Delta Lake has quickly become one of Grand Teton National Park's most beloved alpine lakes. Its glacial hue and remarkable view of the towering Grand Teton has specifically caught the attention of social media users over the last decade, attracting an average of 308 visitors daily during the summer months who attempt to reach the lake via a very steep and challenging ascent path. The number of people visiting Delta Lake has increased 440% from 2016, when the park began tracking visitation data.
Despite its rise in popularity, there is no designated trail to reach the lake, meaning that informal social trails* have been established causing erosion, wayfinding confusion, safety concerns, and environmental damage.
In partnership with Grand Teton National Park and the Access Fund, Grand Teton National Park Foundation is proud to support a new project to improve access to Delta Lake this year. Thank you to the Teton Climber's Coalition for raising awareness. The project will kick off in June of 2026, with Access Fund trail crews working to stabilize and formalize the route while maintaining the wild character and integrity of the area. Beyond the goal to create a clearer trail that would reduce area-wide erosion and vegetation impacts, the project aims to enhance the visitor experience through the implementation of subtle trail markers and signage as well as stairs and steps in steep sections of the trail where loose dirt can make ascension very difficult.
Rehabilitation efforts will further address erosion currently present in the area, restoring the landscape and vital vegetation.
Collaboration between Grand Teton National Park and Grand Teton National Park Foundation makes these types of special projects possible, indicating the enduring need for public-private partnership. The revitalization of Delta Lake access will require community support to raise $61,000 to complete the project.
Donate today by visiting gtnpf.org/donate and entering "Delta Lake" in the comments field.
* "A social trail is an unofficial, user-created path that forms over time, as visitors take detours off of designated trails. Social trails can have negative impacts to both the habitats of plants and animals in the area. These trails can also lead to confusing locations that get people lost, increasing exposure to unknown hazards and dangerous conditions. Social trails are not patrolled, maintained, or monitored." -NPS