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Granite Canyon Trailhead
4.9 ★★★★★ 72 Google reviews · Running trail in Jackson, Wyoming · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- 4.5 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Granite Canyon Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Granite Canyon Trailhead
“In the summer there is a high amount of through traffic in this area, since the trailhead is on a popular scenic route, and because of this the road condition suffers.”
Go early to see the fall colors best. We started at 9:30 on 9/27/21, almost made it to the end but the views petered out and it was just woods. The morning light really makes the ascent from just over 2 miles in until about the 4.5 mile mark the best.
If you take the bumpy 9 mile drive, it's no sweat ;p, you do have to cross the river to get to the hot spring. My walking stick came in handy for this, and water shoes are needed as it is rough with the rocks. But going across the river to that sweet hot spot by the rocks was worth it.
Seems to be busy year round, as it's a popular starting point for multiple hikes and cross country skiing outings. Parking is inadequate most of the time, as is to be expected for anything under the care of the National Park Service.
Did a nice day hike to Phelps Lake. Not nearly as busy as the more tourist friendly hikes. Very beautiful with a nice clean sand beach. The road leading to the trail head is pretty rough and rocky. I would recommend an awd or 4wd vehicle.
Trail conditions & character
“In the summer there is a high amount of through traffic in this area, since the trailhead is on a popular scenic route, and because of this the road condition suffers.”
“Parking is inadequate most of the time, as is to be expected for anything under the care of the National Park Service.”
Plan your run at Granite Canyon Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- Distance4.5 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
Running trails near Jackson
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
