Taggart Lake Trail | Jackson Hole

Taggart Lake Trail is a hiking route located in Grand Teton National Park, near Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

This trail provides access to Taggart Lake, a glacial lake situated at the base of the Teton Range.

Visual Characteristics

The trail traverses a landscape characterized by lodgepole pine forests and sagebrush flats. Taggart Lake itself is a body of water with clear, cold water, reflecting the surrounding granite peaks of the Teton Range. The lakebed is composed of fine sediment and rock. The elevation gain along the trail is moderate, with some sections featuring rocky terrain.

Location & Access Logistics

The trailhead is located off Teton Park Road, approximately 10 miles north of the town of Jackson. Access is via Teton Park Road, which is paved and maintained by the National Park Service. Parking is available at the Taggart Lake Trailhead parking lot, which can accommodate approximately 50 vehicles. During peak season, overflow parking may be utilized. Public transportation to the trailhead is not available; personal vehicles are required.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Taggart Lake is a remnant of glacial activity from the Pleistocene epoch. The Teton Range, a geologically young mountain range, was uplifted through faulting. The surrounding vegetation is characteristic of the Intermountain West, with lodgepole pine dominating higher elevations and sagebrush-grassland in the lower, drier areas. The trail itself was established to provide public access to the lake and its scenic surroundings.

Key Highlights & Activities

Hiking the Taggart Lake Trail is the primary activity. The trail is approximately 3 miles roundtrip to the lake and back. Visitors can walk the perimeter of Taggart Lake. Photography of the Teton Range and the lake is a common activity. No swimming or boating is permitted on Taggart Lake.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The Taggart Lake Trailhead features a designated parking area and vault toilets. There is no potable water available at the trailhead. Shade is limited along the trail, primarily provided by the forest canopy in certain sections. Cell phone signal is intermittent to non-existent within the park, including at the trailhead and along the trail.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for hiking is from late May through October, depending on snowmelt. For photography, early morning or late afternoon light offers optimal illumination of the Teton peaks. Midday sun can result in harsh shadows. The trail can be crowded during summer months; visiting on a weekday or outside of peak hours is recommended for a less congested experience.

Facts & Legends

Taggart Lake is named after the Taggart family, early settlers in the Jackson Hole area. A specific geological feature to observe is the moraine left behind by the glaciers that formed the lake.

Nearby Landmarks

• Bradley Lake Trailhead (0.2km North)
• Jenny Lake Scenic Drive (3.5km North)
• Moose Junction (6.0km South)
• Grand Teton National Park Visitor Center (7.0km South)
• Signal Mountain Summit Road (12.0km North)