Trapper Lake Stock Trail

Route Description for Trapper Lake Stock Trail

Escape into the high country and explore the renowned Winds on the Trapper Lake Stock Trail. This epic expedition into the Bridger-Teton National Forest provides the ideal wildlife viewing and birding opportunities, and while unlikely, bear encounters are possible, so make sure at least one person in your party carries bear spray. Note much of the trail is unshaded, so be sure to check the forecast and wear SPF! Traveling at high elevations, this pathway also sees plenty of wind, so dress in layers as insurance against changing conditions. Download the trail GPS before departure to easily navigate through the backcountry.

Exploring countless alpine lakes bound by the majestic granite mountains of the Winds, the Trapper Lake Stock Hike boasts picture-perfect scenery. While this route is beautiful and accessible year-round, springtime adventures are vibrant with blossoming wildflowers and lush vegetation. Though this hike can be completed as a demanding day-hike, this provides an epic overnight backpacking expedition into the high country. Bring a tent and spend the night in the backcountry beneath the stars. No matter how you experience this route, we can guarantee you will be astounded by the landscape’s beauty! If you have a valid fishing license, bring your pole and do some fishing in Trapper Lake!

Once your trail GPS is downloaded, begin your journey along the Trapper Lake Stock Trail from the Summit Lake Trailhead. Setting out from here, follow the Summit Lake Trail east into a stand of lodgepoles. Using the trail GPS, you will travel through a few intersections before diverting off the Summit Lake Trail onto the Trapper Lake Trail. Gradually climbing, the path will wander northeast, weaving between meadows that exposed wonderful views of the surrounding granite summits and shaded woodlands.

Enjoy the tree canopy while you can, as the higher you climb, the more unshaded the terrain will become. Eventually, the route will dip down into the valley of Trapper Creek. From here, the route will climb through the canyon into the lush montane meadows. This section of the hike is undoubtedly the most scenic, offering breathtaking views of the alpine landscape. Revel in the magnificence of the mountainscape and let the sounds of the babbling stream lull you into a state of relaxation.

Ultimately, you will reach a junction with the Pine Creek Canyon Trail, veer right here, and you will be led to the shoreline of Trapper Lake. Notice Pine Mountain looming in the near west, Glover Peak in the distant north, and Duran and Gutierrez Peaks in the east. Enjoy the splendid alpine scenery and try your hand at some fishing if you have a permit. When you are through exploring the high country, head back along the path back to the trailhead, marking the end of your adventure.

Trail Highlights

Glover Peak

Glover Peak is a mountain in the Wind River Range that stands at an elevation of 3,678 m. Named for George Glover, a forest ranger and game preservationist in the early 20th century, the hike up to the summit is renowned as one of the best scrambles in the Winds. While not the most prominent peak in the range, Glover Peak sits to the north of Trapper Lake, presenting incredible scenery.