Phelps Lake — Grand Teton National Park

Phelps Lake provides excellent opportunities for hiking, with the Death Canyon Trail offering spectacular views of the surrounding Teton Range. Swimming is popular during summer months when the mountain lake warms enough for a refreshing dip. Wildlife watching is exceptional—look for moose, deer, and various bird species in the area. Photography enthusiasts will find stunning landscape compositions with the lake and mountains. Fishing is permitted with proper Wyoming licenses. In winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are available for experienced backcountry travelers.

Phelps Lake offers backcountry camping with minimal facilities. This is a primitive camping area without developed amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, or restrooms. Campers should be prepared to follow Leave No Trace principles, including proper food storage to prevent wildlife encounters. The area requires self-sufficiency with all necessary camping equipment and supplies. Water should be filtered from the lake, and campers need to pack out all trash and waste.

Yes, permits are required for all overnight camping at Phelps Lake. These backcountry permits can be obtained at the visitor center in Grand Teton National Park. It's recommended to secure your permit early, especially during peak summer months (June-September) when demand is highest. The permit system helps manage visitor impact and preserve the wilderness character of the area. When applying, be prepared to specify your planned camping dates and group size.

Phelps Lake camping is located in the southern section of Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. To access the camping area, start at the Death Canyon Trailhead, which serves as the primary access point. The trailhead is accessible via a dirt road off Moose-Wilson Road. From there, hikers follow the trail to Phelps Lake, where backcountry camping sites are available. The lake sits at the base of Death Canyon, offering spectacular views of the Teton Range.