Pros & cons
PROS
- Less crowded than the neighboring Delta Lake route despite a shared trailhead
- Spectacular glacial cirque setting with lakes right beneath towering granite
CONS
- Lupine Meadows parking often fills early, adding extra road walk if you’re late
- Mosquitoes can be heavy around the lakes in mid summer
- Limited water en route; reliable sources only at the lakes and must be treated
Park at Lupine Meadows Trailhead (gravel access road). Arrive before 9 am—this lot fills quickly and latecomers may add 1–2 miles of road walking. Toilets and trash are at the trailhead.
Bear country—carry spray. Expect lingering snow early/late season and common summer afternoon thunderstorms. Little reliable water until the lakes; treat all water.
Overview
If you want a classic Teton grinder with huge alpine payoff, this is it. Starting from Lupine Meadows, the trail climbs relentlessly to Surprise Lake and then Amphitheater Lake in a glacial cirque below Disappointment Peak. It’s a stout out-and-back of about 9.9 miles total with roughly 3,000 feet of gain, topping out near 9,700 feet at the upper lake. Expect a well-built path, tons of switchbacks, and scenery that gets better with every turn.
What you’ll see
The first miles wind through mixed forest and along a stream before the grade tightens and the switchbacks begin. Openings in the trees deliver big looks across the valley to Bradley and Taggart Lakes. Higher up, the terrain turns rocky and subalpine. You’ll hit Surprise Lake first, then a short push lands you at Amphitheater Lake, tucked in a dramatic, bowl-shaped cirque of granite and talus. Wildlife sightings are common—think marmots and pikas in the rocks, mule deer in the trees, and occasional bigger critters. Around the lakes, mosquitoes can be feisty in mid-summer.
Trail experience
It’s sustained, steep, and simple to follow. The path is well signed and maintained, but the grade rarely lets up. Crowds ebb and flow, yet it’s typically less chaotic than the neighboring Delta Lake route despite sharing the trailhead. Water is scarce after the early footbridge; reliable refills are at the lakes only, and you’ll need to treat anything you drink.
Best times to hike
Aim for late June through September, after the snow has mostly cleared and before fall storms take over. Early and late season can hold lingering snowfields—traction and snow sense help. Summer afternoons commonly bring thunderstorms; start early to tag the lakes and be headed down before weather builds. Buggiest conditions tend to hit mid-summer around the lakes.
Tips
- Start early for parking, cooler temps, and to dodge afternoon storms.
- Bring layers—weather changes fast at high elevation.
- Trekking poles help on the long climb and descent.
- Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
- No dogs are allowed. Day hikes don’t need a permit; a permit is required for the limited backcountry sites near Surprise Lake.
- Confident hikers can explore faint paths beyond Amphitheater Lake toward Disappointment Peak for loftier views.
Where it starts
43.7346, -110.7415Wildlife on this trail
Near Amphitheater Lake Trail
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayDelta Lake TrailTurquoise glacial tarn beneath the Grand Teton via rugged scrambleChallenging · 8 mi · 6 hr
0 mi awayGarnet Canyon TrailSteep, spectacular canyon hike to the Tetons’ granite heart.Challenging · 8.4 mi · 5 hr
0 mi awaySurprise and Amphitheater Lakes TrailRelentless climb to two turquoise cirque lakes with huge Teton viewsChallenging · 10.1 mi · 6 hr
1.2 mi awayGeraldine Lucas Homestead-Fabian Place Historic DistrictQuiet homestead with eleven cabins and big Grand Teton viewsParking · Scenic Viewpoint
1.4 mi awayJenny Lake LoopIconic lakeshore loop with nonstop Teton views and optional waterfall spurModerate · 7.1 mi · 3 hr
1.5 mi awayJenny Lake Visitor CenterHistoric studio‑turned‑visitor hub at the heart of Jenny LakeTrailhead · Restroom
1.5 mi awayJenny Lake BoatingQuick boat link to Hidden Falls and a narrated Jenny Lake cruiseParking · Restroom
1.6 mi awayJenny Lake Ranger StationHistoric hub for climbing permits and trail intel on Jenny LakeRanger Station · Parking
