3.9 miles

Moose-Wilson Road/Granite Canyon Trailhead to LSR Preserve

Grand Teton National Park

Fee: $0.00 - donations appreciated

Access:

Drive north from Teton Village to Grand Teton National Park south entrance, then north 1 mile to Granite Canyon Trailhead parking area. The Moose-wilson Road is closed beyond the trailhead parking area in winter.

Description:

This snow-covered Park road starts at the north end of the parking area and heads north through aspen groves and mixed conifer forests. It offers variations that include skiing along the skier-tracked Moose-Wilson Road trail and branching off east to LSR Preserve via open meadows and forests. The return journey follows a wooded single-track trail through meadows back to Moose-Wilson Road. NOTE: Even though the LSR Preserve building is closed in winter (as are the restrooms), this is a beautiful destination for a picnic and scenic tour.

Parking: Limited parking is available at the Granite Canyon Trailhead parking area. Carpooling is recommended due to limited space.

Skiing Experience: This road in the summer and trail in the winter is suitable for beginner skiers. It involves flat terrain with some ungroomed sections and offers beautiful views of the Tetons and surrounding meadows.

Winter Conditions: Expect skier-tracked conditions and be prepared for varying snow depths depending on snowfall.

Wildlife: This area is a winter habitat for moose, with frequent sightings of a mother and young calf; please give them space and watch for various animal tracks.

Dog Owners: Dogs are not permitted on this trail due to its vicinity within Grand Teton National Park.

Directions:

Beginnings: Start at the north end of the Granite Canyon Trailhead parking area and head north through aspen groves.
Uphill Stretch: After approximately 1 mile, the trail branches off towards Phelps Lake to the west or continues east towards LSR Preserve. Follow signs and landmarks like the cement bridge crossing Lake Creek.
Trail Options: You can ski this as an out-and-back along Moose-Wilson Road or extend your trip to LSR Preserve for additional exploration.
To LSR Preserve: Take the right trail east for approximately 400 yards until you reach a small cement bridge over Lake Creek. From there, go left (northeast) across an open meadow. Follow the skier-track trail as it gently bends left and northward. Look for a tall posted tree stump as a landmark. Continue straight north past the stump until you reach the LSR Preserve LEED building, about 300 yards further ahead.
Return: Retrace your tracks south from LSR Preserve, following the same trail back through the forest and meadows to Moose-Wilson Road.