Phelps Lake is located in the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, a section of Grand Teton National Park that was only added in 2001 with a final donation of 3,100 acres of what was once the JY Ranch that the Rockefeller family used for a summer retreat. At the time of his land donation, Laurance removed all ranch structures, including the dining hall and residential cabins. And this part I really like, his donation included an endowment to fund the LSR Preserve Center and the Preserve trails and environment.
Even though the skies were threatening, we looked at the weather time-line and it said that rain wouldn't begin until after 4 p.m. We began by following Lake Creek Trail the first 1.5 miles.
We reached the lake at 1.5 miles and there, at the overlook on the north edge of Phelps Lake we encountered our lunch buddy from last year. Unfortunately, we had already eaten our lunch - we wouldn't feed a wild animal anyway.
From the overlook at the north end of the lake, are views across the lake to the south edge with the towering Teton peaks forming a dramatic backdrop at the mouth of Death Canyon. (You might notice Frederick's emergency rain poncho - his rain jacket was safe, back in the Airstream.)
After admiring the vistas at the overlook we continued on the lakeshore path for 0.5 miles to a short spur-trail to Huckleberry Point, a peninsula jutting out into the lake, for some more fine lake and mountain views.
Back on the Phelps Lake Trail we met the cousin to the marmot at String Lake.
At the south end of the lake, at the base of the mountains, is this lovely meadow. You might be able to just make out the inlet stream from Death Canyon that feeds Phelps Lake (center left, by the small trees).
And here's the source of the inlet stream - high up on the mountainside you just might be able to make out the cascade coming off the mountain. (You can always click on the picture and it will enlarge for a better view.)
I liked the way the mountain peaks - seen through the clouds - are mimicked by the Douglas Firs.
At last, some wildflowers!
Today's hike:
Length - 7.08 miles
Duration - 3 hours, 6 minutes
Elevation gain - 660 feet (66 floors on the Fitbit)
That was quite the hike. Did you ever encounter the rain line?
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