Garnet Meadows

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Garnet Canyon is a beautiful, rugged and steep trail in the Grand Tetons that begins at the popular Lupine Meadow Trailhead. There are waterfalls, great views of the valley, wildflowers and some truly dramatic peaks. The hike isn't long, but it gets steep after the initial walk through flat meadows. Switchbacks cut along the face of the mountain and grant views of lakes below. After the last switchback, you are led into Garnet Canyon where you'll see Cleft Falls cascading below. The last bit of the trail scrambles through boulders to the pristine Garnet Meadows. This is a great trail for someone seeking views that only true mountaineers typically get to see.

3rd and 4th class scrambling (easy climbing but with some fall exposure) is required near the end of this hike. Be cautious and consider turning back at this point if you aren't confident in rock climbing. Bring your bear spray and exercise caution. Remember that hiking steep trails at high elevations can lead to exhaustion, and be prepared for unpredictable weather as well. If planning on camping in Garnet Canyon, a NPS backcountry permit is required.

As you depart from Lupine Meadows Trailhead, you'll catch glimpses of Grand Teton and Mount Owen through the heavy vegetation. After 1.7 miles you'll reach the fork for the Valley Trail down to the lower lakes. Another fork in the trail at the 3-mile mark will take you to Garnet Canyon to the left or Surprise and Amphitheater Lake by staying straight. Most of the hike up to this point is through of wildflower-heavy switchbacks looking onto Bradley and Taggart Lakes.

As you get higher and closer to Garnet Canyon, you'll be surrounded by three imposing peaks: Nez Perce to the left, Middle Teton in the middle, and Disappointment Peak on the right. One of the most unusual natural features you come across, which almost looks artificial or man-made, is a distinctive dike in the face of the Middle Teton. This feature is a giant and straight vertical cut of basalt that intruded into the granite of Middle Teton, and it is a favorite feature for climbers.

The well-maintained Garnet Canyon trail seems to terminate at "The Platforms" backcountry camp sites below Nez Perce. The trail actually continues through the 3rd-4th class boulder field ahead. The trick to navigating through this talus efficiently is to: 1) stay climbers' right of the creek, 2) follow the worn and polished rock, 3) turn back and look for a better way through if things seem to look too tricky ahead. If this terrain proves too uncomfortable, then turning around at The Platforms is a good option. Once through the large talus, a trail will appear to the climbers' right of the creek which leads to Garnet Meadows.

Garnet Canyon Meadows is a paradise; a grassy expanse with high stream density and large boulders for shelter. This meadow generally serves as the basecamp for climbers in Garnet Canyon. If you still have energy, continue exploring the canyons above!

Overview and description by Kyle Jenkins, Outdoor Project. Improved by Justin Bowen.