Trail improvement work will begin in late June on Delta Lake route in Grand Teton National Park

Visitors hiking to Delta Lake in Grand Teton National Park this summer should expect temporary delays and work zones as restoration and improvements take place along the heavily traveled route. The project, led by Access Fund in partnership with Grand Teton National Park and funded by Grand Teton National Park Foundation, will improve visitor safety, reduce erosion, protect sensitive alpine vegetation, and create a more sustainable route to one of the park’s most popular backcountry destinations.

Beginning in late June and continuing through early August, Access Fund crews will be working in partnership with Grand Teton’s trail crew along the unofficial but popular route to Delta Lake via the Lupine Meadows Trailhead. The Teton Climbers Coalition will also coordinate a volunteer workday in support of the project later this summer.

"Projects like this demonstrate what is possible when nonprofit partners, volunteers, outdoor recreation organizations, and the National Park Service work together toward a common goal," said Chip Jenkins, superintendent of Grand Teton National Park. "By taking these steps today, we are helping protect the Delta Lake area while maintaining the backcountry experience visitors value."

Delta Lake has experienced a dramatic increase in visitation in recent years, resulting in braided social trails, erosion, and vegetation impacts in sensitive alpine terrain. The project aims to create a more sustainable and intuitive route while maintaining the adventurous nature of the hike.

“Delta Lake is one of the park’s most popular destinations, and this project is an important investment in protecting both the visitor experience and the fragile alpine environment for years to come,” said Leslie Mattson, president of Grand Teton National Park Foundation. “We are grateful for the partnership behind this effort and are pleased to support it.”

The work will focus primarily on defining a path through heavily impacted sections of the route, including the boulder field leading to Delta Lake. Planned improvements include better wayfinding, erosion mitigation, trail stabilization, and rehabilitation of social trails contributing to resource damage.

Visitors may encounter temporary delays, short reroutes, work crews, and equipment in project areas during active construction days. Hikers are encouraged to follow all posted signage, respect work zones, and allow extra time when visiting the area.



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Rising more than 7000 feet above Jackson Hole, the majestic mountains of Grand Teton National Park provide one of the most dramatic landscapes in the world. With more than 240 miles of trails meandering throughout this park, how will you find and choose the most scenic and rewarding hikes?

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