There are three hike options offered this day and this one has the most daunting statistics: 10.6 miles round trip and 3,150 elevation gain. Yikes!

Four of us decide to go for it and it doesn’t disappoint, either in scenery or challenge.

We happy four (Nancy, Deirdre, Bud, Ramona) at the Surprise Lake. [photo by Deirdre]

Most exciting, on the return we saw a bear as it pawed the ground for roots or grubs!

We knew the bear was a grizzly because, despite its black fur, it had the little rounded ears and sloping snout that distinguish grizzlies from the more pointed ears and roman nose of the black bear. Grizzlies also have a hump above their shoulders that black bears lack, but foliage obscures our ability to see that on this bear.

Of course, black or grizzly, we skedaddle (photo-less) asap and leave the awesome, handsome creature to her foraging.

The first part of the hike is a gradual climb through meadows and forests.

A gradual climb through meadows and forests. [photo by Deirdre]

By two miles in, it is never-ending switchbacks, but the views of Bradley and Taggart get progressively more impressive the higher we go.

View of Taggart and Bradley lakes from the Amphitheater Lake trail. [photo by Deirdre]

Surprise Lake is first and just off the trail, but we decide to continue to larger nearby Amphitheater Lake, and catch Surprise on the return.

Our lunch at Amphitheater Lake is one of quiet admiration for the awe-inspiring views of Middle Teton, Disappointment Peak and Grand Teton (and also because we’re stuffing our faces)!

Amphitheater Lake. [photo by Deirdre]

More expansive view of Amphitheater Lake. [photo by Deirdre]

Bud, Ramona and Nancy can’t resist hiking a few hundred more feet up the basin on the trail to Disappointment Peak to get a better view, so I offer to lighten their load by watching their packs.

Happily, Nancy is wearing pink and Bud is wearing turquoise so I’m able to follow their progress up and back down the basin, even though they are tiny specks against the awesome landscape.

We stop at Surprise Lake for a few quick photos. [photo by Deirdre]

Surprise Lake. [photo by Deirdre]

On the return, we regret that we don’t have time to hike to Delta Lake, which other hikers said is the most beautiful of the three lakes.

I decide it’s okay because now I have reason for a return hiking trip to the Tetons one fine day.