Hiking

Cascade Canyon Trail

Across Jenny Lake by boat, past Hidden Falls and deep into a valley between the Teton peaks.

Wyoming
14.5 km
2 min read

Photo: National Park Service · Public domain

Distance: 14.5 km · 9.0 mi
Elevation gain: +335 m · 1,100 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Time needed: 5–7 hours round trip with the boat
Route type: Out & back
Permit: Not required
Best season: Late June to September

Cascade Canyon guide in Grand Teton: the Jenny Lake boat, Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point, the canyon to the Forks, moose and bears, distance, time and the best season.

Overview

Cascade Canyon is a glacier-carved valley that leads straight into the heart of the Teton Range. Most hikers start by taking the shuttle boat across Jenny Lake, then climb to Hidden Falls, a 30-meter cascade, and Inspiration Point, a ledge with a view over the lake and the valley of Jackson Hole.

Beyond Inspiration Point, the crowds thin out and the trail climbs gently up the canyon beside Cascade Creek, with Teewinot, Mount Owen and the Grand Teton rising above. About 7 kilometers from the boat dock, the trail reaches the Forks, where it splits toward Lake Solitude and Hurricane Pass; most day hikers turn around there.

Moose often feed in the willows along the creek, and black bears and grizzlies live in the canyon, so carry bear spray. The boat runs from late spring to early fall; without it, add about 4 kilometers each way around the lake.

Stops along the way

1

Jenny Lake east boat dock

The visitor area and boat dock on the east shore of Jenny Lake.
2

West boat dock

The landing on the west shore, at the foot of the mountains.
3

Hidden Falls

A waterfall tumbling about 30 meters down a granite cliff.
4

Inspiration Point

A rock ledge with a view over Jenny Lake and Jackson Hole.
5

Forks of Cascade Canyon

The point where the canyon splits toward Lake Solitude and Hurricane Pass.