Bradley Lake
A serene alpine lake in Grand Teton National Park, offering stunning mountain vistas and a peaceful escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, best light for photos
Bradley Lake
Best Time
Fewer crowds, best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene alpine lake in Grand Teton National Park, offering stunning mountain vistas and a peaceful escape.
"This morning hike was extremely worth it! Got to Bradley Lake just as the sun was coming up!"
🎯 Go Early for Solitude
Arrive by 7:30 AM to enjoy Bradley Lake with fewer people, especially on weekends.
🥾 Moderate Trail, Great Views
The hike is manageable for families, offering beautiful scenery without extreme difficulty.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bradley Lake Serenity
Grand Teton National Park
Experience a tranquil alpine lake with stunning mountain backdrops, often less crowded than its neighbor.
Taggart and Bradley Lake Loop
Grand Teton National Park
A moderate 6-mile loop offering views of two beautiful lakes and impressive elevation gain.
Sunrise at Bradley Lake
Grand Teton National Park
Catch the golden hour as the sun rises behind the mountains, painting the lake and peaks with light.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds to Bradley Lake
Trail Conditions & What to Pack
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Go Early for Solitude
Arrive by 7:30 AM to enjoy Bradley Lake with fewer people, especially on weekends.
🥾 Moderate Trail, Great Views
The hike is manageable for families, offering beautiful scenery without extreme difficulty.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
Bring essentials for your hike, and remember to pack out everything you pack in.
📸 Capture the Sunset
The sunset views behind the mountains are breathtaking and worth staying for.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Go Early for Solitude
Arrive by 7:30 AM to enjoy Bradley Lake with fewer people, especially on weekends.
🥾 Moderate Trail, Great Views
The hike is manageable for families, offering beautiful scenery without extreme difficulty.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
Bring essentials for your hike, and remember to pack out everything you pack in.
📸 Capture the Sunset
The sunset views behind the mountains are breathtaking and worth staying for.
🗺️ Consider the Loop
The Taggart and Bradley Lake Loop is a popular choice for seeing both lakes in one hike.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Bradley Lake for its stunning natural beauty and relatively easy access, especially when compared to more crowded nearby attractions. Many highlight the tranquility and picturesque views, particularly during sunrise and sunset. While some note it's not as dramatically spectacular as Taggart Lake, its peaceful atmosphere and family-friendly trail make it a highly recommended destination for a rewarding day hike.
"This morning hike was extremely worth it! Started at the Taggart Lake trailhead around 730am. Got to Bradley Lake just as the sun was coming up! Definitely recommend this hike for families as it's not difficult at all!"
Eric Elizondo
"Nice hike. Not as busy as Taggart lake, but the views aren't quite as spectacular either. We did this home from the Lupine Meadows trailhead. About 6 miles out and back."
David
"This was an easy hike with great scenery that included at a beautiful lake.
It took us an hour each way (2 hours total)."
Derek Fife
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bradley Lake is located in Grand Teton National Park. Access is typically from the Taggart Lake trailhead or the Lupine Meadows trailhead. The Taggart Lake trailhead is a popular starting point for the Taggart and Bradley Lake Loop.
Yes, there is parking available at the Taggart Lake trailhead, but it can fill up quickly, especially during peak hours. Arriving early is recommended.
Yes, you can hike to Bradley Lake from the Lupine Meadows trailhead. This often results in a longer out-and-back hike, around 6 miles.
No, Bradley Lake is not directly accessible by car. It requires a hike from a designated trailhead within Grand Teton National Park.
Driving your own vehicle is the most common way to reach the trailheads. Ensure you have a park pass for Grand Teton National Park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Bradley Lake is within Grand Teton National Park, so a valid park entrance pass is required for your vehicle.
Beyond the park entrance fee, there are no additional fees specifically for hiking to Bradley Lake.
Grand Teton National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, visitor centers have specific operating hours.
Park entrance passes can be purchased online in advance or at park entrance stations.
While less crowded than Taggart Lake, Bradley Lake is a popular destination, especially during summer. Arriving early is key to experiencing its tranquility.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike to Bradley Lake is generally considered moderate. The Taggart Lake and Bradley Lake Loop is rated as moderate with about 761 ft of elevation gain over 6 miles.
The hike to Bradley Lake can take approximately 1-2 hours roundtrip from the Taggart Lake trailhead, depending on your pace. The loop is estimated at 2.5 hours.
Yes, many reviewers find Bradley Lake to be a great hike for families due to its moderate difficulty and beautiful scenery.
Swimming is generally permitted in the lakes of Grand Teton National Park, but always check current park regulations and be aware of cold water temperatures.
Comfortable hiking shoes or boots are recommended. Layers are also a good idea, as mountain weather can change quickly.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning for sunrise and golden hour, and late afternoon for sunset offer the most dramatic lighting and fewer crowds.
Expect stunning shots of the alpine lake, surrounding mountains, and potential wildlife. The reflections on the water are particularly photogenic.
The shoreline of Bradley Lake itself offers numerous beautiful vantage points. The Taggart and Bradley Lake Loop provides varied perspectives.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain scenery. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the water and sky.
Try capturing reflections in the lake, or look for opportunities to photograph the surrounding flora and fauna.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider tackling the Taggart Lake and Bradley Lake Loop for a longer adventure, or opt for a simpler out-and-back hike to Bradley Lake from the Taggart Lake trailhead. Remember to pack plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection for everyone. Arriving early can help avoid larger crowds and ensure a more enjoyable experience for younger hikers.
🚶 Budget Travelers
To maximize your budget, pack your own food and water for the hike. This avoids the need to purchase expensive concessions. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons if possible, as accommodation prices might be lower, though the hiking experience remains spectacular year-round.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't just focus on the lake; explore the surrounding trails for unique perspectives. Wide-angle lenses are ideal for capturing the vast landscapes, and a polarizing filter can enhance the water's clarity and the sky's vibrancy. Be prepared for early mornings or late evenings to get those iconic shots with fewer people.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Taggart and Bradley Lake Loop Experience
Many visitors choose to start this loop from the Taggart Lake trailhead. The trail winds through forests and meadows, gradually ascending towards the lakes. While Taggart Lake is often more crowded, Bradley Lake tends to be a bit quieter, offering moments of serene beauty. The loop allows for a comprehensive exploration, showcasing the unique charm of each body of water.
Remember to wear sturdy hiking shoes, bring plenty of water, and pack snacks. The trail is well-maintained, making it accessible for most fitness levels, though the elevation gain means it's not entirely flat. Practicing Leave No Trace principles is crucial to preserve the pristine environment of Grand Teton National Park.
Photography Tips for Bradley Lake
When composing your shots, consider using a wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur of the mountains and the expanse of the lake. The reflections on the water are a key feature, so look for opportunities to incorporate them into your compositions. A polarizing filter can be very useful for cutting glare on the water and deepening the blue of the sky.
Beyond the main lake views, don't forget to explore the surrounding environment. Look for interesting textures in the rocks, the vibrant colors of wildflowers in season, or any wildlife that might be present. The journey to and from the lake also offers scenic vistas that are worth capturing.
Understanding Trail Difficulty and Crowds
Crowd levels can vary significantly. Taggart Lake, being closer and more easily accessible, often sees more visitors. Bradley Lake, while still popular, tends to be less crowded, especially if you arrive early in the morning. Many visitors suggest that arriving before 7:30 AM can lead to a much more solitary experience.
If you're looking for a less strenuous option, simply hiking directly to Bradley Lake from the Taggart Lake trailhead is a shorter out-and-back option. However, the loop provides a more varied and comprehensive experience of the area's natural beauty.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit