Phelps Lake Loop Hiking Guide
Phelps Lake fills the mouth of Death Canyon at the quiet south end of the park, and the loop around it starts from the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve. The approach follows creek and woodland trails to the lake, then circles the shore with views up into the canyon. Construction on the Moose-Wilson Road changes how you get there in 2026.
Permit: Grand Teton National Park charges an entrance fee: $35 per private vehicle, $30 per motorcycle or $20 per person on foot or bike (16 and older), each valid 7 days; the park annual pass is $70 and the America the Beautiful pass ($80) also covers entry. Non-US residents 16 and older pay an extra $100 per person unless entering on an annual or America the Beautiful pass. The park is cashless. No permit is needed for a day hike.
The Loop
The park lists the Phelps Lake Loop from the preserve at 6.4 miles with 1,060 feet of gain. AllTrails, which maps the loop via the Lake Creek and Woodland trails, gives 6.7 miles and 557 feet, about two and a half to three hours. The park describes mild climbing, several bridges and roots and rocks underfoot. You can add the Aspen Ridge or Boulder Ridge trails to lengthen it.
Getting There in 2026
The Moose-Wilson Road between the preserve and Moose is closed to cars and bikes from September 8 through November 15 for construction, so drive in from the south, through the Granite Canyon Entrance near Teton Village. The road is closed to RVs and trailers at all times. The old Death Canyon Trailhead, the usual start for the Phelps Lake Overlook route, is also closed to all use, including hikers, while a new trailhead is built; the park expects work to run into 2027 and is sending Death Canyon hikers to the preserve and Granite Canyon. Parking at the preserve is limited and the park warns of long waits. The preserve center closed for the season on September 20.
Winter and Shoulder Season
After November 15 the corridor goes to winter use, and in winter the Moose-Wilson Road is closed to vehicles from the Granite Canyon Trailhead to the Death Canyon junction. That puts the preserve beyond the gate until spring, reachable only on skis or snowshoes. The park lists the loop as a spring, summer and fall hike. October here is crisp and colorful, but the long-term averages at nearby Moose show lows in the low 20s.
Fee and Wildlife
The preserve is inside the park, so you need an entrance pass: $35 for a private vehicle for seven days or $20 per walker or cyclist, or an America the Beautiful or park annual pass. Grand Teton is cashless, and the park suggests buying passes ahead on recreation.gov. The park describes the Moose-Wilson corridor as forest and marsh habitat home to many species; keep 100 yards from any bear, hike with at least two others and keep spray handy.
Hiking tips for Phelps Lake Loop
- Enter from the Teton Village side; the road from Moose is closed through mid-November.
- Arrive early or late; preserve parking is limited and the park expects waits.
- Don't try to start at the old Death Canyon Trailhead; it's closed to hikers too.
- Add the Aspen Ridge or Boulder Ridge trail for a longer day.
- Leave the RV in town; the Moose-Wilson Road doesn't allow them.
Nearby trails to explore
- Taggart Lake and Bradley Lake Loop
- String Lake Loop
- Jenny Lake Loop
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Phelps Lake is a quieter corner of the park that's easy to share. Use TrailMates to find Jackson Hole hikers heading to Phelps Lake. Download the TrailMates app to connect.