Bradley – Taggart Hiking Trail
Bradley-Taggart I would say is probably one of the most, if not the most, popular trails to hike. It’s a very easy hike for those who aren’t accustomed to hiking or you have young kids. For just a little bit of effort you get spIt’s a mile and a half to get to Taggart. You can choose just to hang out at Taggart or continue north to Bradley lake or head south and loop around that way back to the trailhead. If you do the whole Bradley-Taggart Loop, I’s about a six mile loop. Again, on this trail there’s always the possibility of meeting up with a moose or a bear. Last fall I was almost witness to a “moose mating” but I left them to their privacy.
Hiking Amphitheater Lake
Amphitheater Lake is the classic hike in the park, which is a must do for people who really want to do some serious hiking to a beautiful alpine lake. You start at the Lupine Meadows parking lot, and it’s about five miles all the way up to Amphitheater but be sure to stop at Surprise Lake along the way! It’s a strenuous hike because you’re going uphill all the way. I believe it’s the only hike in the Park where you’re hiking up the side of a mountain. This hike is definitely in bear country. A couple years ago my friend, Chris, and I were hiking there, and within the first quarter of a mile we saw a huge grizzly bear, ripping a log apart to get to the insects. It was really cool but scary at the same time. Luckily, he had his back to us was more interested in the insects than us. I’ve also run into numerous black bears on this trail anywhere from the beginning of the trail, on the switchbacks, and up at Surprise Lake.
If you want to go to Garnet Canyon, you turn left at the 3.1 mile intersection. That’s the route that the climbers take who are going to the Grand. Garnet Canyon is at the three mile intersection on the Amphitheater Trail, and that goes in about another mile and a half, and then it turns to all bouldering. That’s how you could go to climb the South and the middle and the Grand Teton.
When you get to Amphitheater, you will feel it’s well worth the effort. It’s spectacular. It’s a beautiful alpine lake. Tradition is that the first time you get to Amphitheater, you go skinny dipping! A bit of trivia, there 18 switchbacks to the top, which sometimes seem endless. I curse them every time I go up! Along the way there are some great views of Taggert and Bradley Lakes. And in late summer, be on the lookout for mountain fresh huckleberries!
Hi this is Carol. Thanks for reading Carol’s corner and remember Love is Bon Jovi, Bears and hiking in Jackson Hole.
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