Garnet Canyon
- Physical DifficultyThis is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
- Technical DifficultyThis is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
The Garnet Canyon Hike in Grand Teton National Park is the easiest canyon hike in the Tetons. This trail will give you a taste of what longer day hikes in the Tetons have to offer. Don’t worry, the views here are no smaller than those on other canyons.
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Route Description for Garnet Canyon
You access this hike via a gravel road with some potholes, however all two-wheel drive vehicles should be able to make it. Go slow! This parking lot is very busy as many mountaineers and climbers use it to access fun routes past both Amphitheater Lakes and Garnet Canyon. Get here early, or be prepared to have to walk for a while to get to the trailhead.
The trailhead is at the end of the road, where there are pit toilets. The first part of the hike remains flat, but you will quickly start the “meat and potatoes” of the climb. For nearly 5.0 km the trail switchbacks through the forest, occasionally popping out from the trees with views down across the valley. You will also be able to see Bradley and Taggart Lakes below you.
There is an abundance of wildlife along this trail. Some of the adorable animals include chipmunks, squirrels, grouse and marmots. However, along some of long switchbacks we did see a mother bear with two cubs – the most dangerous bear one can see. Take heed if you are hiking by yourself, and try to stick close to other groups.
At the first junction you will arrive at points towards Bradley and Taggart Lakes. Continue right towards Amphitheater Lake and Garnet Canyon. After numerous switchbacks you will find yourself at another junction. Go left and head towards Garnet Canyon. You will climb a little more, but the vast majority of your climbing is done, and nothing but good views remain.
Continue up along the right-hand ridge of Garnet Canyon until you reach a large boulder field and a stream. This is the end of the official trail. Across the stream is a very pleasant backcountry campground, and surrounding you are stunning mountains. Across the valley you will be able to see Shadow Peak, Nez Perce, and Cloudveil Dome. At the back of the valley with a jagged peak running down the middle will be Middle Teton, the third highest mountain in the Tetons!
Insider Hints for Garnet Canyon
- This hike can get very hot, especially on the climbs, so bring a lot of water and start early!
Getting to the Garnet Canyon Trailhead
From Colter Bay drive south along the John D. Rockefeller Parkway, turning right onto Teton Park Rd. Keep going along Teton Park Rd. for approximately 22.5 km then turn right (west) at the Lupine Meadows Junction. Alternatively, from Moose, drive 11.0 km north and turn left at the Lupine Meadows Junction. You will continue along Lupine Meadows Rd. until it ends.
Route Information
Garnet Canyon Elevation Graph
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Nearby Trails
- South Fork Cascade Canyon to Hurricane Pass Hike
- Teton Valley Trail
- Garnet Canyon to Lower Saddle Hike
- Bradley and Taggart Lakes via Lupine Meadows Hike
- Lake Solitude via Jenny Lake Trailhead Hike
- Moose Ponds Trail
- Hidden Falls Trail
- Surprise, Amphitheater, and Delta Lake via the Amphitheater Trail
- Delta Lake via Lupine Meadows Access
- The Jenny Lake Trail
- Hanging Canyon
- Amphitheater Lake