The Boulder Ridge Trail is an easy 1.3 mile hike that offers an alternative trail to Phelps Lake from the nearby Woodland Trail. It extends the one-way distance to the lake by about 1 mile while passing by some remarkable glacial boulders through an old growth forest.
Boulder Ridge Trail Description
The Boulder Ridge Trail is most easily accessed from the Woodland Trail 1.1 miles up from the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Visitor Center. Likewise, it can also be reached by forking off from the Lake Creek Trail as well.
From the Woodland Trail, head right at the signed junction 1.1 miles in from the Visitor Center. Here the trail will wrap around part of the glacial moraine that holds Phelps Lake, bringing you deeper into the serene old woods. Along the way are numerous large granite boulders moved by glaciers to their present location. It’s a humbling experience as you navigate around the boulders resting below the tall evergreens.
After reaching an inspiring overlook in the forest, you’ll cross paths with another junction, this one with the Boulder Field Cutoff Trail. Technically this is still part of the Boulder Ridge Trail, but just a separate offshoot that rejoins the main trail after several hundred feet.
The Boulder Field Cutoff Trail takes a more rugged scramble through plentiful boulders, allowing for more immersion in the historical landscape. Meanwhile, the main trail continues peacefully through the forest as well, just with fewer boulders.
Once both trails reconnect, it’s an easy 0.5 miles through the old forest to the Phelps Lake Loop. Prior to reaching Phelps Lake, you’ll pass a gravestone for David Spalding. Spalding was the first settler in the Phelps Lake area, homesteading his land in 1903. A short distance beyond the grave, you’ll reach the Phelps Lake Loop. At this point you can either continue along the Phelps Lake Loop northward to do the entire loop, or head south 0.1 miles to connect up with the Woodland Trail.
Getting There
From the Craigh Thomas Visitor Center, turn onto the Teton Park Road heading west. At the very next junction, turn left to head south on the Moose-Wilson Road. Continue south for 3.7 miles, turning left into the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve. Follow that road until it dead-ends at the parking area.