Taggart Lake is one of the most popular and rewarding day hikes in Grand Teton National Park – a sparkling glacial lake at the very foot of the Teton Range, reached by an easy, family-friendly trail through forest and meadow. With the jagged peaks rising straight from the far shore and good brook-and-cutthroat fishing in the clear water, it’s a perfect introduction to the Teton lakes. This guide is part of our growing Wyoming Lakes Database.
Taggart Lake at a glance
- Setting: a glacial lake at the base of the Teton Range, fed by Avalanche Canyon snowmelt
- Elevation: ~6,900 ft, in Grand Teton National Park
- Location: Teton County, off the Teton Park Road (south of Jenny Lake)
- Access: an easy ~3-mile round-trip hike (or a 5.8-mile loop with Bradley Lake)
- Top fish: cutthroat trout (stocked) and brook trout
The hike to Taggart Lake
The walk to Taggart Lake is one of the best easy hikes in the Tetons – about 3 miles round trip with modest elevation gain, winding through forest and across open sagebrush flats (recovering from old fires) with the peaks in front of you the whole way. Many hikers continue on the popular Taggart-Bradley loop (about 5.8 miles) to visit neighboring Bradley Lake as well. At the lakeshore, the reflection of the Tetons in the still water is unforgettable.
Fishing Taggart Lake
Taggart holds cutthroat trout (stocked) and brook trout, with some decent fishing in the deeper water. A Wyoming state fishing license is required (Grand Teton uses the state license, unlike Yellowstone). It’s a pack-in, hike-to fishery – bring light tackle – and the clear, cold water and stunning backdrop make it a special place to cast.
Swimming, recreation and what to know
The lake is a beautiful spot to relax, picnic and take photos, and hardy visitors do take a (very cold) dip in summer. There’s no camping right at the lake – it’s a day-use hiking destination – and this is bear country, so carry bear spray, hike in groups and store food properly. Stay on trail to protect the recovering vegetation, and start early to get parking at the trailhead.
Getting there and what’s nearby
The Taggart Lake Trailhead is on the Teton Park Road in Grand Teton National Park, about 25-30 minutes north of Jackson. Jenny Lake, Bradley Lake and Jackson Hole are nearby.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: a Wyoming state license is required (Grand Teton, not a park permit).
- Easy hike: ~3 miles round trip – great for families; arrive early for parking.
- Bear country: carry bear spray and store food properly.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the hike to Taggart Lake?
About 3 miles round trip with modest elevation gain – one of the easier, more popular hikes in Grand Teton, or a 5.8-mile loop if you add Bradley Lake.
What fish are in Taggart Lake?
Cutthroat trout (stocked) and brook trout, fished with a Wyoming state license.
Where is Taggart Lake?
In Grand Teton National Park off the Teton Park Road, about 25-30 minutes north of Jackson, 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.
