Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
get turned around, since a nearby avalanche created some trail detours. However, if you
pay attention it is easy to follow the route. Briefly turn onto
Valley Trail
, which ascends
a humid aspen grove with a waterfall within earshot.
Two short paths veer toward the lake; keep right and continue rounding the lake, look-
ing up to your right to see the waterfall. This area is popular with moose, so keep an eye
out for them. A muddy section has round log stepping stones. Ascend away from the lake
to a trail sign that marks the halfway point. Go left here and cross a bridge over the
stream. The trail ascends, surrounded by ferns, and on the left you will have a view of the
creek feeding the lake. Keep ascending and reach the trail's highest point, the intersection
of Valley Trail with Phelps Lake Trail. Veer left here, and it's 3 miles to the Laurance S
Rockefeller Preserve Center.
The trail has views across the lake to Jackson Peak. A mile on, consider taking the short
lefthand trail to lakeside
Huckleberry Point
if it's berry season - this spot will be loaded
with them. Rejoin the trail, which passes over marshlands on a steel boardwalk. Continue
straight at another intersection with the Boulder Ridge Trail. Soon after you will reach the
road: cross carefully as it's a blind curve. The trail crosses the river before ending at the
Visitor Center.
Other Moose-Wilson Road Hikes
Another day-hike loop starts from the top of the tram down the South Fork into
Granite
Canyon
and back to Teton Village (13 miles). For more area hikes from Jackson and the
Idaho side, check out
Click here
a
nd
Click here
.
DITCH THE CROWDS
Parking lots at popular trailheads and areas such as Jenny Lake, String Lake, Lupine Meadows and Granite
Canyon are often packed before 11am. The Death Canyon Trailhead parking stays full since overnight backpack-
ers leave cars for multiple days. Cascade Canyon hums with day-trippers to Solitude Lake in August. Get an
alpine start on your hike (leave before most of your neighbors think of breakfast) to beat the crowds. It's a good
way to see more wildlife too.
Jenny Lake Campground is perennially full, and Signal Mountain Campground fills up early in the day. You
can avoid the campground crowds by choosing less-popular campgrounds like Lizard Creek or Gros Ventre. Two
Ocean and Emma Matilda Lakes, in the northeast section of the park, offer excellent hiking without the crowds.
