Hike to Delta, Surprise & Amphitheater Lakes in Grand Teton National Park

One of the top day hikes in Grand Teton National Park, the trek to Delta, Surprise, and Amphitheater Lakes provides hikers with breathtaking views of pristine alpine lakes, towering granite peaks, and the park's most renowned glacier. The standout feature of the hike is Delta Lake, a stunning glacial lake that seems almost unreal in its beauty. While most hikers only visit Delta Lake before turning around and heading back to the trailhead, those who venture higher in elevation are rewarded with two of the more underrated alpine lakes in the park.

Trail Info

Length 11.5 miles

Elevation gain 3,550 feet

Route Out & back

Permit required no

Dogs allowed no

Trailhead elevation 6,742'

Water at all three lakes

Don't miss taking a swim at at least one of the lakes

Hike to Delta, Surprise & Amphitheater Lakes

The hike begins at the trailhead with a flat section that winds through a fragrant pine forest for nearly half a mile.

Around this point, the trail begins its ascent, crossing Glacier Gulch Creek via footbridge at the 0.6-mile mark. Shortly after crossing the creek, about a quarter-mile later, views of Teewinot Mountain (12,330'), one of the three peaks of the Cathedral Group (which also includes Grand Teton and Mount Owen), come into view on the right side of the trail.

As the trail continues to climb, a brief view of Disappointment Peak appears through a gap in the trees on the left.

At approximately 1.4 miles, the trail noticeably steepens, and around the 2.1-mile mark, it begins a series of switchbacks surrounded by wildflowers. As the trail progresses, hikers are treated to repeated views of Taggart and Bradley Lakes from high above.

At 3.3 miles, the trail reaches an unmarked junction where hikers can either continue straight to reach Delta Lake or take a sharp left to head towards Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes. It's recommended to visit Delta Lake first to enjoy some solitude before the crowds arrive. From the junction, it's another 0.3 miles on an unofficial and unmaintained, yet well-worn trail. Near the 3.6-mile mark, the trail reaches a large boulder field on the eastern slope of the mountain.

Here, hikers should follow a 45-degree angle up the slope. Those who cross the boulder field at a lesser angle will end up near Glacier Gulch Creek and will then have to proceed in a steeper, more vertical manner. After about 250 yards, a dirt trail re-emerges, leading along a 40% grade before reaching Delta Lake roughly 4 miles into the hike. At the lake, hikers are rewarded with a view of Grand Teton (13,770') as the prominent peak, with Mount Owen (12,933') to its right. Between the two peaks lies Gunsight Notch, with Teton Glacier resting below.

Hikers can find space on either side of the lake to enjoy the stunning views. The north side typically draws more people, as it offers more room and is the only side from which you can see Teepee Pillar (12,271'), a shark tooth-like formation to the left of Grand Teton. The vibrant turquoise hue of the lake, created by glacial silt deposits from the Teton Glacier, can vary depending on the cloud cover and the sun's position.

The south side of the lake is equally, if not more, beautiful. Those who choose to relax on this side will find a perfect spot behind a large boulder near the end of the shore, with two small pine trees providing a spot to rest their back and stretch their legs.

To reach Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes, hikers will retrace their steps back to the unmarked junction previously at the 3.3-mile mark and continue uphill. The next 1.6 miles maintain the same steep grade as the hike to Delta Lake, but with far fewer crowds. Most hikers return to the Lupine Meadows Trailhead after just Delta Lake. After several more switchbacks, around the 5.9-mile mark, the forest opens slightly, revealing views of Disappointment Peak (11,623') and Mount Owen.

Just 0.1 miles beyond this point, at the 6-mile mark, the trail arrives at Surprise Lake. From above the lake's eastern shore, hikers can enjoy a fantastic view that includes Disappointment Peak and Mount Owen.

After leaving Surprise Lake, the trail continues uphill another 0.2 miles to reach the emerald-colored Amphitheater Lake. Some of the best views of Amphitheater Lake can be found atop large boulders at its southern end, where Disappointment Peak and Mount Owen again dominate the skyline.

After soaking in the view—and perhaps taking a swim in the lake—hikers can retrace their steps 5.1 miles back to the Lupine Meadows Trailhead, completing one of the best day hikes in Grand Teton National Park.

On a final note, it's worth mentioning that the Lupine Meadows Trailhead, where this hike begins, often fills to capacity within an hour after sunrise. Therefore, it's highly encouraged to start early. Due to the frequent presence of black bears in the area, carrying bear spray is strongly recommended.