the hike was a challenge but the reward of scenic panoramas and a beautiful destination made it worth the work. wildlife along the way was also a welcome reward for the steep climb.
We saved this hike for last. The change in elevation is beautiful, but be warned, you had better bring plenty of water to dring and air in your lungs. The 3,500 feet feels like 10 miles. The payoff is seeing the lake surrounded by an amphitheater of rock with the GRAND TETON himself staring right down at you. There will be snow on the trail (deep at times) through mid June. It is a long hike, but so very worth it. We loved it.
This hike is popular but not horribly so. We had a beautiful day in July and had a gorgeous hike with lots of wildflowers and chipmunks. We detoured just a tad to take in Surprise Lake as well--if you walk just a little way around Surprise Lake the view of the mountains, including Grand Teton, is stunning.
Majestic views of flower meadows with Bradly and Taggart lakes below. Surprise amd Ampitheater Lakes at the top are a real treat.
This was a pretty tough hike with 3000ft elevation gain, but we loved it! The kids did great, we walked through fields of wild flowers, but also through snow. Both Surprise Lake on the way and Amphitheater Lake are amazing!!!
This is a very arduous hike, full of switchbacks. Also make sure you check with the back country rangers about the snow conditions before going. I went in late June and there was still 4 feet of snow a half mile from the lakes. However, it is a great hike and the lakes are drop dead gorgeous.
This hike can be strenuous because of the ridge trail and the ascent but so worth it! Very relaxing to sit by the lake, take in the incredible view of the cirque and have lunch after hiking for several hours. Cannot wait to do it again next year!
The first two times I attempted to get there I could't because of deep snow in June, summer comes late to Amphitheater Lake. After I made it there, I was delighted I kept trying as the place is awesome.
This walk is written up in several publications as 'difficult' or challenging. We found it to be a steady but not too tough hike. The views on the way up and back are wonderful and the trail moves in and out woods and clearings and up into Alpine country. The gradient is fairly steady the whole way, and we saw Elk and there was a mother bear and 2 cubs sharing the trail as well. By the time we reached the lake it was drizzling and the weather had closed in, so no views for us, but the walk was still worth it. We highly recommend the hike. About 5 hours return.
This is an AWESOME hike! While effort is required to get to the Surprise & Amphitheater Lakes, the pay-off is well worth it. The majority of the 3,100 ft. vertical incline occurs AFTER mile marker 1.7 meaning, it's ALL uphill from there. With no flat spots to provide relief from the incline, you'll either love it (like me) or lament it (like my hiking partner). However, numerous switchbacks provide a gentle incline, so it's not too bad. SPECIAL TREAT: When you arrive at Surprise Lake, take a left and hike up the small incline on the south side, there you'll find one of the MOST spectacular views of the valley and an impressive 1,000 foot sheer rock-face drop. If you suffer vertigo, don't go... Otherwise, find a perch to enjoy the view and a well earned break.