The trail follows a narrow unplowed road through a forest of mixed conifers for the first 1.7 miles, making a gradual ascent to the Death Canyon trailhead. Then the trail climbs southward and over an open slope to reach the overlook of Phelps Lake. If skiing, do not continue beyond the overlook because of high avalanche hazard. The return trip is all downhill. In the winter, when the trail is well packed, skiing can be fast.

Drive from Moose south on the Moose-Wilson road approximately 3.1 miles to a small parking area on the right.

Trail climbs a glacial moraine and a lodgepole pine forest to overlook the placid Phelps Lake, which is framed by towering Douglas firs.