Amphitheater Lake • Hike • Wyoming • All Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

Yellowstone, WY

Hiking		Jul 30 2025
		bjonson • Triplogs 261

Hiking	16.21 Miles	5,037 AEG

Hiking	16.21 Miles	6 Hrs 23 Mns	2.59 mph
	5,037 ft AEG	7 Mns Break

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Jun 08 2025

Vashti

Guides 17
Routes 297
Photos 1,808
Triplogs 276

female

Joined Mar 11 2002
Gilbert, AZ

Yellowstone, WY

Hiking		Jun 08 2025
		Vashti • Triplogs 276

Hiking	10.67 Miles	3,044 AEG

Hiking	10.67 Miles	9 Hrs 12 Mns	1.56 mph
	3,044 ft AEG	2 Hrs 22 Mns Break

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[ checklist ] Amphitheater Lake Bradley Lake Disappointment Peak Taggart Lake

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We had an amazing hike up to amphitheater and surprise lakes! We got an early start and thus we were able to secure a parking spot at the Lupine Meadows Trailhead.

The trail starts off in the forest (including some swampy sections - definitely bring the bug spray!) before switchbacking up an open mountainside offering phenomenal views of the valley below, including Bradley and Taggart lakes. These miles were full of wildflowers right next to the trail!

About half way up, you come across the now-unmaintained, unmarked trail to Delta lake. You can tell it's a trail still, but it is definitely in disrepair.

A few more switchbacks, and you are in the woods. Shortly thereafter, the snow starts! Yippee! The last mile was entirely snow covered. We put on our crampons and had no issue. After about a quarter mile, the trail was completely under deep snow, and we followed the footprint paths to the summit. Looking at our path taken vs the route, we pretty much cut all the switchbacks, but we just followed the snow path already there. It wasn't bad at all.

Both lakes were snowy and icy, but so beautiful! There were some people at the lakes, but not too many. At Amphitheater, we saw some rock climbers who were leaving, and then after some solitude, a couple of runners showed up. At surprise lake, we saw some people leaving to make their way over to Amphitheater. It was nice to escape some of the NPS crowds!

We returned the way we came, and saw a bunch more people coming up as we went down, but many turned around at the deeper snow.

On our way down we saw a black bear about 15 feet off the trail, doing his bear things. On the way up, we passed some moose. We also saw some marmots.

This trail also connects with garnet Canyon, and we passed a few groups of skiers headed that way. Its neat to see people hauling ski and boot backpacks.

A fabulous trail with an easy grade and amazing views. I loved the lakes and the scenery at the top as well as along the way. The weather also cooperated.

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Garter Snake Marmot (Yellow-Bellied) Mule Deer

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

Wildflowers Observation Substantial
So many wildflowers of all colors! A real treat!

	Amphitheater Lake	51-75% full	51-75% full
	Frozen but thawing!

Hidden Falls

Heavy flow

Jenny Lake

76-100% full

	Surprise Lake	51-75% full	51-75% full
	Frozen but thawing.

Taggart Lake

76-100% full

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2 archives

Jul 01 2019

John9L

Guides 6
Routes 183
Photos 5,612
Triplogs 1,647

male

Joined Mar 12 2004
Scottsdale, AZ

Yellowstone, WY

Hiking		Jul 01 2019
		John9L • Triplogs 1,647

Hiking	11.00 Miles	3,094 AEG

Hiking	11.00 Miles
	3,094 ft AEG

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I started my second day in Wyoming in a hostel on the west side of the Tetons. I had some breakfast and checked out and started the drive to Jackson Hole. The route took me over the Teton Pass which was steep with impressive views. I continued over and arrived to a very busy parking lot. I parked and got situated and started the hike in.

The first mile is easy going as you meander through a forest. There were plenty of people out but the trail was not crowded. The trail then starts a steady climb as you work your way deeper in. You basically climb and climb up a series of long switchbacks & the views only improve as you go. I started to encounter patches of snow as I neared the top. I talked to a few people on their way down and they said there’s lot of snow up top but it’s manageable. I had micro spike but never put them on. Eventually the trail leveled off and I was in a winter wonderland. There was a lot of snow but it was mostly packed. It was not an issue with careful footing.

I headed over to Surprise Lake and then continued on to Amphitheater Lake which was stunning. The lake was about 75% snow / ice covered and the peaks around it were impressive. This lake is appropriately named. I would take my lunch here and this gave me time to soak in the views. I was in the Tetons two years ago and Chumley wanted to hike here on our last day but I didn’t have the energy after our big trip. It was nice returning to see what we missed.

After I had my fill I started my return. The going was a little slow as I carefully worked my way back down the snow. With careful footing, I made good time and hit the switchbacks. The snow quickly thinned out and I cruised down. It was a beautiful day and I was feeling good when I got back to my rental car at the trailhead. From here, I loaded up and drove over to Jenny Lake. I would catch the water taxi and would hike into Cascade Canyon. See separate triplog.

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2 archives

Jul 19 2017

FOTG

Guides 37
Routes 556
Photos 10,872
Triplogs 1,052

43 male

Joined Jan 21 2013
AZ

Yellowstone, WY

Hiking		Jul 19 2017
		FOTG • Triplogs 1,052

Hiking	10.41 Miles	3,027 AEG

Hiking	10.41 Miles
	3,027 ft AEG

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I did this little hike to kill sometime while waiting for Chumley, John and Kyle to arrive for our backpack of the Crest Trail. This was my first hike in Grand Teton National Park and it left me very excited and a little anxious for our Crest Trail backpack.

The hike up is a bit of a grind, but the trail is in excellent condition and the grade stays pretty manageable. Surprise Lake was quaint, but scenic and pleasant, it alone would make a worthy destination for most. But Amphitheater Lake is certainly the real attraction. I got an early start, so I only had to share the lake with two other people. I really enjoyed the setting of the lake and the stunning scenery around it. I contemplated taking a known spur trail up and around the lake for some better views, but I was feeling a little beat as it was and I wanted to save some energy for the first day of our backpack, so I just walked along the lake, enjoyed its brilliant reflection and snapped pics with the trusty Iphone. The hike down was quick, as one might expect. However, there was about a ten minute delay to watch a small black bear go about its routine. I passed a lot of people hiking out, confirming the trail's reputation, as a popular one. Start early to beat the crowds.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Yellow Columbine

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Black Bear