Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Difficulty
Difficult
Elevation Change
3000ft
Start/Finish
Lupine Meadows Trailhead (
Click here
)
Nearest Junction
South Jenny Lake Junction
Summary
One of the park's oldest, this trail is a classic leg-burner. Expect company:
great views make it very popular.
Even before cubicle fever existed, two 1920s businessmen built this trail. The route
should be free of snow by late June. Bring plenty of water since none is available between
the trailhead and the two lakes near the top of the climb.
There are three designated campsites at Surprise Lake for those who want to stay
overnight, though due to heavy use, some areas are off-limits for regeneration.
The well-worn trail gently winds through pine forest until it mounts a shoulder and the
ascent begins in earnest. A junction with the Taggart and Bradley Lakes Trail lies atop the
shoulder, 1.7 miles (40 minutes) from the start. Keep right and tackle the series of switch-
backs up the flank of
Disappointment Peak
. The route offers views over Taggart Lake
and Jackson Hole. About 1½ hours (3 miles) from the trailhead there is a signed junction
with the Garnet Canyon trail (
Click here
)
.
The switchbacks ease shortly before the lakes, and after 2¼ hours of solid climbing,
you'll finally reach the inviting, gemstone waters of
Surprise Lake
. Set in a hollow be-
neath jagged white rocks and cliffs, it is a resplendent payoff for your efforts. The slightly
bigger and starker
Amphitheater Lake
lies just 0.2 miles further along the trail. Return
the way you came.
SIDE TRIP: EXTENSION TO TETON GLACIER OVERLOOK
To reach the
Teton Glacier Overlook
, follow the trail around the northeast shore of Am-
phitheater Lake, staying right at several indistinct forks. Climb between the rocks to the
top of a shoulder for breathtaking views into the valley, sweeping down from the Grand
Teton. A shattered ridgeline between the razor-sharp spires of Teewinot and Mt Owen to
the north contrast with the flatlands visible between sheer valley walls south. Vertigo suf-
ferers beware!
Retrace your steps to the trailhead.
