Hiking Delta Lake, Amphitheater, and Disappointment Peak in one day
Ever wanted to combine the most beautiful lake in the Tetons with some of the best views as well? Then the 3 lakes, Surprise Lake, Amphitheater Lake, Disappointment Peak and Delta Lake Loop are for you!
I started the day driving into Teton National Park after grabbing a delicious bison breakfast sandwich at Snake River Roasting Co and a Latte. After parking a quarter mile from the trailhead because of so many people, I headed up from the Lupine Meadows trailhead.
You wind through the trees, switchbacking up, until you see the sign for Surprise Lake, take a right there. At the first switchback, you will see the turn-off to Delta Lake, it's unmarked but easy to find. But I headed up to Surprise Lake first and to summit Disappointment Peak.
After never-ending switchbacks, you finally see the Grand Teton with Disappointment peak just in front. Soon after I hit Surprise Lake, and a little way after that amphitheater Lake. I stopped for my favorite trail snack, Honey Stinger Chews, and then headed up towards the summit. There is a bit of a climb/scramble to make it to the next ledge above the amphitheater lake. There is some steep exposure and easy rock climbing, so only continue if you are comfortable with 5.4 climbing.
Easy scrambling to the summit on switchbacks and then solid rock to the summit block was super fun. Once you finally reach the summit you see amazing views of the Tetons surrounding you!
After summiting, decent back down the way you came, now comes the tricky part. To get from the upper lakes to Delta Lake, you will have to go off-trail and descend some steep, rocky terrain. If you prefer trails, you can go back to the turnoff I mentioned earlier, but that means descending at least 1000 feet of gain and then climbing back up. I prefer the loop, but it is a bit tricky and you will have to wade through the lake ankle deep. I saved my GPS track from when I did it, I recommend buying the GPS track so you can find it.
Once you make it to the lake, go for a swim, have lunch, and then just follow the trail that leaves out the bottom back to the car.