News Release

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

Two hikers on steep terrain descending from Delta Lake.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: June 25, 2026

Contact: Grand Teton National Park

MOOSE, Wyo.—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.

"We're excited to partner with Grand Teton National Park and Grand Teton National Park Foundation on this important project," said Andrea Hassler, director of stewardship and education at Access Fund. "Projects like this are at the heart of Access Fund's Conservation Team work. By improving trails and restoring impacted areas, we're helping protect sensitive alpine ecosystems while ensuring visitors can continue to experience places like Delta Lake responsibly. This project demonstrates the power of partnership to address recreation impacts and care for these landscapes for years to come."

"This project is a great example of what can be accomplished when the outdoor recreation and land management communities come together in service of stewardship. The Teton Climbers Coalition is honored to be part of it,” said Christian Beckwith, executive director of Teton Climbers Coalition.

Grand Teton National Park Foundation received a generous grant from AllTrails, helping advance restoration efforts and sustainable recreation improvements in one of the park’s most visited backcountry destinations.

"AllTrails is proud to support the restoration work for Delta Lake, one of the most sought-after hikes in Grand Teton National Park. Protecting the places people love most, especially as more people than ever are getting outside, is exactly the kind of investment our public lands deserve," said Pitt Grewe, head of social and environmental impact of AllTrails.

To learn more, visit gtnpf.org/trails. 

–NPS–