Amphitheater Lake is a breathtaking alpine lake at nearly 9,700 feet in Grand Teton National Park – a glacial tarn set in a rocky cirque high on the flank of the Grand Teton, reached by one of the park’s most popular (and steepest) day hikes. Paired with neighboring Surprise Lake, it rewards strong hikers with jaw-dropping views and a true high-country experience. This guide is part of our growing Wyoming Lakes Database.
- Amphitheater Lake at a glance
- A high-country tarn beneath the Grand Teton
- Hiking to Amphitheater Lake
- Fishing, swimming and what to know
- Getting there and what’s nearby
- Know before you go
- Frequently asked questions
- How long is the hike to Amphitheater Lake?
- Can you fish at Amphitheater Lake?
- What lake is near Amphitheater Lake?
- Where is Amphitheater Lake?
Amphitheater Lake at a glance
- Elevation: ~9,700 ft, in a glacial cirque below Disappointment Peak and the Grand Teton
- Location: Grand Teton National Park, above the Lupine Meadows trailhead
- Hike: ~10 miles round trip with roughly 3,000 feet of climbing (strenuous)
- Nearby: Surprise Lake sits just below Amphitheater Lake on the same trail
- Fishing: a tiny, very high alpine lake – any fishing falls under the Wyoming license used in Grand Teton
A high-country tarn beneath the Grand Teton
Amphitheater Lake lives up to its name, tucked into a rocky bowl ringed by cliffs high on the shoulder of the Grand Teton. At nearly 9,700 feet, it’s well above treeline, with stunning views out over Jackson Hole and the surrounding peaks. Together with Surprise Lake just below it, it’s the turnaround for one of the most rewarding strenuous day hikes in the park.
Hiking to Amphitheater Lake
The trail starts at the Lupine Meadows trailhead and climbs relentlessly through switchbacks – about 10 miles round trip with some 3,000 feet of elevation gain, making it a tough but hugely popular day hike. The grade and altitude are the challenge; the payoff is alpine scenery few lakes can match. Start early, carry plenty of water, food and layers, and watch for afternoon thunderstorms on the exposed upper trail.
Fishing, swimming and what to know
Amphitheater Lake is above all a hiking and scenery destination; at nearly 9,700 feet it’s a tiny, frigid alpine lake where fishing is minimal, though Grand Teton uses the Wyoming state fishing license if you try. The water is far too cold for comfortable swimming. This is fragile alpine terrain and bear country – stay on the trail, carry bear spray and pack out everything. Backcountry camping requires a park permit.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Amphitheater Lake is reached from the Lupine Meadows trailhead near Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park. Surprise Lake, Delta Lake (a popular off-trail side trip) and Jenny Lake are all in the area.
Know before you go
- Strenuous hike: ~10 miles round trip and ~3,000 ft of climbing at high elevation – be fit and prepared.
- License: Grand Teton uses the Wyoming state fishing license (fishing is minimal up here).
- Alpine & bear country: carry bear spray, start early, and watch for storms.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the hike to Amphitheater Lake?
About 10 miles round trip with roughly 3,000 feet of elevation gain – strenuous, mostly because of the steady climb and altitude.
Can you fish at Amphitheater Lake?
It’s a tiny, very high alpine lake where fishing is minimal; Grand Teton uses the Wyoming state fishing license if you do cast. Most people come for the views.
What lake is near Amphitheater Lake?
Surprise Lake sits just below Amphitheater Lake on the same trail, and Delta Lake is a popular off-trail side trip nearby.
Where is Amphitheater Lake?
High above the Lupine Meadows trailhead near Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming.
Related: explore the small lakes of Wyoming, or head back to the Wyoming Lakes Database.
Explore more Wyoming lakes: the largest lakes in Wyoming and the deepest lakes in Wyoming.
