Looking to get wild in Grand Teton National Park? If you’re up for a challenge that rewards you with Caribbean-blue waters tucked beneath jagged peaks, Delta Lake is calling.

Why Delta Lake?

This is Tyler a.k.a. Granola Guy. Welcome to the first post in my Stay Wild: Adventure Report Series—monthly guides to hikes, ski lines, backpacking trails, and bike routes that inspire me to keep exploring. My goal? To help you feel ready, motivated, and fueled (with Granola Girl in your pack, of course) to tackle your own adventures.

I chase adventures that push me beyond the ordinary. The solitude, the grind, the sense of accomplishment—those are what fuel me. Delta Lake may have gone viral on social media, but when you stand on its rocky shore staring at impossibly blue water, it feels like your own secret discovery.

Trail Stats

Trailhead & Starting Out

The adventure begins at Lupine Meadows Trailhead, near the Jenny Lake Visitor Center. It’s a busy hub for many Teton hikes, so arrive early—before 8 a.m. is best—to snag a parking spot.

I like to wake up to go straight to the trailhead for breakfast and to pack my bag. For this one, I started my day with yogurt topped with Granola Girl Grain-Free Granola and fresh blueberries. While I ate, I watched other hikers gather with excitement for their adventure, snapped photos for families, and soaked in the contagious energy before heading out with my cousin Tony.

Breaking Down the Hike

Think of the trail in four parts:

1. Forest Warm-Up – A gentle grade through lush forest, perfect for easing into the climb.
2. Switchback Climb – Classic Teton zigzags, with ever-expanding views of lakes and the valley floor below.
3. The Secret Turnoff – Midway up the switchbacks, look for a faint, rocky side trail to the north. This unmaintained route is rooty, rocky, and easy to miss. Navigation and balance matter here.
4. Final Climb – Cross a boulder field, then tackle a steep, slick path that leads straight to the prize: Delta Lake.

On the Trail: Highlights

• Wildlife Encounters – I nearly bumped into a deer hidden behind a tree. Seconds later, three young bucks appeared, grazing calmly beside the trail.
• Wildflower Magic – Lupines, paintbrush, and asters lit up the path with color against rugged granite walls.
• Picnic Reward – At the lake’s edge, Tony and I unwrapped sandwiches and broke into a bag of Granola Girl Maple Olive Oil Granola. 
• Brave Aussies – We met two Australian couples who launched themselves straight into the icy lake. Their high-pitched squeals convinced us to stay warm and dry on our rock perch.

Final Thoughts & Tips

• Come prepared: This is not a casual stroll. Bring sturdy shoes, water, snacks, poles and layers.
• Start early: Parking fills fast and mornings are cooler.
• Expect a challenge: The unmaintained section is steep, rocky, and slick in spots.
• Reward yourself: Sitting on Delta’s shore with a snack is one of the best feelings in the Tetons.

Delta Lake will test you—but the reward is unforgettable. Whether you’re chasing solitude, jaw-dropping photos, or just a reason to eat food by an alpine lake, this hike delivers.