amphitheater lake

This walk is written up in several publications as 'difficult' or challenging. We found it to be a steady but not too tough hike. The views on the way up and back are wonderful and the trail moves in and out woods and clearings and up into Alpine country. The gradient is fairly steady the whole way, and we saw Elk and there was a mother bear and 2 cubs sharing the trail as well. By the time we reached the lake it was drizzling and the weather had closed in, so no views for us, but the walk was still worth it. We highly recommend the hike. About 5 hours return.

We did this hike in Sep 2014. Started out at 8 AM at 36 degrees, ended at 5 PM at 76 degrees. The hike is as described in the guide books: flat at the beginning then up hill relentlessly, gaining 3000 ft in 4.5 miles. The views along the way were spectacular. You can see much of Jackson Hole including Bradley and Taggert Lakes as well as Jenny and Jackson Lakes once you get higher up. The switchbacks take you across some very steep meadows that were full of wild flowers. We saw two mule deer right along the trail and on the way down a bear who was busy with his business. Our bear spray was ready but went unused.The views of the lakes were great. Since it was such a nice day we spent quite a bit of time just relaxing in the sun and listening to the absence of humans except for the occasional Chatty Cathy or Carl who drop by the lake for ten minutes, take two photos and then leave, never stopping their conversations for a moment.Worth every ounce of energy it takes to get there.

The trail to Amphitheater lake is nicely groomed. There's enough traverses to keep you going opposed to going straight up. Gorgeous up top. Took us about 5 hours round trip.

This hike can be strenuous because of the ridge trail and the ascent but so worth it! Very relaxing to sit by the lake, take in the incredible view of the cirque and have lunch after hiking for several hours. Cannot wait to do it again next year!

This hike is popular but not horribly so. We had a beautiful day in July and had a gorgeous hike with lots of wildflowers and chipmunks. We detoured just a tad to take in Surprise Lake as well--if you walk just a little way around Surprise Lake the view of the mountains, including Grand Teton, is stunning.

This was an amazing , but difficult hike. The trail seems to go on forever with the switch backs and constant rise to the top. No flatish area to get a breath. I hiked this trail July 17, 2014 with my sons (adult). We almost did not continue due to a Brown bear crossing the trail 30ft from us, and no bear spray. It was about 300LBS still young and mamma around I am sure. My sons had hiked this trail before. My youngest son encouraged me to continue. That the view is worth every long step, and yes fear of bears! He was right the views are absolutely amazing. Still large snow patches to climb over when you get to the top. Be prepared for a long hike of switch backs and constant rise, rocky trails and possible bears. Many people saw the bears that day. If nothing else have bear bells on, make noise through brush areas where they like to roam.For me no regrets. I would do it again, but more prepared for what I was getting myself into. Beautiful, beautiful hike with my sons I will never forget! Victoria Turner

This was a pretty tough hike with 3000ft elevation gain, but we loved it! The kids did great, we walked through fields of wild flowers, but also through snow. Both Surprise Lake on the way and Amphitheater Lake are amazing!!!

The first two times I attempted to get there I could't because of deep snow in June, summer comes late to Amphitheater Lake. After I made it there, I was delighted I kept trying as the place is awesome.

This trail divides about halfway up and one leads to Amphitheatre Lake, and the other to Garnet Canyon-these notes cover the Garnet Canyon divide.The trail starts off as the Lupin Meadows Trail and is flat for the first half mile from the trailhead through pine forest with views of the meadows. The trail then follows the spine of a ridge for the next mile or so through thicker pine forest and is a moderate uphill gradient.At 1.7 miles from the trailhead the trail forks with the left hand trail heading over to the Bradley and Taggart Lakes complex of lakes.Continuing upward the trail heads to Amphitheatre and Garnet canyon trails which fork about 3 miles from the trailhead-the trail is moderate to hard constant grade with very few flatter sections to give the legs a break!The Grant Canyon trail forks to the left here and continues at the same moderate to hard grade for another 1.2 miles to the trail junction with the camping ground which is just below the large boulder fall that fills the canyon and obliterates the trail. The boulder fall can be traversed (around 200-300 yards) of hard scramble around and over the boulders after which the trail continues up to allow a closer view of the 2 small glaciers at the right and left sides of the top of the canyon.This hike again differs with Paintbrush and Cascade in that it takes you above the tree line and it has brilliant views down to Bradley and Taggart lakes system and onto Moose.The vertical climb from the trailhead to the stream junction/campground is around 3000ft over a trail length of 4,2 miles.On the decent we took the side trail over to Bradley Lake which is 1.2 miles one way from the junction. It's flat for the first half and then defends at a moderate grade to the lake. Where the trail meets the lake there is a wooden bridge to a small island that gives excellent views across the lake and up to the Teton Peaks behind-it was well worth the effort to take this side trip.Taggart Lake is a further mile or so onward but we didn't do that section.Total hiking time for the Garnet Canyon and side trip to Bradley return was a little over 6 hours excluding half an hour for a lunch break at the Garnet campground.There is no food or water unless you use the steam which I wouldn't unless I had purification tablets.And take bear spray in a ready to use holster-wedding see any but they are around in the backcountry!

the hike was a challenge but the reward of scenic panoramas and a beautiful destination made it worth the work. wildlife along the way was also a welcome reward for the steep climb.

This is an AWESOME hike! While effort is required to get to the Surprise & Amphitheater Lakes, the pay-off is well worth it. The majority of the 3,100 ft. vertical incline occurs AFTER mile marker 1.7 meaning, it's ALL uphill from there. With no flat spots to provide relief from the incline, you'll either love it (like me) or lament it (like my hiking partner). However, numerous switchbacks provide a gentle incline, so it's not too bad. SPECIAL TREAT: When you arrive at Surprise Lake, take a left and hike up the small incline on the south side, there you'll find one of the MOST spectacular views of the valley and an impressive 1,000 foot sheer rock-face drop. If you suffer vertigo, don't go... Otherwise, find a perch to enjoy the view and a well earned break.

This is a very arduous hike, full of switchbacks. Also make sure you check with the back country rangers about the snow conditions before going. I went in late June and there was still 4 feet of snow a half mile from the lakes. However, it is a great hike and the lakes are drop dead gorgeous.

This is a great hike - it's only about 5 miles each way but it climbs over 3,000 feet. However, it's as an easy as 3K as you could ever hike - very gradual and TONS of switchbacks. Once you get to amphitheater lake - don't stop there. Either go up to your right and you can hike maybe 400 feet higher and get a fantastic view.I also hiked towards Disappointment peak and got to the point where it was rock climbing and I didn't feel comfortable going any higher up - but you get a fantastic view. I saw marmots, deer, and other critters but no bears - however I missed a grizzly sighting by 5 minutes according to other hikers.I was on the trail by 8am and recommend to start as early as possible as the trail starts to get pretty busy in the afternoon.

Majestic views of flower meadows with Bradly and Taggart lakes below. Surprise amd Ampitheater Lakes at the top are a real treat.

We saved this hike for last. The change in elevation is beautiful, but be warned, you had better bring plenty of water to dring and air in your lungs. The 3,500 feet feels like 10 miles. The payoff is seeing the lake surrounded by an amphitheater of rock with the GRAND TETON himself staring right down at you. There will be snow on the trail (deep at times) through mid June. It is a long hike, but so very worth it. We loved it.