Phelps Lake Family Hikes and Camping 

AHHH, Phelps Lake. A local favorite. I first started visiting Phelps Lake in the late 1990’s-early 2000’s while in high school. Part of the appeal of Phelps Lake is the ease of getting there. The basic route starts at the Laurence S. Rockefeller Preserve parking area and is only a few, flat miles (link here).

We prefer, however, to enter through the Death Canyon Trailhead. Despite its name and while a little more challenging, the Death Canyon Trail is worth it if you’re looking for fewer people, more elevation gain, and elevated views as you travel through a mountain rock garden. 

There is plenty of parking but do be aware of the fact that if you don’t have incredible suspension on your car you might have to park when the road gets to be too bumpy and hike no more than a mile to the trailhead.  Once you begin, you’ll hike up and then over the ridge for about 1.7 miles. After that, it’s about another mile down to the lake. You’ll likely hear the hoots and hollers from the jumping rock below!

The Jumping Rock:

That’s right, “The Rock”. It really is “the only rock” you need to know about. It is that awesome. Jumping from “The Rock” into the lake has been a local favorite for decades. The water is ice cold and will test your survival skills but is well worth it. Pack a picnic lunch and spend the day at Phelps watching all of the visitors and locals plunge 40 feet into the lake below!

Camping at Phelps:

There are 3 primitive campsites at Phelps Lake high above the lake all with stunning views. You must reserve your permit in advance and plan to share a bear box in two of the sites (or bring your own). Fires are prohibited and mosquitoes are plentiful so bring bug spray and a camp stove!

Written by Ashley DiPrisco, Jackson local and Sotheby’s Real Estate Agent