Granite Canyon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Granite Canyon |
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Granite Canyon from Jackson Hole
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| Geography | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Wyoming |
| County | Teton |
Granite Canyon is a stunning valley found within Grand Teton National Park. This park is located in the state of Wyoming, in the United States. The canyon was shaped long ago by giant sheets of ice called glaciers. These glaciers slowly moved and carved out the land.
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How Granite Canyon Was Formed
About 15,000 years ago, at the end of the last Ice Age, these huge glaciers started to melt and shrink. As they moved away, they left behind a special type of valley. This valley has a distinct U-shape. It looks like a giant U carved into the mountains.
The canyon sits between two big mountains. To the south, you'll find Rendezvous Mountain. To the north, there is Mount Hunt. These mountains help define the canyon's edges.
Exploring Granite Canyon
Granite Canyon is a popular spot for outdoor adventures. You can start your journey from the Moose–Wilson Road. This road is about 2 miles north of a place called Teton Village. It's a great starting point for many hikes.
Popular Hiking Trails
One of the most famous hikes in Granite Canyon leads to Marion Lake. You follow the Granite Canyon Trail to get there. This trail goes all the way through the canyon. It's a fantastic way to see the beauty of the area.
Another exciting way to explore is by taking an aerial tram. This tram is like a cable car that lifts you high up. It's located at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village. The tram takes you to the very top of Rendezvous Mountain.
From the top, you can hike back down into Granite Canyon. This descent is quite steep. You will lose about 4,100 feet in altitude. It's a challenging but rewarding hike with amazing views.
Historic Cabin
Near the entrance to Granite Canyon, there is an old building. It's called the Upper Granite Canyon Patrol Cabin. This cabin has a lot of history. It was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. This means it's an important historical site.
