man in sleeveless shirt and shorts standing on a rock jutting out into Taggart Lake. You can see trees surrounding the lake as well as mountains in the background.

Bradley and Taggart Lake Trails: The Complete Loop Guide

Bymorganmiddleton Posted on

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 loop in June 2025, starting from the Taggart Lake Trailhead (currently with a slight detour – more on that later). 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.

shrubbery in the foreground with evergreen trees and a view of a bright blue Taggart Lake in the middle with partially snow covered mountains and blue skies in the background
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, current trailhead conditions, and why this hike is perfect for beginner to moderate hikers exploring the Tetons.

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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.

image of the Taggart Lake Loop map at the Taggart Lake Trailhead

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.

boulders and shrubbery in the foreground with mountains and trees in the background

Here’s what to expect:

  • Distance: 5.5 miles (loop)
  • Elevation Gain: ~600 feet (moderate climbs)
  • 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

Pro tip: This trail is located inside a fee area. A valid park pass is required for entry into Grand Teton National Park. If needed, you can purchase one at the gates.

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.

As of June 2025, the main bridge connecting the parking lot to the trail is out for construction. There is a marked detour in place, but it means you’ll be walking a short distance down sidewalk/bike path before officially hitting the trail.

This should not be a dealbreaker but is definitely something to plan for.

woman in a blue shirt and leggings riding a bicycle on a trail with snow covered mountains visible in the distance

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
  • Bridge detour: Expect a minor reroute on foot
  • Facilities available: The trailhead has basic facilities as well as several porta-potties. There are no facilities on the trail itself.
narrow dusty trail meandering through shrubbery and wildflowers with evergreen trees and mountains in the background

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 purchase a $1 paper map as 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.

man in shorts and a sleeveless shirt is walking down a wide dusty trail surrounded by trees
rushing river meandering between shrubs and trees

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.

section of the Bradley Loop Trail with large rock/boulder steps surrounded by shrubs and trees

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—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.

clear lake with beautiful reflections of mountains and trees in the water

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.

panoramic view of Taggart Lake from above. You can see the trail, shrubs, trees, and mountains in the background with bright blue skies

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.

bright blue lake and snowy moutains are visible between trees
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!
up close photo of silk worms working between multiple branches with greenery in the 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 – 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.

Is the Bradley Lake & Taggart Lake Loop Worth It?

woman wearing a hat and sunglasses with a dirt trail, shrubbery, trees, and mountains in the background

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

pebble beach leading into clear water with partially snow-covered mountains and blue skies in the background

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’re covering them all.

Planning your trip?

Don’t forget to check out our RV travel tips and off-roading adventures while you’re here!

Morgan Middleton is the owner and author of Middletons on the Move, a blog about RV travel and off-roading. Morgan, Alan (her husband), and Coco (their 95 lb pup) are traveling the country full-time in their RV.