Pros & cons
PROS
- Big Phelps Lake and canyon views after a short climb
- Easy springboard into longer Death Canyon hikes
CONS
- Rutted access road; low-clearance vehicles not recommended
- Small parking lot fills fast; arrive early
Overview
This overlook delivers a classic Teton payoff fast: an elevated perch above Phelps Lake at the mouth of Death Canyon. It’s commonly reached from the Death Canyon Trailhead and is essentially the same vantage many maps label as the Phelps Lake Overlook. Expect sweeping lake-and-canyon scenery without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds you’ll find at the park’s biggest hotspots.
The Hike & What You’ll See
From Death Canyon Trailhead, the trail climbs steadily through forest to the overlook in about a mile. Many hikers turn around here for a short, scenic outing. Continue farther and you’ll enter Death Canyon proper—bigger walls, meadows, wildflowers in early season, and the option to push all the way to the patrol cabin if you’re up for a moderate half‑day.
Wildlife
This corridor has frequent wildlife sightings. Moose, deer, marmots, and both black and grizzly bears are reported. Carry bear spray, hike in groups when possible, make noise in brushy sections, and give animals plenty of space.
Getting There, Parking & Facilities
Access is via White Grass Trailhead Road—a rough, rutted dirt spur to the Death Canyon parking area. It’s not recommended for low‑clearance vehicles. The lot is small and can fill. There’s a vault toilet at the trailhead, but no water; bring all you need. Dogs aren’t allowed on these trails.
Best Time to Visit
Use this as a morning or late‑day stop to find parking and a quieter trail. The corridor is most popular June–September, and midday—especially on weekends—sees the heaviest foot traffic. Early starts pay off here.
Who Will Love It
- Newer hikers or families looking for a short, high‑reward viewpoint.
- Anyone wanting options: tag the overlook, then decide whether to drop to Phelps Lake or head up‑canyon for more solitude and big mountain scenery.
Where it is
43.6561, -110.7813Tips for Death Canyon Overlook
- 01Arrive early; the small lot fills and the trail gets busier by midday.
- 02Bring all your water—there’s no filling station at the trailhead.
- 03Carry bear spray and know how to use it; bears are commonly reported.
- 04If your car has low clearance, park before the roughest stretch and walk in.
- 05Going beyond the overlook toward the patrol cabin takes roughly 4–5 hours round‑trip.
Amenities
Near Death Canyon Overlook
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayDeath Canyon Shelf TrailA high, windy bench with nonstop canyon views and real solitude.Challenging · 4 mi · 0 min
0 mi awayAlaska Basin-Buck Mountain Pass TrailSteep east-side climb to alpine lakes and big views at 10,480 ft.Challenging · 9.3 mi · 6.5 hr
0 mi awayStatic Peak Divide TrailBig views, big climb: a classic Teton sufferfest with payoff.Challenging · 16.3 mi · 10 hr
0 mi awayDeath Canyon TrailClassic Teton canyon to a historic patrol cabin with big viewsModerate · 7.8 mi · 4.6 hr
0 mi awayDeath Canyon BarnHistoric CCC patrol cabin at a dramatic canyon junction
0.3 mi awayWhite Grass Ranger Station Historic DistrictQuiet historic ranger station from the horse‑patrol eraParking
0.9 mi awayPhelps Lake OverlookShort hike to a sweeping perch above deep blue Phelps LakeScenic Viewpoint
1 mi awayPhelps LakeGlacial lake loop with big views and a famed jumping rockTrailhead · Parking
