Overview
The Granite Canyon trail follows Granite Creek all the way up Granite Canyon to the beautiful alpine Marion Lake, where many hikers choose to pitch a tent and enjoy a night in the mountains before either returning to their car on continuing along the Teton Crest Trail. Many visitors also enjoy riding the famous Jackson Tram to the top of Rendezvous Mountain before making the alpine trek to Marion Lake or descending down to Granite Canyon.

No matter how you decide to approach Granite Canyon, expect to find a long, moderate to strenuous hike that probably isn’t the best for children or novice hikers planning on going for a short day hike. But if you like to move fast or want to take your time and spend a night at Marion Lake, Granite Canyon is a beautiful option with serene campsites.

While most trips up Granite Canyon are out-and-backs, loops to the top of Rendezvous or through Open Canyon can also be done. If you’d like to spend a few days backpacking, the Teton Crest Trail intersects with the Granite Canyon Trail near Marion Lake.

Trailhead
The Granite Canyon Trailhead is located along the Moose-Wilson Road at the south end of Grand Teton National Park, between Teton Village and Phelps Lake. The section of the Moose-Wilson Road that Granite Canyon Trailhead is on is unpaved and is not accessible to trailers or motor homes.

Trail Details

Marion Lake 

• 20.8 miles 
• 12 hours 
• 2,880 feet elevation gain 
• Strenuous out-and-back

Jackson Hole Tram 

• 12.4 miles 
• 7 hours 
• 1,206 feet elevation gain 
• Strenuous out-and-back (can also be done as a one-way by riding the Tram up or down)

Jackson Hole Tram to Marion Lake 

• 11.8 miles 
• 7 hours 
• 1,206 feet elevation gain 
• Strenuous

Plan & Prepare
Expect to spend a good part of the day hiking in Granite Canyon, so bring plenty of food, water and extra layers. If you plan on spending the night out, you’ll need a permit (available at the ranger station) and a bear canister for your food. Campsites at Marion Lake are limited, so be sure to get your permit early.

Due to snow at higher elevations, this trail is best hiked in the warmer month from July to September.

Parts of the Granite Canyon trail are steep and rocky.