The Upper Brooks Lake and Jade Lakes Loop hike is a fantastic 9.3 mile trek through the southern Absaroka Mountains wandering past five scenic glacial lakes. Journeying through a wide valley and a dense deep forest, each glacial lake has its own unique character and charm, providing ample settings for relaxing and taking in the environment. It’s a great way to merge two beautiful hikes into one.

Upper Brooks Lake and Jade Lakes Loop Trail Description

From the trailhead, begin winding past the western shore of Lower Brooks Lake. You’ll pass through sporadic wetlands and willow bushes as you pass over an occasional footbridge. An unsigned junction awaits as you reach the northwest end of the lake, where you’ll want to head right. The trail will fork into various trails beyond the junction, but all will continue along the northwest end of the lake. The various trails will marge again on the north end of the lake will the trail will also veer northward.

Once you pass a small rise, you’ll have a wide open shallow valley sprawling into the forest beyond. The trail will stick to the east side as it wanders up to a partially-signed junction. Left will veer off toward the Jade Lakes, but first, continue straight to head toward Upper Brooks Lake.

Upper Brooks Lake

Past the junction, you’ll continue ahead for a short bit before crossing a creek. Look to the right for a makeshift bridge if you’d prefer not to get your feet wet. Just after the creek, the trail will climb steeply for a quick stretch up a hill. You’ll begin to wander through the edge of the forest as the trail begins to level out from its short but steep climb. Shortly after, you emerge from the forest and wander along the edge of the wetlands, where you’ll also notice the valley beginning to narrow.

At an unsigned fork, stay left where you’ll continue to skirt the wetlands. Not long after, Upper Brooks Lake comes into view above the dense willows. The trail will wander along the eastern shore of the lake, and as you get closer to the northern area, you’ll reach another unsigned fork. Head left to begin wrapping around Upper Brooks Lake.

The easy meander bends around the northern part of the lake, ultimately winding onto the west side. It’s here that the trail begins climbing up and down small hills as it saunters through the forest edge. Not far after, you’ll find a signed junction for Rainbow Lake. This trail is totally optional and if skipped, will eliminate about 0.9 miles from the round trip. However since you’re there, it’s strongly encouraged you make the detour to Rainbow Lake.

Rainbow Lake

From the junction, head up the hill alongside a rushing creek. The relatively steep trail climbs up as the trail begins to follow a smaller creek up with noticeably less rushing. This also means the incline isn’t quite as steep.

Continuing upward, you soon reach a small divide where Rainbow Lake unfolds on the other side. You can either enjoy this initial view, or continue up the trail where you’ll find a backcountry campsite ready for the taking. NBeyaturally, this extra bit of trail also offers up some different views of the serene picturesque lake. Once you’ve sufficiently enjoyed the view, head back out to the previous junction when ready.

Beyond the junction, the trail will continue to make small ascents and descents before leveling out in the wetlands. You’ll begin a small ascent heading back toward the forest, followed by another signed junction. If you’re short on time, head left to return to the original trail and subsequently, the trailhead. To continue on to the Jade Lakes, head right to begin climbing up into the forest.

Jade Lakes

A steep series of switchbacks will bring higher and higher into the forest. After a steady ascent, you’ll reach Lower Jade Lake after following a brief descent. You’ll pass along the north end of the lake where the trail then wanders down the west side. The lake appears peaceful and serene as its inviting bright blueish-green water mesmerizes anyone who passes by. An optional short spur heads to a small peninsula for curious hikers.

Back on the main trail, you’ll begin heading away from Lower Jade Lake. The trail will begin another ascent above the creek feeding the prior lake. Before too long, you drop down to the shores of Upper Jade Lake where another junction awaits. Head left to remain on the loop. You’ll quickly cross the runoff from the lake and wind along the southern shore of the lake.

Back to the Trailhead

After exploring the scenic and captivating shoreline, you’ll begin climbing above the lake, soon veering away. You’ll then descend gradually through a meadow, dropping toward a pond. Continue into a thicker forest where mountains and large meadows below are visible through the trees on your right.

The descent temporarily ends at an unsigned 4-way junction. Head left to make a small ascent through the woods, ultimately rejoining the original trail (which in recent years has seen some erosion, prompting the left at the junction for safety). You’ll soon see a discrete fork to the right at about 8.4 miles in passing over blueish rock. Follow that to the right where you’ll begin a steep descent.

As you emerge from the trees, the descent smooths out a bit. Shortly after, you’ll close out the loop where you can head straight ahead to return to the trailhead.

Getting There

From the Moran Junction in Grand Teton National Park, head east on Highway 26 for 25.6 miles. Look for the signed left turn onto Brooks Lake Road. Follow that road 4.6 miles and just before reaching Brooks Lake Lodge, turn right to head to the campground. Pass the campground and continue along the road down toward the boat ramp where you’ll see the trailhead just beyond.