Taggart Lake Trail
Taggart Lake offers a relatively moderate route through forest, moraine, and open views to a glacial lake beneath the Tetons.
Artwork inspired by Conrad Schwiering
Taggart Lake is normally one of Grand Teton’s most approachable lake hikes: A moraine-and-forest route to reflective water beneath Avalanche Canyon and the central Teton skyline. It is popular because the scenery arrives quickly, not because the terrain and wildlife are consequence-free; black bears frequent the area, and snow or mud can linger beyond the valley floor.
Construction can close the familiar north access between the Taggart Lake Trailhead and the lake, requiring a much longer south approach. Check the current NPS trail map and closure page rather than following an old map or app into a closed corridor.
- Destination
- Taggart Lake
- Option
- Route changes during construction
- Allow
- Allow extra time when detoured
Quick guide
- Anchor
- Make noise and secure food.
- Second focus
- confirm the signed open approach ↔ Follow current closure signs
How to read Taggart Lake Trail on site
- Start early
- Parking and trail traffic build quickly.
- Use south access
- Confirm which approach is open before leaving the trailhead.
- Plan the distance
- Current access is 4.24 miles each way.
- Stay bear-aware
- Make noise and secure food.
Good to know
Trail work can close one branch of the loop and convert a familiar circuit into a longer out-and-back. Confirm the active NPS trail map immediately before setting out, then calculate mileage from the route actually open.
Notice these
- Taggart Lake
- A route shaped by current access
- Follow the signed open approach.