Grandaddy Lake via Hades Pass landscape

Photo: Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

Grandaddy Lake via Hades Pass

~2 days · 3.5 mi · easy · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance3.5 mi
Days out2
Elevation gain958 ft
Gain / mile274 ft
High point10,643 ft

What the Grandaddy Lake via Hades Pass is known for

A short out-and-back backpack of about 3.5-4 miles one way from the Grandview Trailhead, climbing over Hades Pass and dropping to the west shore of Grandaddy Lake, the largest natural lake in the Uinta Mountains at roughly 260 acres. One of the most popular overnight destinations in the range and the gateway to the wider Grandaddy Basin, with Betsy, Heart, and Mohawk lakes a short walk beyond.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the Grandaddy Lake via Hades Pass on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 31,827 ft to 34,918 ft over 3.5 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 2.4 mi · 67%
  • Downhill 1.0 mi · 28%
  • Flat 0.2 mi · 5%

Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.

Frequently asked questions

How many days does the Grandaddy Lake via Hades Pass take?

Most backpackers hike the Grandaddy Lake via Hades Pass in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 3.5 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

How much elevation gain is on the Grandaddy Lake via Hades Pass?

The Grandaddy Lake via Hades Pass climbs roughly 958 ft total — about 274 ft per mile, topping out near 10,643 ft.

Related trails

Sources & attribution

Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.

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