This area of Grand Teton National Park is a 1,100 acre refuge area once owned by Laurance S. Rockefeller. He eventually donated it to the park. The LSR Preserve is near Phelps Lake and has a visitor center. I like driving to the Preserve on Moose-Wilson Road because there is all sorts of wildlife and natural features to be seen. You can also hike through this area. I parked and walked all the way to the visitor center while taking in the amazing views. The trail is surrounded by a sagebrush meadow. Lake Creek flows out of Phelps Lake and is a short walk from the visitor center. The visitor center ended up being closed when I arrived. It is in a wood building and offers ranger-led programs, trail information, weather, and information on Mr. Rockefeller's vision for the Preserve. The LSR Preserve is a beautiful area and worth checking out when open. read more

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Waiting about 30 minutes for parking which was normal and easy with rangers guiding us along. Hiked and easy hike to the lake with our bear spray. There were families with small kids and all did just fine. We swam in the lake which was chilly but refreshing for late August and hiked back. Amazing views, scenic trails and Forrest - highly recommend for an easy activity read more

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We wanted to take an early morning hike and wanted to avoid the crowds at Jenny Lake. After research, I found the "little brother" Phelps Lake. Boy, it didn't disappoint. It was a nice leisure walk through the forest and gorgeous views of the Lake. It was so peaceful in the early AM and we only saw a few people. Once at the lake, we enjoyed nature sounds. It was a perfect way to spend a morning. There is an option to walk the entire perimeter of the lake too. I would definitely recommend this one! read more

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Beautiful area and the center itself is very well done! Be sure to take bear spray and make noise on the trails! My daughter and I were hiking to Phelps Lake on the Lake Creek trail, sat down on a log to rest a moment when my daughter heard a rustling in the weeds just a few yards ahead of us. I was looking the other way, so when she said, "Mom" and I turned around, I was very shocked to see a LARGE black bear standing right on the trail. He had been rummaging through a fallen log for grubs and looked less than pleased to see us. We both know the drill...with a black bear, you try to be as large and intimidating as possible, don't turn your back on them, and don't run. We didn't run, but we only backed a few feet because it was a very rocky trail with a lot of tree roots, so we did turn around and walk briskly and noisily. We realized later, he/she was really just interested in the sack lunches we had in the backpack. read more

This previously private preserve opened to the public last fall in 2007, and the new visitor center opened this past June. If you have small children, this preserve is for you! There are great views of the Teton range, but most of all, there are tot-friendly trails that your tots can actually walk -- yes, it's mild hiking at its best but not so tiring for the little ones with short legs. There are also tons of little creatures to look at, including beautiful blue dragonflies that seem to accompany you at times. If you are visiting Grand Teton National Park in the summer and have little ones, do not forget to visit this preserve with self-directed hikes. When your kiddo gets tired, you can carry him on these trails without feeling like a mule and still enjoy the beauty of nature around you. read more

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This place is amazing. If you're in the area and enjoy hiking this is the place to go. The Park Rangers are so helpful and are quick to share information. Special shout out to Ranger Karen McBee. She's awesome! All of the Rangers we encountered were helpful and ready to share their knowledge. We hiked the Phelps Lake Trail Loop. The beginning of the trailhead to the lake was fairly busy with other people. Once we got on the actual lake loop it thinned out considerably. We still came across several people but it definitely wasn't crowded. The Phelps Lake Trail was so beautiful and peaceful. I would do it again. It had some steep inclines and places with a lot of rocks. Unfortunately we didn't see any wildlife. The views and peaceful feeling were most definitely worth the hike. The visitors center was beautiful and had a lot of information. read more

Laurance S Rockefeller Preserve - Panoramic view of Phelps Lake. - Parks Near Me

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Very well staffed. I like that parking is limited to keep the hordes low. The hike was ridiculously serene and stunning. Come at 5-6am in the summer, be the first one in the lot, do the 3 mile loop without seeing another soul. I saw a moose mamma and baby at the lake. It was a little nerve racking at times alone though. You might consider a noise horn or bringing a friend to keep the bear fear at bay. read more

Parking: Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve. Make sure to arrive before 9:30am, otherwise, you may have to wait for a spot. We came here twice and were greeted by park rangers both times. Our trip was at the end of August, which was a perfect time to go hiking at Phelps Lake. The weather was nice--not too hot or cold. I took the liberty to do extensive research for my group, so I will share it here for anyone who is planning a hiking trip here. What to bring: --Bring water bottles for hydration. --Bring bear spray as you may see bears. We saw a total of 4 bears in two separate areas the 2nd time we went. --Bring some snacks as the trail is about 7 miles. --Bring a towel and some dry clothes if you want to swim in the lake. There is a "beach" area where people go swimming or dip their feet. (around mile 3-4) --Parking: Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve (building is open 9am-5pm) --Bathrooms: Parking area, visitor center, near the lake (Lake Creek and Woodland Trail) Hike Info +Duration: about 4 Hours, depending how fast you walk and how many breaks you take. +6.9 miles RT Loop (Parking Lot, Woodland Trail, Go around Phelps Lake, Lake Creek Trail, +Visitor Center, and finally, Parking Lot) +Difficulty level: Moderate +Trailhead: Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve +Parking: Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve (building is open 9am-5pm) +Bathrooms: Parking area, visitor center, near the lake (Lake Creek and Woodland Trail) Hike Details: \\Beginning: a short walk across a sagebrush flat to reach the LSR Visitor Center (BATHROOM). Beyond the visitor center the trail enters a mixed forest dominated by spruce, fir and lodge pole pine. \\2/10 of a mile: Unmarked split in trail--stay to the right \\Take the Woodland Trail: Most direct route and most scenic \\1 mile: Keep going straight ahead (Rough climb of 225 feet) \\1.3 Mile: Reach Phelps Lake Trail junction aka southern shore of Phelps Lake, the 6th largest lake in Grand Teton National Park \\Loop around Phelps Lake: Head north in counher-clock direction \\1.9 Miles: Will pass Boulder Ridge Trail and Wister Draw Horse Trail--keep going straight ahead at both junctions. \\2.5 Miles: Reach a huge (bus-sized) boulder sitting on the edge of the lake. (Photo Op) \\3 Miles: Reach Valley Trail junction--veer to the left to continue on the loop hike \\4.6 Miles: The trail begins traveling through a very large huckleberry patch--good place to make a lot of noise and keep an eye out for bears. \\Huckleberry Point: This short walk of 1/10 of a mile is worth the effort to see some excellent views of Death Canyon and Albright Peak. \\5.5 Miles @ Lake Creek Trial Junction: Back on main trail, will arrive at the LCT Junction. Continue right onto this trail to go back to LSR Visitor Center. \\6.3 Miles: Arrive at the intersection with the Boulder Ridge and Aspen Ridge Trials. Proceed straight ahead on the Lake Creek Trail to return to trailhead. A short distance later, the trail crosses over Moose-Wilson Road once again. \\6.9 Miles: Cross the footbridge over Lake Creek. On the other side is the Woodland Trail junction. Retrace steps back to the trailhead. read more

The new preserve center is lovely and eco friendly. The sagebrush area in front smells so good and there are adorable ground squirrels. The trails are amazing and water features well worth the hike. Rangers are friendly. Composting toilet, when the air flows across your behind, is . . . unusual? Parking, however? Awful. Expect a significant wait in the sun. Not very engaging exhibits inside, either. read more

Hands down the best National Park I have ever been too. Keep in mind this is a unique national park spot. It is a hybrid of a private preserve and national park. The lodge/facility place is a great balance of library and experiential learning adventure. I could not believe that at one point the whole park was once a family owned property of the Rockefeller's. I could spend all day at this place from hiking to reading historical books in the library. You have to visit this place when you are in Jackson Hole WY. read more

100% five star. Incredible facility! Was very sophisticated, interactive, and educational program. From the youngest in our group (age 4) to the oldest (age 76) it was an absolute crowd pleaser. Get there early or you may not find a place to park. Easy to moderate mile and a half hike to Phelps Lake--awesome scenery and good swimming. read more

We went on the ranger led hike to Phelps lake. It wasn't too strenuous for us and our kids. It was very informational and fun to learn how to identify if bears are around and much much more. The view from Phelps lake was great and we saw a lot of big and small wildlife along the way. read more

The parking lot is surrounded by thousands of acres of land yet they can only make the parking lot enough to fit 40 cars. Additionally because the lot is so small they have two full time employees directing traffic. read more