Phelps Lake and Death Canyon

A short day hike from the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, starting at the parking area for the Rockefeller Preserve on Moose-Wilson Road 4.4 miles north of Teton Village. Parking space is limited and usually fills up before noon. A nice three-mile loop starts at the Rockefeller center and follows Lake Creek (the outlet of Phelps lake), approximately a mile and a half to the lake. Trails are very well marked and bridges are built over all stream crossings. To lengthen your hike, follow the trail around Phelps Lake (approximately 4 miles), which makes a complete loop back to your starting point. This gentle trail with some ups and downs is not difficult, but your total roundtrip mileage from the are will be around nine miles. At the far end of the lake, a trail winds up to Death Canyon for those looking for a more moderate/difficult hike, or climb up the switchbacks to Phelps Lake Overlook for spectacular views. Heading back to your car involves a couple choices from the east end of the lake. You can return on the Lake Creek Trail loop or take the Aspen Ridge Loop or Boulder Ridge Loop. Both of these connect back to the Lake Creek Trail which then returns to the parking area.