Nestled in the crux of the Grand Tetons, amongst granite boulders and uncut brush, Delta Lake sits like a sapphire amongst a bejeweled crown. Its glacial water is as mesmerizing as it is cold, so blue and clean you’d think it was manufactured. Its face reflects a near mirror image of the Tetons peaks. It’s idyllic, something out of a picture book or fairy tale, and it’s for this reason the lake has gained an Instagram presence of its very own. 

Known as the “Instagram Hike” of the Tetons, the trail has quickly become one of the most popular hikes in the national park for its dreamy views at the top. What most Instagram users don’t see, however, is the strenuous 8 mile roundtrip it takes to reap the reward, nor the staggering switchbacks or quarter mile of pure scrambling. While staying in the Tetons National Park, I had the opportunity to hike Delta Lake, an experience well worth the effort. But before you decide whether or not to embark on a hike of this intensity, it’s important to be aware of the journey and not merely the photo op. 

An Early Morning

My hiking partner and I arrived at the Lupine Meadows parking lot around 6:30am. The lot was nearly full of cars and hikers buzzed about, filling their packs with supplies and rubbing their eyes awake. I was surprised to see so many people up and at’em at dawn, but I had been fairly warned that the hike was popular via Instagram and by everyone I had previously sought advice from. 

The Delta Trail

The trail to Delta Lake begins at the Lupine Meadows Trailhead. It’s a hub for several other popular trails, including the route hikers take to summit Middle Teton mountain. Because of this and the bustling nature of the parking lot, I was sure the trail would be crowded. But once hikers began to establish themselves amongst the mammoth trees and split off onto their respective trails, the line of people quickly dispersed. For a while, it was just the trees and the rising sun. Then came the incline. Gradually at first, it soon turned to switchbacks that gave way to views of Taggart and Bradley Lake, two other popular trails worth checking out. 

The Delta Lake trail isn’t marked like the surrounding paths that stem from the trailhead. Although it’s arguably the most popular hike in the park, the trail wasn’t carved by National Park Employees nor is it maintained. Instead, it’s the result of thousands of foot steps repetitively boring down on the soft dirt, creating a foot trail. It’s easy to take a wrong turn or find yourself questioning whether you’re on the right path, as the turns are unmarked and discreet. After about two or three miles, once the trail has narrowed and those hiking different routes have split off, the terrain becomes rugged. The ascent is more dramatic here and getting your hands dirty may be necessary. 

With about a quarter of a mile left before the top, the trail turns into a boulder field. Scrambling becomes necessary, hopping from rock to rock, sometimes hoisting yourself up on all fours. This doesn’t last long, and is actually a nice reprieve from the uneasiness of slick dirt. Eventually, the landscape begins to flatten out and climbing isn’t necessary. Footing is important here, making sure the rocks and logs you step over or onto are sturdy. Soon, the face of the Grand becomes visible and, if you’re early enough, you can watch as the morning sun begins to warm its peak. 

Delta Lake

Once you can see the Grand clearly, you’re at Delta Lake. Despite small crowds gathering around its perimeter, there’s a quiet serenity. The water is an icy color of blue, one that could only be the result of frozen, pure glacier or food dye. Several boulders and rocks are situated on the lake’s edge as if they had been put there on purpose for us hikers to lounge. It’s on one of these boulders where I ate a Mountain Cookie from Signal Mountain’s general store, something you must try, and met a woman who offered up her portable water purifier for use. I highly recommend bringing one of these on the Delta hike, or at least an extra water bottle or two, as I quickly drank my sole bottle. 

The Descent

The hike back down the mountain is somewhat sketchy. The initial descent from the lake is very steep, and if you aren’t equipped with the right footwear (like I wasn’t), you run the risk of sliding rather than walking. Once you make it past the steepest point, about the first quarter of the descent, you’re back to more even terrain. By this time, the sun had crested the mountains and brought with it its heat. Crowds had begun to form, and the ascending trail looked like a line of marching ants, all single file. If you don’t mind shoulder to shoulder hiking and intense heat, going later in the day shouldn’t be a problem. But I think for most of us who want to experience the Tetons, we’d prefer more quiet, so it’s worth not hitting snooze on that 5am alarm. 

Things to Keep in Mind

While Delta Lake is picturesque and offers great photo ops for Instagram feeds, there are things to consider before embarking on the hike. First off, it’s important that you’re prepared not just for the summit, but for the entire journey ahead. Like I previously mentioned, bring lots of water or a filter that would allow you to safely drink the water at the top. Have bear spray on you at all times. Signs throughout the park will remind you, but the fact that grizzlies roam wild here isn’t fully realized until you’re halfway into a 8 mile hike with no cell service and a backpack full of granola bars. Most general stores sell bear spray, but you can also rent a bottle at some locations inside of the park. 

Possibly the most important thing to be aware of before hiking the Delta Lake trail, or any strenuous hike for that matter, is to be cognisant of your own abilities. Eight mile hikes with several thousands of feet of elevation gain aren’t for everyone. I know that’s disappointing, but it’s the truth. In the Tetons, you’re already breathing at a high altitude, and oxygen absorption is hindered. Couple that with dramatic inclines, scrambling, and an unmaintained trail, and it becomes quite the feat. It’s important to know your abilities before embarking on a hike to keep yourself safe and away from a situation that could turn very bad very quickly. So do research beyond an influencer’s Instagram post before deciding if the Delta Lake Hike is for you. 

After completing the hike to Delta Lake, I could easily understand why it would be considered the “Instagram Hike”. Not only was the lake breathtaking in person, and I’d argue better than the stylized photos posted on Instagram, the entire trail, from start to finish, was scenic. To any intermediate or experienced hikers visiting the Tetons, I would highly recommend taking on the Delta Lake trail. Not for the photos at the top, or the notoriety of hiking THE Delta Lake trail, but for the morning sun cresting the peaks, the pheasants that may cross your path, and the sound of silence that envelops you the entire time. 

What do you think of the Delta Lake hike? Will you try it? Let us know!