Phelps Lake Hike

This has become one of my favorite hikes in the Jackson area. It can be short and sweet, the Lake Creek and Woodland Trail loop is 2.9 miles. Or, you can stretch it out to 7.0 miles on the Phelps Lake Trail Loop and go all the way around. The hike begins at the Laurance Rockefeller Preserve located off the Moose Wilson Road. I like to hike the Lake Creek and Woodland Trail Loop in the evenings or early morning. The trail can be busy during the day and the parking lot is small, usually meaning you have to wait for a parking spot. But, don't let that deter you. The trails are beautiful and well worth the wait!


I always take the Lake Creek Trail on the way out. This is because I love the end of the trail when you walk up a slight incline to an amazing view of Phelps lake. Takes my breath away every time, which may seem cheesy to some, but I'm a bit of a romantic. I can picture my little cabin in the woods right there in that same spot. And, I'm sure I'm not the only one... Here is a picture of what I would see off my front porch... (If only...)


The trail is very well maintained and is described in the Trial Guide as Moderate. The guide also states the Vision of the Laurance S. Rochefeller Preserve and I would say they hit the nail on the head! "Laurance S.Rockefeller found refuge at the JY Ranch and he believed in the power of nature to restore and sustain the human spirit. Here at the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, Mr.Rockefeller envisioned a place where visitors could experience a spiritual and emotional connection to the extraordinary natural beauty of Phelps Lake and the Teton Range. By creating this preserve, he hoped to enrich our lives and inspire us to become better stewards of the land." (Trail Guide, Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve)



Today my mission was to find a Lady Slipper. And, no, not the Cinderella version. I'm talking about the Orchid. Very delicate beautiful flower. I'm native to Minnesota and the Lady Slipper is the State flower, so I have a soft spot for it. I've always kept my eyes open for one on the trail and today I was lucky! It took me a long time before I saw the first one, but after that I found two more! If you're hiking in the spring you may get a chance to see one of these beauties...


Here are a few other thins I photographed along the way. Hope you enjoy them.....

Happy Trails!