Hiking The Taggart Lake – Bradley Lake Loop Trail In Grand Teton National Park
The Taggart Lake – Bradley Lake Loop is a popular hiking trail in Grand Teton National Park. This loop is known for its stunning mountain scenery, beautiful alpine lakes, and the opportunity to see diverse wildlife.
The trail is considered moderately easy, and suitable for hikers of various skill levels. It’s almost 6 miles long with 800 feet of elevation gain, but when we were hiking it didn’t seem that bad.
Both lakes were named for members of the Hayden Survey Party of 1872. The lakes were formed from glaciers flowing from nearby canyons.
Taggart Lake Trailhead is located approximately 2.5 miles north of the Moose Entrance Station in Grand Teton National Park. This is a popular spot and often fills up. I advise you to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon to guarantee a parking spot.
From the trailhead, hikers will trek up an aspen-covered moraine before the trail opens up to views of the Tetons and ends at the stunning alpine lakes of Taggart and Bradley. The trail winds its way through beautiful aspen groves, mountain streams, and fields filled with wildflowers (depending on the time of year).
Grand Teton National Park is home to diverse wildlife. While hiking the loop, you may encounter animals such as marmots, pikas, elk, and possibly even moose or bears.
It’s important to be bear-aware and carry bear spray with you on all hikes in Grand Teton National Park.
We only saw some waterfowl and deer during this hike but kept our eyes peeled for foxes as well. They had multiple signs up warning hikers not to feed the foxes so I was really hoping to see one, but had no luck.
The trail is typically accessible in the summer and early fall. Weather conditions can change rapidly, so hikers should be prepared for a variety of conditions, including potential snow at higher elevations early in the season.
In winter, the Taggart Lake-Bradley Lake Loop is accessible with snowshoes or cross-country skis.
Always check with the park rangers or the official park website for the most up-to-date information, trail conditions, and any potential alerts or closures.
If you have a Wyoming fishing license you may bring your pole and try your luck at the lakes. Learn about fishing in Grand Teton National Park here.
A free backcountry permit is required for overnight camping in the park. Learn more about that here.
The Taggart Lake – Bradley Lake Loop is one that should not be missed during your trip to the park. The hike is incredible and offers breathtaking scenery of Grand Teton National Park.
