Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Taggart & Bradley Lakes
Duration
3 hours
Distance
5.9 miles
Difficulty
Easy-moderate
Elevation Change
560ft
Start/Finish
Taggart Lake Trailhead (
Click here
)
Nearest Town/Junction
Moose Junction
Summary
An easy amble; this pair of glacial lakes sits at the base of the Tetons, surroun-
ded by grassy areas thick with summer wildflowers or fragrant pine forest.
These lakes were named after surveyors of the 1872 Hayden Expedition. The terrain is
open from earlier fires, so it's a bit easier to spot wildlife, particularly moose. The trails
here offer several easy loop options ranging from 3 to 5 miles total. Plan an early start in
summer since much of the trail lacks shade. Don't forget the bathing suit.
Moose. Follow the trail northwest, past horse corrals, and take the first left at a marked
signpost after 0.2 miles. Although this trail is only slightly longer, it receives far less
traffic than the other option. After another 1.4 miles, turn right and climb open slopes to a
point on the moraine wall overlooking the beautiful rusty-green
Taggart Lake
. Descend
the short distance to the lakeshore and use a wooden footbridge to cross the outlet creek.
A small, rocky outcropping makes a fine point to swim. The views of the Tetons are fant-
astic.
The trail winds around the east shore of Taggart Lake, passing a signposted trail junc-
tion for the parking area (a shortcut back if you're tired) to your right. Climb steadily
away from Taggart Lake and crest the moraine wall separating Taggart and Bradley
Lakes. Descend through the trees to reach the thickly forested shores of
Bradley Lake
.
You'll reach a junction just before the trail reaches the shores of Bradley Lake. Turn right
to begin the trip back to the parking area or forge ahead to explore the perimeter of Brad-
ley Lake before returning to this junction. The campsite at Bradley Lake is reserved for
hikers on multiday loops of the Valley Trail.
If it's still early and you're brimming with energy, consider forging on to Avalanche
Canyon and Lake Taminah (
Click here
)
. You might want to combine your hike with the
