Jenny Lake to Cascade Canyon

The Jenny Lake area is one of the most popular in the Grand Teton NP, and this trail one of the most walked. The lake itself is distinctively "Teton"; snow-capped mountains behind reflected in still waters, whilst in the foreground fir and pine crowd its shores. Within an easy walk are the Glacier landmarks of Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, both well worth seeing if you're in the area, even despite the crowds.

For those seeking a little more solitude, continue along the trail to the lush, airy Cascade Canyon.  Pikas and marmots live in the boulder fields along the trail, and moose can sometimes be seen wandering through the willows around Cascade Creek. This tumbling river, with its charming attendant waterfalls, flows over terrain once carved out by glaciers, and the scenery has both glacial drama and a certain timeless alpine beauty.  

Most hikers begin from the east shore of Jenny Lake, where Jenny Lake Visitor Centre/Ranger Station has all the latest information on trails in the area. From here it is possible to get ranger guided trips to Hidden Falls and beyond, but the excellent maps and guides to the park make this unnecessary for most.

A 6km hike around its southern shores or, for the more pragmatic, a short boat trip, will bring you to the western dock. From here, a short uphill walk in shady forest leads to Hidden Falls which, although often fairly busy, are spectacular. Not much further on lies Inspiration Point; look back here for glorious views of Jenny Lake, and in the distance Jackson Hole and the Wind River Mountains.

Most visitors turn back here, so you don't have to travel far into Cascade Canyon to escape the crowds. There is an initial steep climb, which becomes a more gradual ascent: follow this trail all the way to where it divides into a north and south fork (one leading to Hurricane Pass, the other towards Lake Solitude and the Paintbrush Divide) and you will be treated to view after spectacular view. 

If you are intending to get the boat back across Jenny Lake, check boat times before you start to make sure you don't miss the last one.

For a much harder, and truly spectacular, long day hike in this area, see Paintbrush Divide and Cascade Canyon Loop. For longer walks: this is the first section of the multi-day Grand Teton Loop; further, the Teton Crest Trail passes the end of Cascade Canyon, on its way between Hurricane Pass and Lake Solitude. 

See our Grand Teton NP page for more, including detailed practical information.