Middletons On The Move contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of our links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read our full disclaimer here.

Bradley and Taggart Lake Trails: The Complete Loop Guide

ByMorgan Middleton

If you’re visiting Grand Teton National Park for the first time, there’s a good chance someone has told you to check out Taggart Lake.

And they’re not wrong! It is an incredibly scenic, beginner-friendly trail with classic Tetons views and peaceful lakeside vibes.

But what many first-time visitors miss? The full loop that includes both Taggart and Bradley Lake Trails and let us tell you, it is SO worth it.

We hiked the full 5-5-mile Bradley and Taggart Lake loop in June 2025, starting from the Taggart Lake Trailhead. While we originally planned to turn around at Taggart Lake, we’re so glad we kept going.

The elevated views of Taggart Lake from the Bradley Lake Trail? Unreal.

A scenic view overlooks a deep blue Taggart Lake nestled among dense evergreen forests. Rolling green hills and distant mountain ranges stretch beneath a clear, bright blue sky.
View of Taggart Lake from above

But hiking this trail wasn’t all smooth sailing… between the mosquitos, rocky terrain, and tricky signage, we’ve got a few tips you’ll want to know before you hit the trail.

This guide covers everything we learned: what to expect on the loop, gear you’ll want to bring, the best views, and why this hike is perfect for beginner to moderate hikers exploring the Tetons.

Overview of the Bradley and Taggart Lake Trails

The Taggart Lake Trailhead is located inside the (gated) Moose Entrance of Grand Teton National Park. The Bradley and Taggart Lake Trails form a scenic loop that’s ideal for beginner to moderate hikers looking for an accessible yet rewarding half-day hike.

A trail map shows the Taggart Lake Loop Trail in Grand Teton National Park, with dotted lines marking hiking paths around the lake. Key points such as the trailhead, Cottonwood Creek Picnic Area, mileage markers, and a construction detour are highlighted.

This 5.5-mile route weaves through forests, meadows, and rocky terrain, offering views of two stunning glacial lakes and the towering peaks of the Tetons as your backdrop.

If you do not have enough time for 5.5 miles, you can shorten the hike and only visit one of the two lakes.

While many hikers opt for the shorter out-and-back route to Taggart Lake, we recommend the full loop that includes both lakes. The trail begins and ends at the Taggart Lake Trailhead, a popular access point just minutes from the Moose entrance.

Along the way, you’ll gain a little elevation for those sweeping views, and enjoy a mix of wooded shade, open skies, wildflowers, and lakeshore serenity.

Large, weathered boulders rest among low shrubs and evergreen trees, with jagged mountain peaks rising in the distance. The bright blue sky and clear sunlight highlight the textures in the rock and surrounding greenery.

Here’s what to expect:

  • Distance: Approximately 5.5 miles (loop)
  • Elevation Gain: About 600 feet according to our apple watch but NPS says 890 feet since the trail climbs and drops several times.
  • Trail Type: Loop with connector junctions
  • Estimated Time: 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on pace and stops
  • Best for: First-time visitors, beginner to moderate hikers, photography lovers

The park’s official trail details for the loop list the same stats, plus a heads up about narrow sections and big rocks.

Pro tip: This trail is inside a fee area, so you’ll need a valid Grand Teton park pass. You can buy one at the gates, but the park is cashless, so bring a card. Current prices are on the Grand Teton fees page.

Starting at the Taggart Lake Trailhead (Important Updates)

The Taggart Lake Trailhead is one of the busier parking areas in Grand Teton National Park and for good reason. Its proximity to the Moose entrance, manageable terrain, and access to both Taggart and Bradley Lakes make it a go-to for visitors of all experience levels.

But here’s what you need to know right now before you drive straight there.

When we hiked in June 2025, the main bridge from the parking lot to the trail was out for construction, so we followed a marked detour down the bike path before officially hitting the trail.

Here’s the bigger update: in 2026, the park closed the north side of Taggart Trail between the trailhead and the lake for reconstruction. The parking lot and the south side of the trail stayed open, so you can still reach Taggart Lake.

It’s part of a big renovation of the Taggart Lake area, which is also the park’s busiest trailhead year-round.

Closures change by season, so check the current Taggart Lake trail status before you go.

Morgan rides a fat-tire e-bike along a paved trail bordered by sagebrush, with snow-capped mountains rising in the distance. The sky is bright blue with scattered white clouds, and cars travel on a parallel road nearby.

Also: parking fills up fast. By mid-morning, the road outside the parking lot is packed with vehicles parallel parked.

We personally skipped the chaos by parking our dually at the Moose Visitor Center and riding our e-bikes over to the trailhead (highly recommend if you’ve got wheels).

There’s a dedicated bike rack at the Taggart Lake Trailhead.

Here’s a quick look at the trailhead logistics:

  • Parking: Limited and fills early (by 9 AM during peak season)
  • Bike access: Great option from the Moose Visitor Center
  • Facilities available: The trailhead has basic facilities as well as several porta-potties. There are no facilities on the trail itself.
A narrow dirt trail winds through a lush mountain meadow filled with blooming yellow wildflowers. Evergreen trees rise on either side, with jagged, snow-dusted peaks towering in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Despite the crowd, the trail spreads out nicely and you’ll find your rhythm pretty quickly.

Just don’t forget to snap a pic of the map before you set off, or grab a paper map at the trailhead (it was $1 when we went), because the trail signage gets sparse further in.

What to Expect on the Trail

This loop isn’t just a scenic stroll around two lakes. It is a dynamic, ever-changing trail that winds through diverse terrain with just enough challenge to keep things interesting.

Alan walks along a dirt trail through a dense forest of tall, thin pine trees. Sunlight filters through the branches, casting long shadows across the path under a clear blue sky.
A fast-flowing mountain stream winds through a forest of evergreen trees, surrounded by dense green undergrowth. Sunlight brightens the clear water under a vivid blue sky.

You’ll start with a relatively flat path through an open meadow, but the terrain quickly shifts.

One minute you’re on a dusty trail under bright sun, the next you’re stepping over rocks and boulders in a shady forest grove. There are stretches with loose rocks, natural staircases made of stone, and narrow sections flanked by wildflowers. If you like variety, this trail delivers.

A rocky forest trail winds uphill through dense greenery, with sunlight filtering through tall pine and aspen trees. Large stones form natural steps along the path, surrounded by lush undergrowth.

Here’s what stood out during our hike:

  • Trail Conditions: A mix of dirt, dust, rocks, and natural stone steps
  • Shade/Sun Balance: Partial shade in wooded areas, full sun in open stretches
  • Trail Markings: Sparse beyond the initial junctions so bring a map or GPS
  • Crowds: Popular but not overwhelming; we saw other hikers consistently throughout the trail
  • Views: Panoramic Teton peaks, serene lake shores, and sweeping overlooks

We’re not advanced hikers by any means, but we tackled the full loop comfortably with a few water breaks and a snack stop along the way. The elevation gain is pretty gradual, with one moderate climb between the lakes that rewards you with a bird’s-eye view of Taggart Lake.

Reminder: You are in bear country. While we didn’t see any on this hike, we always carry bear spray and recommend you do too. Stay alert and make noise while hiking.

Taggart Lake: A Scenic Start

Most hikers begin the loop by heading directly to Taggart Lake, and it’s easy to see why. Sections of the trail are gentle and scenic, taking you through lush meadows and forested paths before opening up to reveal the shimmering blue-green waters of Taggart framed by the towering Tetons.

Once you reach the lake, it’s tempting to plop down, soak in the views, and call it a day. And honestly? That wouldn’t be a bad hike.

A calm mountain lake mirrors the surrounding evergreen forest and rugged, snow-dusted peaks under a clear blue sky. Pine branches frame the view, with smooth rocks and shallow water in the foreground.

The lakeside area makes for a perfect spot to rest, have a snack, or snap a few postcard-worthy photos.

But if you’re up for a bit more adventure, don’t turn around just yet. Continuing on the loop rewards you with even more spectacular views especially as you gain elevation and look back down over Taggart Lake from above.

It’s one of those rare trails where the view keeps getting better the further you go.

Here’s what makes the Taggart Lake section special:

  • Sweeping lake and mountain views at water level
  • Popular turnaround point for families and casual hikers
  • Multiple places to enjoy the peaceful lakeshore

Bradley Lake and the View from Above

Once you leave the shores of Taggart Lake, the trail begins to climb pretty quickly and this is where things get really good.

As you gain elevation, the views looking back at Taggart Lake open up in a dramatic, sweeping panorama that honestly blew us away. It’s one of the biggest reasons we’re glad we didn’t turn around at the first lake.

A panoramic mountain view shows a deep blue Taggart Lake nestled among dense forest, with snow-capped peaks rising in the distance. The foreground trail is lined with green shrubs and wildflowers under a bright blue sky.

This middle section of the loop is where you’ll encounter the most elevation gain, but it’s manageable with a few well-timed breaks. The trail snakes through rocky ridges and shaded pine stands, eventually leading you to a quiet gem: Bradley Lake.

Bradley Lake feels more peaceful than Taggart. It’s slightly higher in elevation, a little more tucked away, and definitely less crowded. But fair warning: the mosquitos here were vicious when we visited in June 2025.

A view through tall evergreen trees reveals a calm mountain lake with peaks rising in the background. Sunlight filters through the branches, highlighting the green foliage and a rustic wooden railing along the trail.
View of Bradley Lake from our picnic stop

We were swatting non-stop, so if you’re hiking in late spring or early summer, do not forget bug spray.

Quick takeaways from this section:

  • Moderate climb after Taggart Lake leads to epic views
  • Trail narrows and winds through wildflowers, wooded sections, and rocky areas
  • Bradley Lake is quieter and more secluded
  • Mosquitos are no joke… seriously, come prepared!
A dense, silky webbing stretches between the branches of a small tree, forming a protective nest. Inside, several caterpillars are visible against the green leafy background.

We didn’t see much wildlife, but we did spot lots of butterflies and some delicate silk worms along the way.

What to Pack for the Bradley and Taggart Loop

Even though this is a relatively short and beginner-friendly hike, being prepared makes all the difference especially when you factor in changing terrain, elevation, sun exposure, and (trust us) the bugs.

Here’s what we packed and recommend for this trail:

  • Bear Spray: You’re in bear country so always have it accessible. We didn’t see any bears on this hike, but this is one of those “better safe than sorry” situations.
  • Camelbak MULE Hydration Pack: We brought our Camelbak MULE and loved having water hands-free, especially during the climb between lakes. It also holds plenty of snacks and extras.
  • Oboz Sawtooth X Low Hiking Shoes: These handled the dusty, rocky trail like a champ. Plenty of grip for the stone steps and uneven patches.
  • Bug Spray & Sunscreen: Do not skip these. The mosquitos were the worst near Bradley Lake and the sun exposure on the open trail sections can sneak up on you.
  • Sunshirt: Morgan wished she’d worn one. Something lightweight and long-sleeved will give you bonus sun protection without overheating.
  • Binoculars (Nocs): Great for scanning the lake edges and treetops plus, they’re compact and easy to carry.
  • Snacks + Water: Bring enough to last you at least 3 hours. There’s no water refill along the trail, and a salty snack hits the spot with the elevation.
  • Map or GPS App: The signage gets spotty past the first few junctions. We recommend having an offline trail map downloaded ahead of time.

This is a hike that rewards those who come prepared with better views, a more comfortable trek, and way fewer bug bites.

Can You Bring Your Dog on the Bradley and Taggart Lake Loop?

Nope, and this one catches a lot of dog people off guard. Pets aren’t allowed on any trails in Grand Teton, including this loop.

Here’s the deal: dogs can go pretty much anywhere a car can go (campgrounds, parking lots, picnic areas, road shoulders) on a 6-foot leash, but not on trails, beaches, the multi-use pathway, or inside the visitor centers.

The park’s pet rules spell out the details.

Since Coco travels with us full-time, she stayed behind in our RV. Luckily she is comfortable in our setup but there are a lot of things you should consider before leaving your dog behind.

If your pup is staying behind in the RV while you hike, here’s how we keep Coco cool in the RV.

It’s also why we use a pet temperature monitor that texts us if the RV gets too hot or loses power while we’re out on the trail.

New to traveling with a dog? Start with what RV life with a dog is really like.

Is the Bradley Lake & Taggart Lake Loop Worth It?

Morgan, wearing a gray cap with a black paw print and reflective sunglasses, smiles for a selfie on the Bradley and Taggart Lake loop, with green foliage and rugged Teton peaks behind her under a partly cloudy sky.

Absolutely! If you’re already planning to hike to Taggart Lake, taking the extra time and effort to complete the longer Bradley and Taggart Lake loop is 100% worth it.

We went into this trail expecting a relatively short, pretty hike and came away genuinely impressed by the variety of terrain, the elevated views of Taggart Lake, and the quiet beauty of Bradley Lake.

The loop packs a lot into a manageable 5.5 miles: mountain views, lakefront stops, meadows, forests, and even a little workout with the elevation gain.

It’s the kind of trail that makes you feel like you’ve seen Grand Teton, even if you only have half a day to spare.

Just come prepared (especially for bugs), and make sure your camera or phone is charged. You’ll want it.

More Grand Teton Hikes to Explore

Clear lake water laps against a pebbled shoreline, with large rocks scattered near the edge. Snow-capped mountains rise sharply in the distance under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

Loved the Bradley and Taggart Lake Trails? Here are a few more hikes in Grand Teton National Park to add to your list:

Whether you’re in the park for a weekend or a full season, Grand Teton has hikes for every experience level, and we’ll keep adding the ones we’ve done.

Planning your RV trip?

Bringing the RV to Grand Teton? Here’s the route we drove from Georgia to Grand Teton with our 44′ fifth wheel, including every campground stop along the way.

Still in the planning stage? Start with how we’d plan a first RV trip, or browse all our RV travel tips.

Sign up for Our Weekly newsletter!

Morgan is the author behind Middletons on the Move, where she shares practical RV travel tips, campground reviews, and real-world advice for life on the road. She and her husband travel full-time in a 44' fifth wheel with their dog, Coco, and have camped in everything from pop-up to a 31' Class C. With a planner’s mindset and a love for exploring, Morgan helps fellow RVers hit the road with confidence and curiosity.