The hike to Lower Palisades Lake is a popular but moderate 4.4 mile (one way) hike in the Snake River Mountains. It brings hikers to a stunning glacial lake glistening with blue-green waters surrounded by stunning peaks.
Note that there is rampant shortcutting of switchbacks on this trail. Please refrain from using them. Shortcutting trails erodes not only the hillside unnaturally, but also the trail itself where the shortcut connects.
Lower Palisades Lake Trail Description
From the trailhead, cross the bridge immediately crossing the rushing Palisades Creek. Begin hiking up through the beautiful forest, topped by the large limestone cliffs above. The easy hiking will occasionally veer away from the creek, while also providing captivating views of the surrounding mountains.
As you ascend into the woods above Palisades Creek, you’ll notice a diverse forest of maple, juniper, fir, and more. You’ll pop out onto a hillside high above the creek before heading back into the woods. You’ll then soon pass through your first scree field below the towering cliffs lining the canyon.
Heading back into the woods, it doesn’t take long until you emerge to a beautiful overlook up the canyon. The terrain will become rocky again before you enter back into the enchanting woods. You’ll pass through more intermittent cliffs, as well as a short switchback up a hillside, where you’re rewarded with more gorgeous views up the canyon.
As you stay high above the creek, you’ll wander through a brief evergreen grove before dropping back down along the cascading waters of the rushing torrent. It’s shortly after that you’ll reach your first (since the start of the trail) footbridge crossing the creek, the first of many more to come. You’ll stay low below cliffs as the canyon narrows. Squeezing below the cliffs further on, you’ll cross another footbridge.
On the other side of the bridge, you’ll continue along the creek’s edge through willow and maple. Another footbridge guides you safely over rushing rapids where you’ll then ascend a quick switchback up a hill. Following the quick and easy climb, you’ll veer away from the creek and climb gradually as the trail gets a bit rockier for a bit. Along the way you’re treated to great views looking down the canyon.
Maintaining a steady but modest ascent up the switchbacks, you reach a junction along a large camping area at 4.2 miles in. Head left to continue to the lake. The trail will wind along the south end of Lower Palisades Lake as you’re treated to brief glimpses through the trees. Continue down the trail where you’ll reach a footbridge that crosses the runoff, providing stunning vistas of the lake and its surrounding terrain.
Enjoy the scenery and when ready, head out the same way you came in. Have more time and energy on your hands? Consider continuing onward to Upper Palisades Lake!
Getting There
From Alpine, Wyoming, head north on Highway 26 for 20.7 miles. At Palisades Creek Road, turn right and follow the main road to its terminus at the trailhead 2.3 miles later.