TR: Surprise Lake, Grand Tetons National Park
Sept 1, 2015 7:52:13 GMT -5
Post by rpcv on Sept 1, 2015 7:52:13 GMT -5
Backpacking in Grand Tetons National Park has been on my list since a weekend trip there in 1998. My husband, a friend, and I finally made it happen a couple of weeks as part of a larger trip to that area. We spent two nights at Surprise Lake, which is at 9,600 feet. The hike up there was steep, but pleasant. The trail alternated flower-filled meadows and cool pine groves. It was fairly crowded as Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes are popular dayhiking destinations. The campsite we had was nice, but the area where we chose to cook had the most spectacular view. I went up there for sunrise both mornings we were up there. On the second day, we explored Amphitheater Lake and scrambled up Disappointment Peak as far as we felt comfortable without climbing gear. We had Amphitheater Lake to ourselves for a couple of hours before the first dayhikers made it up there. The lake and surrounding mountains were absolutely stunning. On our last day, we packed up and headed down under overcast skies and ended that part of the trip with a great lunch in the Jenny Lake Lodge.
It was an amazing trip. The only downside is that now I need to go back and spend something like a month backpacking there! There are more photos on my blog.
Lupine Meadows Trailhead. This is a busy trailhead and we had to park far enough away that it added 3/4 of a mile to our hike each way (at least it was flat!).
Aconitum columbianum (Western Monkshood). This was growing in the wet areas on the lower parts of the trail.
A black bear eating berries near the trail.
Surprise Lake near the outlet stream.
Might be the best view I've had from a kitchen, ever. The shadow on the valley floor is that of Grand Teton.
Sitting on an outcrop near our camp kitchen area. Mt. Owen is on the left and Delta Lake is below.
Amphitheater Lake on Day 2.
On our way up the flank of Disappointment Peak.
The view from our high point on Disappointment Peak. Amphitheater Lake is on the left. You can see Surprise lake just to the left of the large outcrop in the middle of the photo. Bradley and Taggart Lakes are on the right.
A marmot near Amphitheater Lake.
Sunrise on our last day at Surprise Lake.
It was an amazing trip. The only downside is that now I need to go back and spend something like a month backpacking there! There are more photos on my blog.
Lupine Meadows Trailhead. This is a busy trailhead and we had to park far enough away that it added 3/4 of a mile to our hike each way (at least it was flat!).
Aconitum columbianum (Western Monkshood). This was growing in the wet areas on the lower parts of the trail.
A black bear eating berries near the trail.
Surprise Lake near the outlet stream.
Might be the best view I've had from a kitchen, ever. The shadow on the valley floor is that of Grand Teton.
Sitting on an outcrop near our camp kitchen area. Mt. Owen is on the left and Delta Lake is below.
Amphitheater Lake on Day 2.
On our way up the flank of Disappointment Peak.
The view from our high point on Disappointment Peak. Amphitheater Lake is on the left. You can see Surprise lake just to the left of the large outcrop in the middle of the photo. Bradley and Taggart Lakes are on the right.
A marmot near Amphitheater Lake.
Sunrise on our last day at Surprise Lake.
