a forested area filled with aspens and lodgepole pines, with shaded stretches that make for a comfortable hike even in mid-summer.
This is a gradual climb along Taggart Creek, which you’ll cross on a wooden bridge.
Here you have 2 options, hike left to Taggart Lake or take the trail leading to the right in the direction of Bradley Lake, this is what I did.
The trail climbs the ridgeline separating between Taggart Lake and Bradley Lake; this section is relatively exposed and you can enjoy the lake view.
After crossing the ridgeline the trail descends in the forest into the direction of Bradley Lake.
When you reach the junction with Valley Trail you can go down to the lake shore.
From here you need to turn left on Valley Trail, the trail gets into the forest hill, far from the lake shore. At some point the trail turns left and climbs the ridgeline, and soon you will start descending back to the direction of Taggart Lake.
After a short hike you will reach Taggart Lake.
Taggart Lake is a large peaceful, glacially carved lake sitting at the base of the mountains.
The water is typically clear and still, reflecting the peaks when the wind is calm.
This is a perfect spot to rest, have a picnic and take photos of the classic Grand Teton view.
From here you can walk straight to the direction of the trailhead or as I did, keep hiking on the trail following Taggart Lake shore. You will cross the bridge passing over Taggart Creek.
From here Taggart Lake loop 
Trail climbs a hill pass and descends into a deep creek on the other side.
The trail turns left and follows the creek in the general direction of the road and parking lot.
After reaching a major trail junction, turn right and walk to the trail head.
Final thoughts:
With its mix of forests, meadows, creeks, and lakes and backdropped inspiring views of Teton Range, this trail offers some of the most photogenic and peaceful views in the park.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning explorer, Taggart Lake is a hike that should always be on your Teton itinerary.
What a fun hike !
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