4.5 miles

Granite Canyon-Valley Trail Loop

Grand Teton National Park

Fee: $10.00

Access:

Drive north on Hwy 390 (Moose-Wilson Road) past Teton Village, to the south entrance of Grand Teton National Park (GTNP). Continue 1 mile north to the Granite Canyon Trailhead parking lot, where the plowed road ends. Park responsibly due to the popularity of the area.

Description:

Granite Canyon Trail is an easily accessible skier-tracked trail at the southern end of Grand Teton National Park. It offers a convenient way to ski into the Park wilderness, passing through lower alpine forests, meadows, and crossing several creeks via wooden bridges. Wildlife sightings, such as sage grouse, are common in spring.

Parking: The trailhead is at the Granite Canyon parking lot. Be mindful of limited space and ensure to park responsibly.

Skiing Experience: This trail is suitable for intermediate Nordic skiers. It features gentle climbs and is generally well-tracked by other skiers.

Winter Conditions: The trail is skier-tracked and not machine-groomed. Snow conditions can vary, so be prepared for ungroomed sections.

Summer Conditions: The trail may differ in the summer, with different hiking routes available and potential for varied wildlife sightings.

A note to Dog Owners: Dogs are not allowed on this trail within Grand Teton National Park.

Directions:

Beginnings: The trailhead begins on the west side of the parking area, near the GTNP wood sign/trail map. Follow the established trail uphill through open groves of aspens and across a level snow-covered sagebrush meadow for 0.7 miles, crossing the footbridge over Granite Creek.

Uphill Stretch: At 1.5 miles, the trail intersects the Valley Trail (which runs north-south). Head right (north), and the trail climbs gently and progressively up the shoulder of the Teton range. At 1.6 miles, cross a wooden footbridge over Granite Creek. The bridge is usually well-covered in snow. 100 yards further, at 1.7 miles, the Valley Trail (which you are now on) meets up with the summer Granite Canyon Trail proper. This trail heads west up into Granite Canyon and is not recommended for Nordic skiing due to avalanche exposure.

Views: Enjoy scenic views of lower alpine forests and meadows along the trail.

Complete the Loop: Stay on the Valley Trail (north) for 2.5 miles, crossing over a small drainage. Continue along the Valley Trail for another 0.15 miles. From here, you can turn southeast and connect with the Moose-Wilson Road in about 0.9 miles. This trail may be hard to locate, but there is likely to be a skier track east to the main road/skier trail.

Return: Once you reach the snow-covered Moose-Wilson Road, turn right and ski about 0.75 miles back to the Granite Canyon parking lot.