Last updated: August 2, 2023
Thing to Do
Granite Canyon
NPS Photo/A. Falgoust
Rendezvous Mountain Trailhead OPEN 2023
Hike from the Teton Village base area to the top of Rendezvous Mountain via Jackson Hole Mountain Resort trails, or take the Aerial Tram (fees apply), to start this moderate hike down Granite Canyon. From the summit, the trail follows the ridgeline down to the South Fork of Granite Canyon with stunning views of the surrounding peaks. The trail takes visitors through dense forests and open fields that are bright with wildflowers during the growing season as they travel along Granite Creek down the canyon. Trails are not recommended for hiking until snow has melted, usually by late July. Take the Valley Trail and Jackson Hole Moutain Resort trails to return to the Teton Village base area.
Valley Trail Access OPEN 2023
For a strenuous out and back hike, hike from the Teton Village base area via Jackson Hole Mountain Resort trails to the start of the Valley Trail. Take the Valley Trail to the Granite Canyon Trail and follow Granite Creek up the canyon through forests and wildflower meadows to the South Fork Granite Canyon trail junction. Return the same way.
Granite Canyon Trailhead CLOSED 2023
For a strenuous out and back hike, start from the Granite Canyon Trailhead and follow Granite Creek up the canyon through forests and wildflower meadows to the South Fork Granite Canyon trail junction. Return the same way.
Details
Duration
7-11 Hours
Rendezvous Mountain Trailhead
Granite Canyon is a moderately strenuous, 12.9 mi (20.8 km) one-way point-to-point hike with 1,480 ft (450 m) of elevation gain and 5,520 ft (1,680 m) of elevation loss.
Valley Trail Access
Granite Canyon is a strenuous, 15.0 mi (24.1 km) RT hike with 3,250 ft (990 m) of elevation gain.
Granite Canyon Trailhead
Granite Canyon is a strenuous, 13.4 mi (21.6 km) RT hike with 2,190 ft (670 m) of elevation gain.
Activity
Hiking
Pets Allowed
No
Activity Fee
No
A general fee is charged to enter Grand Teton National Park. A fee is charged to ride the Aerial Tram at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. (Discounted when purchased online in advance.)
Location
Rendezvous Mountain Trailhead, Valley Trail Access, or Granite Canyon Trailhead
Rendezvous Mountain Trailhead
Park in the Ranch Lot at Teton Village and hike from the base area to the top of Rendezvous Mountain via Jackson Hole Mountain Resort trails or take the Aerial Tram (fees apply).
Valley Trail Access
Park in the Ranch Lot at Teton Village and hike from the base area to the start of the Valley Trail via Jackson Hole Mountain Resort trails.
Granite Canyon Trailhead
Park at the Graite Canyon Trailhead for access to the Granite Canyon Trail.
Reservations
No
Permits are required for those planning to stay overnight in the backcountry. Visit the backcountry page to learn about obtaining a permit.
Season
Summer, Fall
Granite Canyon is best accessed in summer after the snow melts and in fall before the first snow arrives. Hikers should use caution when traveling over snow and not attempt this hike early in the season unless they have previous snow experience and the proper equipment.
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility Information
Rendezvous Mountain Trailhead
Granite Canyon is a moderately strenuous, 12.9 mi (20.8 km) one-way point-to-point hike with 1,480 ft (450 m) of elevation gain and 5,520 ft (1,680 m) of elevation loss and an average slope of 13%.
Valley Trail Access
Granite Canyon is a strenuous, 15.0 mi (24.1 km) RT hike with 3,250 ft (990 m) of elevation gain and an average slope of 11%.
Granite Canyon Trailhead
Granite Canyon is a strenuous, 13.4 mi (21.6 km) RT hike with 2,190 ft (670 m) of elevation gain and an average slope of 8%.
The trail is often narrow, steep, and includes steps and switchbacks.