How to Hike to Taggart Lake + Tips & FAQs

ByAlex Schnee

This post is sponsored by adidas. All content and opinions are my own.

When exploring the outdoors, I encourage you to follow Leave No Trace Principles and be respectful of where you are so we can preserve these spaces for future generations. ♥️

Looking to add the Taggart Lake hike in Grand Teton National Park to your list?

While I love challenging myself and taking on a tough hike, every now and then it’s nice to get on a trail with some incredible scenery that doesn’t require much work. The Taggart Lake hike is one of these in Grand Teton National Park. Plus, if you are brave, you are rewarded with a chilly swim at the end!

Honestly, the hardest part of this hike is finding parking for it. Again, because it is such a chill hike with great payoff, it has become insanely popular. We got really lucky by going in the afternoon and we were able to snag a spot, but during the late morning and early afternoon, expect it to be crowded.

We’ll go over what you need to know when you plan on hiking to Taggart Lake so you know what to expect, as well as some information on wildlife, swimming, and more.

In summary: This article will share how to hike the Taggart Lake loop, as well as some of my personal tips I found helpful and some FAQs from other hikers.

Quick tip: Sunscreen is essential in the summer! Much of the hike doesn’t have tree cover, so you’ll want some sun protection!

Quick stats

Distance: 4.8 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation gain: 423 feet

Time on trail: 1 hour and 30 minutes

How to hike to Taggart Lake

The trailhead is located at the Taggart Lake parking area, about 3 miles northwest of Moose on the Teton Park Road. Parking can be absolutely brutal during peak summer months. I now always recommend arriving before 7:00 am, or after 3:00 pm if you’re visiting between June and September. The good news is that this trailhead also serves Bradley Lake, so there are usually a decent number of spots, but they fill up fast.

alex hiking to taggart lake
Enjoying the first part of the Taggart Lake hike.

This hike is perfect for hikers wanting a taste of the Tetons without committing to an all-day adventure. The trail starts out relatively flat as it winds through sagebrush meadows with incredible views of the Teton Range looming ahead of you. This initial section always gets me excited because you can see exactly where you’re headed—those dramatic peaks reflected in the lake are your destination!

About halfway through the hike, you’ll start climbing more steadily through aspen groves and eventually into coniferous forest. The trail is well-maintained and clearly marked, though there are some rocky sections that can be a bit tricky if you’re not paying attention. Keep in mind that this is a loop, so if you go counter-clockwise, you will be experiencing this all in reverse.

sign on the taggart lake loop
The trail is very clearly marked–you shouldn’t have a problem finding your way!

The final approach to Taggart Lake involves a steeper climb through a moraine field left behind by ancient glaciers. This section can be a bit challenging, but it’s totally worth it when you break through the trees and see the lake for the first time. Taggart Lake sits at about 7,200 feet and offers this incredible amphitheater setting with towering peaks surrounding the crystal-clear water.

taggart lake
The stunning Taggart Lake.

What makes this hike so special is the payoff-to-effort ratio. For a relatively short and moderate hike, you get classic Teton scenery, a gorgeous alpine lake, and incredible photo opportunities. The lake itself is perfect for a picnic lunch, though the water is absolutely frigid even in summer! Daniel and I went for a swim–I was glad that it was August and hot so we could heat back up right away!

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Map of the Taggart Lake hike

map of the taggart lake hike

Tips for hiking to Taggart Lake

Here are some tips I found useful while hiking to Taggart Lake.

  • Go light on the gear: This is a short hike that doesn’t require much! I still recommend light backpacks, water, snacks, and bear spray, but better to pack light if you can.
  • Watch for wildlife: Even though this is a popular trail, it’s not uncommon to see moose or bear along the way. Remember to keep your distance and give them space.
  • Parking can be a challenge: Since this is a popular hike, parking can be a pain. The best time to go is usually early in the morning or late afternoon to get a spot.
  • Be prepared for some cold water: If you do decide to swim, make sure you can warm up again fast! That water is super cold and you don’t want to catch hypothermia!

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Taggart Lake hike FAQs

Here are some common FAQs from hikers looking to visit Taggart Lake.

You’ll park at the Taggart Lake trailhead parking area, located about 3 miles northwest of Moose on Teton Park Road. This lot also serves the Bradley Lake trail, so it’s fairly large but fills up extremely fast during summer. I always recommend arriving before 7:00 am during peak season (June-September) to secure a spot, as parking becomes nearly impossible by mid-morning on busy days.

Yes–but just be prepared for a shock! The water is absolutely frigid year-round since it’s fed by snowmelt and sits at 7,200 feet elevation. Even in July and August, the water temperature is shockingly cold. Be extremely careful as the lake bottom can be rocky and uneven.

Absolutely! At 3 miles round-trip with moderate elevation gain, it’s perfect for families with kids who have some hiking experience. The trail is well-maintained and the payoff is incredible—kids love seeing the dramatic mountain reflections in the lake. I’d recommend it for children 6 and up who are comfortable with a 1.5-mile walk each way. Just plan for plenty of snack breaks and photo stops!

No, there’s no road access to Taggart Lake itself—you have to hike the 1.5 miles from the trailhead. The lake sits in a wilderness setting surrounded by peaks, which is exactly what makes it so special! The drive gets you to the trailhead parking area on Teton Park Road, but from there it’s all on foot. That’s part of the magic though—the hike through different ecosystems makes reaching the lake feel like a real achievement.

Yes, you can fish in Taggart Lake! The lake contains brook trout and offers some decent fishing opportunities, especially in the deeper areas. You’ll need a valid Wyoming fishing license, which you can purchase online or at local sporting goods stores. The fishing tends to be better in the early morning or evening hours. Just remember to follow all Grand Teton National Park fishing regulations and practice Leave No Trace principles.

From Taggart Lake, you can continue on to Bradley Lake, which adds about another mile each way to your hike. There’s also a connection to the Valley Trail system, and more experienced hikers can tackle the challenging route up to Amphitheater Lake, though that’s a much more strenuous adventure. The Bradley Lake extension is definitely worth it if you have the time and energy—it’s beautiful and usually less crowded than Taggart.

The Taggart Lake trailhead is about 15-20 minutes from Jackson, Wyoming, depending on where you’re staying in town. You’ll drive north on Highway 191/89/26 toward Grand Teton National Park, then turn west on Teton Park Road near Moose. The total distance is roughly 12-15 miles from downtown Jackson. It’s super convenient for a half-day adventure when you’re staying in the Jackson Hole area—perfect for morning or afternoon hikes!

Conclusion

If you are looking for a hike where you do not have to commit a full day, then the Taggart Lake hike is the perfect option! I personally loved this little hike and felt like a dip in the freezing water was completely worth the chills. Whether you are a family looking for an ideal hike for kids or you want a more relaxed trail in the Tetons, you can’t beat this one.

Have any questions? Let me know in the comments!

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Alex is the founder of Alex on the Map, a site devoted to national park guides, hiking, climbing, and enjoying your outdoor adventures. After growing up near Glacier National Park in Montana, Alex now spends summers in the American West hitting up the trail with her husband and dog.

Her work has been featured in Fodor's, the Huffington Post, Bustle, and many more. She has also been featured in publications such as The Washington Post, CNN, and USA Today.

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