Marion Lake via Aerial Tram

Marion Lake via Aerial Tram is a very strenuous out-and-back from Rendezvous Mountain's summit to Marion Lake and back, about 13 miles round trip. Ride the paid tram to 10,455 feet, then walk roughly 6.5 miles each way through ridges and meadows to the lake. Plan on 9 to 13 hours. Published out-and-back figures vary slightly, from 13.0 to 13.4 miles. A longer 14.7-mile loop from the same start returns by the North and South Forks; the route mapped here returns along the same corridor. The tram ride is outside the hiking distance.

From the summit station, follow the broad resort access track downhill. At about 0.4 mile, where the service road turns left, continue straight; around 0.7 mile, take the signed right onto Rendezvous Mountain Trail. Switchbacks descend through scattered trees into a granite-rimmed bowl at about 1.4 miles, more than 1,000 feet below the tram. The trail then climbs a ridge and drops through more trees and open meadows. This is not a steady downhill walk: the route repeatedly loses and regains elevation, with views opening toward Housetop Mountain and the surrounding ridges.

Cross a creek near mile 3.2, then climb to the Middle Fork junction around mile 3.6 and turn left. The route to the right drops toward lower Granite Canyon. At about mile 4.3, turn right onto the Teton Crest Trail toward Marion Lake; cross Middle Fork Creek near mile 4.6, climb to the saddle between the Middle and North Forks, then descend steeply through a large boulder field to the North Fork junction around mile 5.8. Continue up the north side of the valley for roughly 0.7 mile to the lake. The junction sequence matters: taking the lower Granite Canyon branch changes the hike.

The trail reaches a high bench, then climbs over a low rise to the lake's southeastern shore at about mile 6.5. The water sits below a tall granite cliff, with scattered conifers and open meadow around the shore. Wildflowers can fill the bench in late July. If you still have energy, a trail north adds about half a mile each way to a saddle with a view into Jedediah Smith Wilderness; that extension is outside the mapped route and mileage. From the lake edge, keep water in the foreground and the cliff behind it for the defining view.

Use the Ranch Lot at Teton Village, ride the paid tram to the summit, and start hiking there. Hiking from the village to the summit on resort trails is possible but adds a long climb and more miles. Snow can remain into late July; crossing lingering snow requires prior experience and proper equipment. No food, potable water, or toilets were documented along the route, so carry what you need. Pets are prohibited, and an overnight stay requires a backcountry permit.