Marion Lake (Teton County, Wyoming) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Marion Lake |
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Location | Grand Teton National Park, Teton County, Wyoming, US |
Coordinates | 43°37′25″N 110°55′45″W / 43.62361°N 110.92917°W |
Type | Glacial Lake |
Basin countries | United States |
Max. length | 250 yd (230 m) |
Max. width | 100 yd (91 m) |
Surface elevation | 9,239 ft (2,816 m) |
Marion Lake is a beautiful, clear lake found high up in the mountains of Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, United States. It's a special kind of lake called a glacial lake, which means it was formed a long, long time ago by giant sheets of ice called glaciers. Imagine huge ice bulldozers carving out the land – that's how Marion Lake was made!
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Where is Marion Lake?
Marion Lake is tucked away in a part of Grand Teton National Park called Granite Canyon. It's also very close to a famous hiking path known as the Teton Crest Trail. This trail runs along the top of the Teton Mountains, offering amazing views. The lake sits at a high elevation of about 9,239 feet (2,816 meters) above sea level. It's a peaceful spot, far from busy roads.
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is a stunning place in northwestern Wyoming. It's known for its dramatic mountain peaks, clear lakes, and diverse wildlife. The park protects a large area of the Teton Range and the valley below, called Jackson Hole. Many people visit to hike, camp, and enjoy nature.
What is a Glacial Lake?
A glacial lake is a lake that was formed by the movement of glaciers. Glaciers are huge, slow-moving rivers of ice. As they move, they scrape and carve out the land, creating deep hollows or basins. When the glaciers melt, these basins fill with water, forming lakes like Marion Lake. These lakes often have very clear, cold water because they are fed by melting snow and ice.
Hiking to Marion Lake
Reaching Marion Lake is an exciting adventure for experienced hikers. The most common way to get there is by taking a challenging hike.
The Rendezvous Mountain Trail
One popular route starts from the top of Rendezvous Mountain. To get to the start of this hike, you can take a ski tram from Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. From the top of Rendezvous Mountain, the round trip hike to Marion Lake is about 11.8 miles (19 kilometers). This hike is considered strenuous, meaning it's quite difficult and requires good fitness. Hikers get to see amazing mountain scenery along the way.