Lake of the Crags Trail

The Lake of the Crags Trail is a hard 4.6-mile out-and-back from an unmarked junction on Jenny Lake’s west shore. It climbs Hanging Canyon past Ramshead Lake, then crosses boulders and steep talus to Lake of the Crags, nearly 9,600 feet above sea level. This is an unmaintained social trail, not a signed park hike: the tread fades, route-finding takes attention, and there is a short scramble near Ramshead. Allow about 6 to 8 hours for the trail from the junction. The walk in from parking adds distance.

There is no parking at the junction. From West Shore Boat Dock, follow the Jenny Lake west-shore path to the branch north of the dock; the approach-inclusive walk is about 6 miles round trip. Starting at String Lake makes it about 8.5 miles round trip. Those totals include the shoreline approach; the 4.6-mile figure here covers the named canyon trail only. The junction is easy to miss, so be sure you have the route and access details before leaving the maintained path.

The climb begins with open meadow switchbacks and streamside stretches, then steepens. The lower route crosses the 1999 Alder Fire burn scar, so much of the ascent has little shade. Tread becomes narrow and intermittent, especially where the canyon opens into boulder fields. A brief scramble comes before Ramshead Lake; keep track of your way back as the line is not marked.

Ramshead Lake is the first lake, not the destination. Beyond it, the route skirts the lake’s right side and crosses more boulders before climbing a steep talus slope. Lake of the Crags only comes into view as the slope levels near the head of the canyon. It sits beneath Mount Saint John, Rock of Ages and Symmetry Spire, a striking high basin worth the long climb if loose terrain is your kind of hiking.