Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Trailhead

Hikers viewing Phelps Lake

NPS/ A. Mattson

Quick Facts

Amenities

2 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Restroom

Moose-Wilson Road Construction

Access to the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve will be impacted by Moose-Wilson Road Construction beginning in 2022. The LSR Preserve will be accessible from the north via Moose based on conditions from mid-May through October 31. Access from the south via the Granite Canyon Entrance will only be available on weekends (7 pm Friday to 7 am Monday) from Memorial Day to Labor Day. 

Description

The Preserve offers a network of trails recently added to the park. Trails parallel both sides of Lake Creek, traverse the adjacent hill-slopes, and lead to Phelps Lake. You may also continue around the lake and venture into Death Canyon or Open Canyon.

Not accessible to vehicles over 23.3 feet long, RVs or trailers. Parking lot full 10 am - 4 pm in summer. Moose-Wilson Road is seasonally closed to this destination from November 1-April 30. 

Suggested Hikes

Lake Creek-Woodland Trail Loop
3.0 miles RT, 1.5 hours, 300 ft total climbing, Easy.
Hike along Lake Creek to the shore of Phelps Lake.

Aspen Ridge-Boulder Ridge Loop
5.8 miles RT, 3 hours, 700 ft total climbing, Moderate.
Hike through aspen groves and boulder fields to the shore of Phelps Lake.

Phelps Lake Trail Loop
6.3 miles RT, 4 hours, 600 ft total climbing, Moderate.
Hike around Phelps Lake with stunning views of the Teton Range.

Location

Access the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Trailhead from the Moose-Wilson Road. The Preserve provides access to the last piece of land donated by the Rockefeller family to Grand Teton National Park. This area is not accessible to vehicles over 23.3 feet long or trailers. The 50 vehicle parking lot is often full from 9 am-4 pm, and parking is prohibited along the Moose-Wilson Road. Arrive early to secure your space. Check the parking page for additonal information.

The Preserve Center offers visitor information, water and restrooms.

Backcountry camping requires a permit-pick one up at a backcountry permits office. Backcountry campers may not leave a vehicle at the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve parking lot.

Name Origin

Laurance S. Rockefeller was the fourth child of John D. Rockefeller, Jr. and Abigail Rockefeller. Laurance was a businessman, philanthropist and conservationist. He transferred the family retreat (formerly the JY Dude Ranch) to Grand Teton National Park in 2001. After removal of ranch infrastructure and construction of trails and a LEED Platinum certified visitor center. The Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve opened in 2008.