Taggart–Bradley Lakes Loop

Overview

This is a scenic 6.0-mile total loop linking Taggart Lake and Bradley Lake from the Taggart Lake Trailhead off Teton Park Road near Moose. It’s a genuinely moderate effort: mostly packed dirt with some rocky, rooty bits and a few short climbs, but nothing technical. Expect constant Teton Range views, photogenic shorelines, and a steady stream of fellow hikers in peak season.

What You’ll See

You’ll weave through lodgepole pine, open meadows, and aspen pockets, with creeks murmuring alongside in early summer. Both lakes are classic glacial bowls—clear water, moraine-framed, and custom-made for mountain reflections. Many hikers linger for photos; some even take a quick dip on warm days. Wildlife is part of the charm: sightings of deer, marmots, squirrels, birds—and occasionally bears or moose—are reported, so keep your eyes up and your distance respectful.

Route Feel and Flow

Start at Taggart Lake Trailhead, head to Bradley Lake first, then use the Valley Trail south to Taggart Lake to close the loop back toward the trailhead. The surface is well-defined but uneven at times, and there’s a short steeper ridge section between the lakes. Overall, it’s a sustained but very manageable effort for most active hikers and families. If you want more, the Valley Trail also continues beyond the loop for easy extensions.

Crowds and Vibes

This loop is popular—because it deserves to be. Early starts feel peaceful; by late morning and midday in summer, it gets busy and the parking lot often overflows. A common take: Taggart’s shoreline feels a touch more dramatic than Bradley’s, but the loop gives you both personalities and nonstop Teton backdrops.

Best Time to Hike

May through September is prime. Early summer means rushing creeks and lingering patches of mud or snow; late summer is dry and fast. For photography, hit sunrise for glassy reflections and soft light. Weekdays and early mornings beat the crowds. In fall, aspen and cottonwood color can be spectacular. Winter snowshoeing is possible, but standard hiking isn’t recommended when the trail is snow- or ice-covered.

Tips

• Arrive early—parking fills quickly in peak season.
• Pack layers for fast-changing mountain weather, plus water and snacks (no potable water on trail).
• Carry bear spray, give wildlife space, and make noise in brushy sections.
• Families short on time often do an out-and-back to Taggart Lake; the full loop rewards you with more variety and fewer bottlenecks.