Grand Teton NP, WY – The Emma Matilda Loop Trail is a 10.3 mile loop that gains about 600 feet of elevation while traveling around its namesake lake. Emma Matilda Lake is a large crescent-shaped lake sitting at 6,873 feet elevation that lies to the east of Jackson Lake and to the west of Two Ocean Lake. This trail is included in Robert Stone’s “Day Hikes in Grand Teton National Park: 89 Great Hikes” and can be found on the National Geographics Trails Illustrated Map: #202 Grand Teton.
The connector trail from Pacific Creek Road climbs from the parking area
From the trailhead, follow an access trail for about 0.6 miles to the Emma Matilda Loop at a signed junction. We headed right which travels around the lake in a counterclockwise direction tackling the north side trail first. The North Emma Matilda Lake Trail climbs and follows an open ridge 400 feet above the lake, crossing various meadows, and areas of Douglas fir and aspen stands.
You can hike the loop in either directions. All junctions were well signed
A meadow along the North Emma Matilda Lake Trail
As you climb, you will be rewarded with views of the Teton Range, Jackson Lake, and Emma Matilda Lake. Along the North Emma Matilda Lake Trail we spotted deer, grouse, and sandhill cranes. We also saw sign (scat or tracks) for elk, moose, and bears. From a highpoint at the far western end of the lake you will be able to look back across the entire lake and east to outstanding views of the Teton Range and Jackson Lake.
As you climb you will be rewarded with views of the Tetons
Teton Mountains and Emma Matilda Lake
The Emma Matilda Lake North trail climbs to a high ridge
Emma Matilda Lake
Western end of Emma Matilda Lake
Jackson Lake and the Tetons from Emma Matilda Loop
Emma Matilda Lake is crescent shaped. View of eastern end of lake
Climb down to a level slightly above the lake as you round the western end. Stop to take in the views from Lookout Rock, a signed short side trail. Return to the South Matilda Lake Trail and continue through heavy forest along the southern side of the lake with only intermittent lake views. Near the eastern end of the lake we spotted some Ospreys. At the eastern end of the lake you will cross the outlet on a wooden bridge.
Mountain views from Emma Matilda Loop Trail
Emma Matilda Lake from the South side trail
Emma Matilda Lake from Lookout Rock
Osprey along the Emma Matilda Loop hike (Grand Teton NP)
View from South Emma Matilda Lake Loop
There are numerous trail junctions along the loop. All were signed and all required taking the left turn until you return to the original junction with the access trail where you will make a right turn to return to your vehicle on Pacific Creek Road.
To reach the trailhead: starting from Moran, Wyoming (located 27 miles south of Yellowstone National Park’s south entrance and 19 miles north of the Town of Moose, Wyoming), head west on US Highway 26/287 for approximately 0.2 miles. Turn right onto US 89/191/287 and continue for approximately 1 mile. Make a right onto Pacific Creek Road/Wilderness Access Road/Forest Service (FS) Road 30090, following said road for 1.4 miles to the unmarked trailhead parking on the left. The trail will be visible heading across the meadow and up the slope in front of the parking area.
We hiked this trail while staying at Headwaters Campground at Flagg Ranch. From Flagg Ranch we also hiked:
- Terraced Falls via Cascade Creek Trail (Yellowstone)
- Beula Lake Trail (Yellowstone)
- Bechler Short Loop (Yellowstone)
- String Lake Loop (Grand Teton)
- Pacific Creek Trail (Teton Wilderness)
