The northern, shorter segment of the Taggart Lake Trail, between the first junction and the Bradley Lake trail, is closed to all public use for reconstruction, so the usual loop can't be completed. The trailhead and parking lot stay open, and Taggart Lake is still reachable on the longer, steeper southern route; Bradley Lake is reachable on connecting marked trails.
Expected reopening: The park scheduled the segment closed through November 15, 2026; its construction page lists the overall Taggart project as running May 2026 to 2027, so confirm before planning the full loop.
Confirm current status with Grand Teton National Park (National Park Service), 307-739-3399 before visiting.
Open alternatives: String Lake Loop · Phelps Lake Loop
NPS news releases of May 13, 2026 and August 20, 2026; Park-Wide Construction page (updated September 25, 2026); Alerts & Current Conditions page (updated September 30, 2026); NPS alerts feed ('Taggart Trail detour in place'), checked October 6, 2026.
Taggart Lake and Bradley Lake Loop Hiking Guide
Two lakes tucked against the base of the Tetons, a climb over a moraine between them, and a trailhead right on the Teton Park Road make this one of the park's most-hiked half days. In 2026 the shorter northern stretch of the Taggart Lake Trail is shut for reconstruction, so the classic loop has to be reworked. Here is what the loop normally looks like and how to reach the lakes while the work goes on.
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 and Its Numbers
AllTrails maps the loop at 5.8 miles with 784 feet of climbing and estimates two and a half to three hours. The park's own figure is 5.6 miles with 890 feet of gain, and it warns that the route rises and drops several times between the two lakes. Footing is mostly packed dirt, occasionally narrow, with large rocks and dense brush in places. From the trailhead you wind up through aspen onto a moraine, reach the split where Bradley goes right and Taggart left, and return past Taggart's shore.
What the 2026 Closure Changes
The park closed the northern segment, between the first junction and the Bradley Lake trail, for regrading, repairs and accessibility work, and posted a detour. The parking lot stays open with construction around it. To reach Taggart Lake now you take the southern route, which the park describes as longer and steeper. Its own figures for that approach don't agree: the construction page gives 4.24 miles and 711 feet one way in one place and 4.8 miles round trip with 460 feet in another, and an August release says about 4.25 miles round trip. Expect a longer out-and-back and ask at a visitor center for the current detour map.
Bears, Group Size and Food
Grizzlies and black bears both use this end of the park, and the park's standing advice is to hike in a group of three or more, talk or call out on blind corners, and carry bear spray where you can reach it. Bells aren't loud enough to count. Keep any snacks in your pack and on you for the whole hike; the park says food should never be left behind or thrown to distract a bear. If a bear is on the trail, give it at least 100 yards.
Seasons at Taggart
This is one of the few trailheads you can still drive to in winter. The Teton Park Road closes to cars from November 1 to April 30 north of the Taggart Lake Trailhead, and the park lists the lakes as a snowshoe and cross-country ski destination. Weather at Moose turns quickly in fall: the park's long-term averages show October highs in the mid-50s, lows in the low 20s and a few inches of snow, and November averages over 23 inches. Late September and October bring golden aspen on the moraine and cold mornings.
Entrance Fee and Parking
You pass the Moose Entrance Station on the way in. A private vehicle pays $35 for a 7-day pass, someone arriving on foot or by bike pays $20, and an America the Beautiful pass covers the carload. Payment is card only. Construction at the Moose roundabout adds delays of up to 20 minutes on top of any entrance line, so allow time.
Hiking tips for Taggart Lake and Bradley Lake Loop
- Check the posted detour map at the trailhead; the shortest route to Taggart Lake is closed this season.
- Carry bear spray on your hip or chest strap, not buried in your pack.
- Budget extra mileage for an out-and-back while the north segment is shut.
- Bring a card for the Moose entrance; Grand Teton doesn't take cash.
- In winter, bring snowshoes or skis; cars can still reach this trailhead, but the trail is snow-covered.
Nearby trails to explore
- Phelps Lake Loop
- Delta Lake via Lupine Meadows
- Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes Trail
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Taggart and Bradley are an easy morning to share, and a group of three is what the park recommends in bear country. Use TrailMates to find Jackson Hole hikers heading to Taggart Lake. Download the TrailMates app to connect.