Okay folks, here’s the thing about this one. This hike is not family friendly and it is not for the faint of heart. It is not for the first-time hiker and it is not for someone who doesn’t have experience navigating an unmaintained, hard to follow route. You must have quite a bit of experience in the mountains if you are going to attempt this trail.
If you want a secret hike that is family friendly, check out my posts on Zion and Capitol Reef. If you are looking for more family friendly activities in Grand Teton, check out my list of 15 Things You Can’t Miss on Your First Visit or the Death Canyon Trail (which is just as long but is on a well-maintained trail!).
That being said, if you can do it, you are compensated with some of the most spectacular views on this earth. I have been hiking for many years and have completed many trails, and I can say with confidence that nothing can prepare you for the beauty you will encounter in the Tetons. Be prepared to be put under a spell that you will never be able to break. You will forever more be drawn to Grand Teton National Park.
This hike is up Avalanche Canyon. It leads to the spectacular 200-foot Shoshoko Falls and the pristine alpine lake, Lake Taminah.
What You Need to Know
The entrance fee for 7 days in Grand Teton National Park is $30.
This trail begins at the Taggart Lake Trailhead and can be difficult to find. Take the trail to Taggart Lake and take a right (head north) around Taggart Lake toward Bradley Lake. Just before you start climbing the ridge to get to Bradley Lake, you will see a trail branch off to the left (west). The start of the trail is blocked by some sticks, but this is how you access Avalanche Canyon.
It is not a good idea to hike this trail solo. I strongly suggest having a group of three or more because this area is prime moose and bear habitat. You will want to be making noise entire time, but especially as you are bushwhacking through the thick brush. Carry bear spray and be knowledgeable about how to handle wild animal encounters. That being said, we did run into one moose in Avalanche Canyon, but the bear we saw was in the busy area of Taggart Lake. You really never know.
You will not be following a distinct trail the whole way. I have heard that in this past year, an avalanche has spread downed trees along a stretch of the trail that makes it difficult to follow. The ascent from the bottom of Shoshoko Falls up to Lake Taminah is on a talus slope (lots of loose rock) so you will need to look for cairns to show you the way. Be sure you have a good topographical map with you and a GPS if possible.
The trail stays on the north (right) side of the canyon as you are heading in. Just past Lake Taminah are two more alpine lakes. I did not hike to them because there was still a lot of snow, but just so you know, you can continue on (from the north side of Taminah) to reach these lakes if you are feeling really adventurous!
Always tell someone where you are going when you hike in the backcountry. This trail is approximately 11 miles round trip.
Getting Here
From Jackson, head north on US-191 toward Grand Teton for 13 miles. Turn left toward Moose, Jenny Lake, and Park Headquarters. Follow the road, passing the entrance station, for 4 miles until you see the Taggart Lake Trailhead on your left. Park and begin your hike from here.
Hi! Which lake is pictured at the beginning of this article? Would love to backpack up and camp there! :) Thanks!
It’s Lake Taminah!
Hey Ash, my name is Jess.
Anywhere close to hike a while and set up camp outside of a campground?
Thanks in advance.
I’d check a website like campendium.com to find camping outside of the campgrounds. You’ll find some good options in the surrounding land just outside of the national park. Have fun!
In the teton Guide book My climbing partner Roger Mcmurtry and myself (Doug Speirs) are credited with the first winter ice ascent of Shoshoko Falls in 1981. Yes, that makes me old now, almost 70yrs. My climbing days are over but I still enjoy a good hike in the tetons . In the early summer the falls is really spectacular. I still love to go there. Doug
That’s amazing!!! Thanks for sharing! I can’t imagine ice climbing that waterfall….it’s quite the steep drop-off. Very cool!
Gorgeous! Love this post. I’ve done a lot of hiking in GTNP, but never Avalanche Canyon. I’m hiking it tomorrow to the lake with a friend for my birthday: do you recall how long it took you to complete the 11mile hike?
Thanks!
It took most of day, but I hike slow and take lots of pictures. I’d plan on 6-8 hours at least though. Have fun!
Love it! I was there about 13 years ago. At the time we didn’t have time to hike but took a boat tour. Next time will stay longer. But I am out of shape so probably won’t make it!
I am working on a post with some easier hikes right now, so you’ll have to stop by again to find some ideas for the next time you go!
Hi Ash, Love the Grand Tetons – it’s been awhile since we were there – did just a few 8 mile hikes – so this one looks doable – and I’d love it. You’ve inspired, with allergies and all, to keep getting in shape for our next major hike – and back to the Tetons – so beautiful!!!
Donna, there are some great 8 milers in those mountains. It is a hiker’s paradise! You will have to let me know when you go back :)
What a beautiful place to visit! Your photos are stunning as well :) Can’t wait for the weather to warm up a bit here so I can go hiking again!
Grand Teton is the best place to visit! I try to treat each season equally, but I live for summer!! I get so excited to start hiking and camping all the time.
Visited that area and was astounded at how beautiful!!! Beautiful pics.
Thanks Tammy! I’m glad that you are one of the lucky ones who has made it out there :)
I have lived next to Jackson for 6 years and loved going to explore around the area. The Grand Teton National park is seriously some of the most beautiful scenery I’ve ever seen! Thanks for sharing about this hike; we will have to try to plan to do it next time we venture that way!
Chelsie, you live in my dream spot! I love it out there. Thanks for stopping by!
Oh man, my husband would be all over this. And I’d like to be…not sure if I could hack it, or not! Gorgeous pictures :)
I bet you could Brooke! You guys should try it!
Looks gorgeous! I would love to go hiking, but I need to find some family friendly trails.
Nikki, yeah this one is not family friendly, but the other secret hikes I have shared are :)
Those looks like such a gorgeous hike! The photo of the falls is so beautiful. :)
Thanks! The falls were spectacular….you know me….I love a good waterfall!
These pictures took my breath away. Absolutely amazing!
Rowan you are so kind. It’s hard to take a bad photo in such a beautiful place :)
WOW! I can only imagine what those views must be like in person. I would love to got to Yellowstone some day. Love that last photo!
Thanks Miranda! You’ll have to visit sometime!
What a beautiful place! I have gotten into hiking since living in Colorado and it has become our weekend hobby ! Thanks for sharing!
Hiking is the best hobby in my opinion! I would love to get out to Colorado more often :)
That looks like a beautiful hike. I’m not very experienced but will be adding this to my list for when I am a little better. Thanks for sharing!
Kara, either that or you could take someone with you who is experienced. That’s what I did until I felt comfortable planning my own trips :) Thanks for stopping by!