Contents
Overview
Taggart and Bradley are natural lakes in the Grand Tetons, formed by glaciers that have melted since the last ice age, the Pleistocene Epoch.
Taggart is found at the terminus of Avalanche Canyon and Bradley at the terminus of Garnet Canyon, below Bannock Falls.
Both lakes are picturesque and easy to access. Taggart is a short 1.6-mile hike from Taggart Lake Trailhead and Bradley is 1.7 miles from Taggart Lake via Valley Trail.
There is a 1-mile connector trail that brings you back from Bradley Lake to a junction. From here, hike 1 mile back to the trailhead to finish the loop.
Quick Facts
- Distance: 5.4 miles
- Hike Time: 3 hours
- Elevation Gain: 600 feet
- Fee: $35 for a 7-day pass to Grand Teton National Park
- Dogs: No
- Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking the Trail to Taggart and Bradley Lakes
We got to Taggart Lake Trailhead at 6pm on a Sunday and the parking lot had plenty of spaces. During our weeklong stay in the Tetons, we drove past this trailhead several times. This was the least busy we had seen it.
Even from the trailhead, there are tremendous views of iconic Teton peaks, with the Middle Teton stealing the show.
The trail begins as flat hardpack through a meadow. At 0.6 miles, you begin to ascend a steeper portion after crossing a bridge over Taggart Creek.
At 1.2 miles, you will reach a junction with a sign. From here, head straight to follow 0.5 miles of mostly flat trail to Taggart Lake or bear right to ascend a steep 1-mile jaunt to Bradley Lake.
We opted to go directly to Taggart Lake from this point, then followed the trail 1.6 miles further to Bradley Lake. We then returned to the signed junction via the aforementioned 1-mile trail.
It took us 3 hours to do the whole loop, including a 15-minute stop at Taggart Lake and 30 minutes at Bradley Lake.
Map
Location
The trailhead is located off of Teton Park Road (to the left), 3.5 miles from the turnoff on U.S. Highway 191.
Resources
Guidebooks
- Best Easy Day Hikes Grand Teton National Park by Falcon Guides
Topo Maps
Links
Photos
