We’ve dreamed of exploring the Tetons for years, and this summer, we’re finally making it happen! Vance’s birthday hike was our second adventure here and we celebrated by hiking 6 miles through the mountains, soaking in stunning views, and earning those ice-cold post-hike beers!
From trailhead to brewery, here’s everything you need to know to plan the perfect birthday hike in Grand Teton National Park and Jackson, Wyoming—plus a few lessons we learned along the way.
📍 Trailhead Details: Taggart & Bradley Lake Loop
- Location: Grand Teton National Park
- Trailhead: Taggart Lake Trailhead
- All Trails link: click here
- Distance: ~6 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: ~750 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate (manageable but includes some steep slopes, muddy and snowy sections in spring)
- Best Time to Hike: Late May–October (snow may linger in spring)
- Highlights:
- Stunning views of the Teton Range
- Two incredible lakes!
- Wildlife sightings (moose, elk, marmots, and more)
- In late May you’ll experience a mix of the seasons: summer temps, spring blooms, and traces of winter snow
🏔️ Why Hike This Trail?
Taggart and Bradley Lakes offer two distinct perspectives of the Tetons—Taggart’s views are wide-open and sweeping, while Bradley feels more secluded, tucked into the trees with fewer crowds.
For us, it was also about seeing the contrast:
- In March, we snowshoed the Taggart Lake Loop (highly recommend btw!).
- In May, we added Bradley and saw the landscape transform.
It felt like hiking through a time-lapse of seasons: snowy patches fading into wildflowers, and warm sun melting away the chill.
If you’re short on time or new to the area, this loop packs in big mountain views, accessible trail conditions, and a satisfying sense of accomplishment without a full-day commitment.
🥾 Tips for Hiking the Taggart & Bradley Lakes Loop
✔️ Start Early – The parking lot fills up fast, and the afternoon sun can get intense.
✔️ Wear Waterproof Boots – Especially in spring, expect mud, snow, and small streams.
✔️ Bring Layers – We experienced summer warmth, chilly breezes, and a few snowy patches all in one hike.
✔️ Don’t skip Bradley Lake – The extra 2 miles (round trip) is a small price for a quieter, more intimate view of the Tetons.
✔️ Watch for Wildlife – We saw moose tracks and plenty of critters—be bear aware and follow park guidelines.
✔️ Pack Snacks & Water – And don’t forget your camera; you’ll want it.
🍻 Brews with Views: StillWest Brewery & Grill
After the hike, we headed into Jackson for the ultimate reward: a cold beer and a hearty meal at StillWest Brewery & Grill.
Here’s why it’s a must-stop:
- The View: Mountainside dining with Snow King Mountain in the backdrop.
- The Vibe: Casual yet elevated, with an open-air patio and a bar facing the brewhouse.
- The Food: Not just brewery bites—think smoked duck breast with spaetzle, sirloin with grilled potato salad, and desserts we definitely didn’t need (but definitely devoured).
- The Beer: Flights recommended—we tried them all!
If you’re in Jackson, treat yourself to StillWest. It’s the kind of place where you linger longer than planned because the views, the beer, and the food just won’t let you leave.
🌄 An Unforgettable Birthday Adventure
It still feels surreal that we get to live this life—celebrating milestones in places we’ve only dreamed of. Growing older with Vance, exploring the world together, and raising a toast after a long hike… it’s the adventure of a lifetime, and worth every sacrifice it took to get here.
So here’s to sore knees, stunning views, and the perfect pairing of hikes and brews!
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