Phelps Lake is one of Grand Teton’s most rewarding hikes – a beautiful glacial lake in the southern part of the park, famous for its “Jumping Rock,” a cliff that thrill-seekers leap from into the cold, clear water. Reached through the tranquil Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, it rewards walkers with mountain reflections, abundant wildlife, and a refreshing (if bracing) swim.
This guide covers Phelps Lake: the hike, the Jumping Rock, the wildlife, and access. It’s part of our growing Wyoming Lakes Database.
Phelps Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~750 acres, a glacial lake at the mouth of Death Canyon
- Location: Grand Teton National Park, Teton County, northwestern Wyoming
- Access: on foot via the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve or Death Canyon trailheads
- Known for: the Jumping Rock, scenic loop hike, moose & bears
The hike and the Rockefeller Preserve
Most visitors reach Phelps Lake through the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, a quiet, thoughtfully designed corner of the park (the former JY Ranch, donated by the Rockefeller family) with a network of gentle trails. The walk to the lake winds through meadows and forest, and the Phelps Lake Loop (about 6-7 miles) circles the shore beneath the peaks at the mouth of Death Canyon. It’s a peaceful, less-trafficked alternative to the busy Jenny Lake area.
The Jumping Rock
Phelps Lake’s claim to fame is its Jumping Rock – a lakeside cliff where, on warm summer days, hikers line up to leap into the clear, cold water below. It’s a beloved tradition and a refreshing reward after the hike, but it’s an at-your-own-risk activity: check the water and conditions, know your limits, and jump only where it’s safe.
Wildlife and fishing
The Phelps Lake area is excellent wildlife country – moose frequent the willows, and both black bears and grizzlies range here, so carry bear spray and stay alert. The lake holds trout and can be fished with a Wyoming license, though most visitors come for the hike, the swim and the scenery.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Phelps Lake is in the southern part of Grand Teton National Park, accessed from the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve or Death Canyon trailheads off the Moose-Wilson Road, about 20-30 minutes from Jackson. Jenny Lake and Jackson Hole are nearby.
Know before you go
- It’s a hike-in lake: no road access – plan for a 3+ mile round trip at minimum.
- Jumping Rock is at your own risk: check depth and conditions; jump only where safe.
- Bear & moose country: carry bear spray and give wildlife space.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Jumping Rock at Phelps Lake?
A lakeside cliff where hikers leap into the cold, clear water – a popular summer tradition at Phelps Lake, done at your own risk.
How do you get to Phelps Lake?
On foot, via the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve or Death Canyon trailheads in Grand Teton National Park – there’s no road access.
Where is Phelps Lake?
In the southern part of Grand Teton National Park, off the Moose-Wilson Road, about 20-30 minutes from Jackson, Wyoming.
Related: explore the small lakes of Wyoming, or head back to the Wyoming Lakes Database.
