Pets allowed
Not Allowed
Elevation Gain
3,056.00 ft (931.47 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
19.00 mi (30.58 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Granite Canyon Trail is a 19-mile out-and-back trail located within Grand Teton National Park. The trail begins at Granite Canyon Trailhead and ascends through the canyon to Marion Lake. It's a moderately rated trail that takes place between 6,365 and 9,272 feet above sea level and gains 3,057 feet overall. This trail can be completed as a day or overnight trek and is open to runners, hikers, and backpackers.  

Granite Canyon Trail is a well-maintained singletrack trail that winds through pine and fir forests. It runs parallel to Granite Creek and crosses beautiful flower-filled meadows. Granite Canyon leads into the Grand Teton backcountry and provides access to several backcountry campsites. A permit is required for overnight stays and can be reserved in advance (see below for details). 

GRANITE CANYON TRAILHEAD - LOCATION

You can access Granite Canyon Trail from multiple trailheads. This post describes a route starting from Granite Canyon Trailhead, one mile north of Granite Entrance Station off of Moose-Wilson Road. Note that parking at this trailhead is a small dirt lot and space is limited. 

WILDLIFE

Grand Teton National Park is home to a variety of animals, including black and grizzly bears. Information about bear safety can be found online at the park’s website.

ENTRANCE FEE

Grand Teton National Park charges a fee to enter the park. Park passes can be purchased upon arrival or in advance. Discounts are available for qualifying individuals. For more information please visit https://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/fees.htm

CAMPING AND PERMITS

Teton National Park requires a permit for overnight camping in the backcountry. Permits can be obtained in advance online at www.recreation.gov, or at the park the day before. Permit availability can be seen online at recreation.gov. A limited number of permits are available on a first-come-first-served basis. Read through the information at https://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/bcres.htm for more details. 

WHEN TO VISIT

Summer and fall are busy hiking seasons. During this time, parking lots tend to fill up quickly, so it is best to start your hike early.

BICYCLES AND VEHICLES

Bicycles and vehicles are not permitted on trails or in the backcountry.

PETS

Pets are not permitted on trails or in the backcountry. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

NPS - Grand Teton National Park

Logistics + Planning

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

National Park Pass

Open Year-round

Yes

Days

2

Pros

Beautiful meadows. Alpine lake. Gorgeous trail.

Cons

Crowds.

Trailhead Elevation

6,365.00 ft (1,940.05 m)

Highest point

9,272.00 ft (2,826.11 m)

Features

Wildlife
Backcountry camping
Near lake or river
Big vistas
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

Yes

Permit required

Yes

Permit self-issue on site

No

Location

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