Tranquil Wonders of Phelps Lake Loop Trail

Phelps Lake Loop Trail is one of my favorite high-return-for-effort hikes in Grand Teton National Park. If you make the full loop around Phelps Lake, you’re looking at roughly seven miles, but the remarkable thing is how little elevation gain is involved compared with most substantial hikes in the Tetons. There’s some climbing between the Preserve and the lake, but nothing remotely like heading into the high country. As the author of the Jackson Hole Hiking Guide, I consider this an excellent way to cover some real distance in the park without spending the entire day grinding uphill. The trail winds through beautiful forest, repeatedly brings you back toward Phelps Lake, and gives you several options for how much hiking you actually want to do. One of the famous stops is Jumping Rock. Yes, I’ve jumped off it. I also have to secretly admit that I wasn’t smart enough to bring swim trunks that day, so I jumped in my boxers. Everybody else was swimming and nobody seemed particularly concerned, so I went with it. The water certainly wakes you up. Be careful with anything you leave unattended around the jumping area, particularly food. Bears are very active around Phelps Lake, and I’ve personally encountered bears directly on the trail multiple times. This is serious bear country, so carry bear spray, know how to use it, follow the park’s food-storage rules, and give wildlife plenty of space. As the author of 50 Jackson Hole Photography Hotspots, I also love the variety along this hike. You get forest, shoreline, mountain views, reflections, wildlife possibilities, and plenty of changing compositions as you work your way around the lake. Parking at the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve can require patience during summer. I’ve been told by rangers that turnover averages around 20 minutes, so even when the lot is full, the wait often keeps moving. If you’ve never visited the Preserve visitor center, don’t rush past it. It’s absolutely worth spending some time inside before beginning the hike. For the scenery, distance, relatively gentle terrain, swimming opportunities, and sheer variety, Phelps Lake Loop is one of the best-value hikes in Grand Teton National Park. A lot of experience for the effort.

This place has no capacity for guests, and they kick people out who try to park along the road (complete reasonable to park along the road)

Parking is limited, fortunately we got one. It’s around 7 miles loop trail but we decided to hike 2-3 miles, to the Phelps Lake and back from the same trail. Beautiful trail, well maintained, not much foot traffic. Tetons reflection on the lake looks amazing. Restrooms are at the parking.

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

I don't recall seeing anywhere that you can't take an RV there. We drove all that way only to be turned around.