Nestled In Wyoming's Grand Tetons Is A Picturesque Lake With Wildflower Trails And Postcard Views

Taggart Lake might just be the most popular hiking destination in Wyoming's rugged wild landscape of Grand Teton National Park. You can see the towering peaks that this park is known for from anywhere in the surrounding area, but there's no more beautiful way to see them than from the shores of this pristine glacial lake. When you stand at the rocky water's edge, you can look across the shimmering lake to see the place where the pine covered slopes transform into rocky, snow-capped mountains. The water here is so clear that you can see the stones on the bottom, but when the light hits the surface just right, you can see the mountains reflected in the water.

Grand Teton is sometimes considered the best national park for people who don't want to spend their whole trip hiking, but for those willing to head out on the trails, some breathtaking natural sights are waiting. The Taggart Lake Trail is the perfect way to split the difference. If you want to spend just an hour or two on the trails and enjoy a beautiful stroll through nature without having to worry about burning through all your energy trying to navigate stream crossings or scrambling up mountainsides, this is the perfect trail. The trailhead is less than a ten-minute drive along Grand Teton Road from the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center. There is a small parking lot for hikers to use, but to snag a spot for your car, like with other tourist hot spots, the best time to show up is first thing in the morning. This is especially true if you're coming in the summer or when the wildflowers are blooming.

As if the area around Taggart Lake couldn't get any more beautiful, from May until September it transforms into one of the most mesmerizing displays of blooming wildflower color in the world. Of course, the lake that gives this hike its name is the draw for most visitors, but if you come at the right time, as you explore this relatively flat, easy forest path you will catch glimpses of blooming wildflowers in forest clearings. There you'll find some of the most beautiful blooms in Grand Teton National Park. In the shade of the trees you may see pretty purple columbines, large wild pink roses (which are open, unlike the closed-up ruffly petal roses we see in florist shops) and patches of sunny clearings completely covered in pink, purple, and white phlox flowers. 

If you want to see some different types of flowers throughout the park, you'll need to try different elevations. Consider driving along Antelope Flats road to see not only the colorful flowers that bloom in the valleys, but bison and elk, too. If you're looking for a challenge, make your way up the long, steep, difficult route of Teton Crest Trail. On this epic, multi-day journey, the trail will be covered with mountain wildflowers.