Taggart Lake
A picturesque lake in Grand Teton National Park, offering stunning Teton mountain views and an accessible hiking loop.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, best light
Taggart Lake
Best Time
Fewer crowds, best light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque lake in Grand Teton National Park, offering stunning Teton mountain views and an accessible hiking loop.
"Spectacular views and a refreshing swim make Taggart Lake a must-visit in Grand Teton."
🚗 Parking Tips
The main lot fills fast! Overflow parking is available along the road, adding extra steps. Go early!
🐻 Bear Safety
Always carry bear spray and know how to use it. Wildlife sightings are common on the trail.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Taggart Lake Reflection
Taggart Lake Shoreline
Capture the iconic reflection of the Teton Range mirrored in the calm waters of Taggart Lake. A photographer's dream!
Taggart Lake Loop Trail
Trailhead parking area
An accessible 3.8-mile loop offering stunning views, diverse terrain, and potential wildlife sightings.
Swimming Spot
Taggart Lake
On warm days, take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of Taggart Lake. Don't forget your swimsuit!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Go Early or Late
Trail Options & What to Bring
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Tips
The main lot fills fast! Overflow parking is available along the road, adding extra steps. Go early!
🐻 Bear Safety
Always carry bear spray and know how to use it. Wildlife sightings are common on the trail.
🥾 Footwear Choice
Comfortable hiking shoes are a must. The trail is well-worn but can have snow in shoulder seasons.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for capturing reflections and mountain vistas.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Tips
The main lot fills fast! Overflow parking is available along the road, adding extra steps. Go early!
🐻 Bear Safety
Always carry bear spray and know how to use it. Wildlife sightings are common on the trail.
🥾 Footwear Choice
Comfortable hiking shoes are a must. The trail is well-worn but can have snow in shoulder seasons.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for capturing reflections and mountain vistas.
🏊♀️ Swimsuit Essential
Pack a swimsuit for a refreshing dip in Taggart Lake on a warm summer day.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Taggart Lake for its stunning Teton views and accessible hiking trails. Many enjoy the opportunity for a refreshing swim and appreciate the chance for wildlife sightings. While popular, most find the experience well worth the visit, especially when arriving early or late to avoid peak crowds.
"Nice backwoods hike, there is wildlife on that trail even though it is quite popular, so be aware. You can get beautiful reflection pictures there, and you can swim in the lake."
Sadie Kane
"Well worth the hike and a great spot for a swim!"
Sam Valtenbergs
"Great hike! Easy hike, well worn trails, easy to find your way. Amazing views and sounds along the way. I hiked this trail early morning mid May 2024. I could sit there all day and enjoy the spectacular views."
Duke
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Taggart Lake is located in Grand Teton National Park, about a 30-minute drive north of Jackson Hole. Take US-89 N and follow signs for the Taggart Lake Trailhead. The parking lot can fill up quickly, so arriving early is recommended.
Currently, there is no direct public transportation to Taggart Lake. Visitors typically drive their own vehicles or use shuttle services offered by tour operators in Jackson Hole.
The most common access point is the Taggart Lake Trailhead, which offers parking and direct access to the Taggart Lake Loop Trail.
Yes, Taggart Lake is accessible in the winter for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The trailhead is still maintained, offering a beautiful winter wonderland experience.
The Taggart Lake Loop Trail is considered easy to moderate, with a relatively flat path and manageable elevation gain. It's suitable for most fitness levels.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Taggart Lake is within Grand Teton National Park, so a valid park entrance pass is required for all visitors. You can purchase passes at the park entrance stations or online in advance.
Taggart Lake and its trails are open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, visitor services and facilities may have seasonal hours.
The fee is for entry into Grand Teton National Park, not specifically for the Taggart Lake Trailhead. The park entrance fee covers access to all areas within the park.
Park entrance passes can be purchased in advance online to save time at the entrance station. The trail itself does not require advance booking.
No special permits are required for day hiking on the Taggart Lake Loop or to access the lake for swimming or photography.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Taggart Lake Loop Trail is the most popular and recommended for its scenic beauty and accessibility. For a longer hike, consider the Bradley Taggart Lake Loop.
Yes, swimming is permitted in Taggart Lake. It's a popular spot for a refreshing dip on warm summer days.
You might spot moose, deer, elk, and various bird species. Always maintain a safe distance and carry bear spray.
Yes, there are restrooms available at the Taggart Lake Trailhead parking area.
Absolutely! The Taggart Lake Loop is family-friendly due to its relatively easy terrain and beautiful scenery.
📸 📸 Photography
The shoreline offers stunning reflection shots of the Tetons. The trail itself provides various vantage points with the mountains as a backdrop.
Early morning and late afternoon provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and beautiful golden hour hues.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain views. A polarizing filter can enhance the reflections on the water.
Drone usage is restricted in Grand Teton National Park to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Check current NPS regulations before flying.
While there aren't specific tours for Taggart Lake, many Grand Teton photography tours will include stops at popular viewpoints like this.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to emphasize bear safety to children and keep them close. The opportunity to see wildlife, even just squirrels or birds, can be an exciting part of the adventure. The chance to swim in the lake on a warm day is also a huge hit with kids.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Bring a wide-angle lens to encompass the grandeur of the mountains and the lake. A polarizing filter can be invaluable for enhancing the reflections and reducing glare on the water. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for those low-light conditions or for capturing long exposures of the water.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Pack your own picnic lunch and snacks to save money on dining. The trail is free to hike, and the stunning views are priceless. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) for potentially fewer crowds and a more budget-friendly experience if you're also factoring in accommodation costs in Jackson Hole.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Taggart Lake Loop Experience
One of the most rewarding aspects of the Taggart Lake Loop is the spectacular payoff at the lake itself. The trail culminates at the shores of Taggart Lake, where you're greeted with breathtaking views of the Teton Range. The calm waters often create a perfect mirror-like reflection of the mountains, especially during the early morning or late afternoon hours. This makes it a prime spot for photography and quiet contemplation.
Beyond the main loop, hikers can extend their journey by connecting to the Bradley Lake Trail, creating a longer, more immersive experience. This combined loop, often referred to as the Bradley Taggart Lake Loop, offers even more stunning vistas and a deeper exploration of the park's natural beauty. Remember to pack essentials like water, snacks, and bear spray, as wildlife encounters are not uncommon.
Wildlife Encounters at Taggart Lake
Other common sightings include deer and various bird species, adding to the rich biodiversity of the area. While less common, there's always a possibility of encountering elk or even bears. This is why carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it is crucial for anyone hiking in the park.
Remember that these animals are wild and unpredictable. The best approach is to observe them from a distance, using binoculars or a telephoto lens for closer views. Being aware of your surroundings and making noise while hiking can help prevent surprise encounters.
Winter Wonderland: Snowshoeing Taggart Lake
Snowshoeing around Taggart Lake offers a unique perspective of the Teton Range, often dusted with pristine snow. The quiet solitude of the winter park is a stark contrast to the bustling summer months, providing a peaceful escape. It's an excellent way to experience the park's natural beauty in a different season.
When visiting in winter, ensure you are adequately prepared for cold weather conditions. Dress in layers, wear waterproof and insulated footwear, and carry plenty of water and high-energy snacks. Check weather forecasts and avalanche conditions before heading out, as conditions can change rapidly.
Social
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