The Death Canyon Shelf Loop

This is rated a “hard” hike. It is a 25.5-mile loop trail with an elevation of 6,020 feet. Nevertheless, it is considered by those who have gone before to be “a hidden gem.” It is not as popular as some previously mentioned trails due in part to the limit of backcountry passes available. 

Those who garner a permit to camp here at Death Canyon Shelf either planned well in advance or were just downright lucky. If you are fortunate enough to spend a night or more there, veteran visitors suggest setting up your tent close to the cliff’s edge. The experience is unforgettable.  

If you wish to enjoy the Tetons scenery in this lake-dotted beautiful basin, break the hike up into three days. The Death Canyon Trailhead is found off of Moose-Wilson Road. 

The Marion Lake Trail  

The popular Marion Lake Trail is a 13.4-mile loop trail. It is a hard hike with an elevation of 3,812 feet. Those in the know claim that this trail might honestly be your only choice if you only want a brief two-day/one-night backcountry trip. Most hikers don’t plan well enough and often discover most of the required permits for other hiking trails are already reserved by other outdoor explorers on a longer backcountry adventure.  

The good news is this place is often full of blooming wildflowers and you will probably have a lot of privacy. Your journey truly starts atop massive Rendezvous Mountain, loops around majestic Marion Lake, then drops down into the valley via the rugged Granite Canyon Trail. Finally, Hikers return to Teton Village on the Valley Trail. 

Mind you, in order to reach Rendezvous Mountain, you will need to complete a vertical climb of 4,139 feet to reach the hiking trail to Marion Lake. If you’d rather avoid the extra challenge, you can ride there on the popular Aerial Tram from the village. The ride is roughly 12 minutes, and the charge is comparatively minimal.