This hike was absolutely stunning, but definitely a challenge to do the full 16 miles. If you don't feel up to the full out-and-back you can cut in in half by hiking just to the North Fork where to split off to Lake Solitude begins. You will still catch some amazing views! Trail Info Length: 16.6 miles Elevation Gain: 2, 670 ft Route Type: Out and Back Lake Solitude Trail All Trails Profile
My first piece of advice would be to Get to Early 7am Ferry
It's only $10 round trip per person for first ferry
@ 7:00 a.m.
After that it’s $16 per person. We got there around 6:00 in the morning and we were the second couple in line. By 6:30-6:45 the line to try and catch the cheaper ferry was already filling up. Not only that, but the Jenny Lake parking lot (being one of the most popular in the park) is full by about 8:30 a.m. We like to get up and get out early anyway, but if you don't normally I would consider this to give yourself more time hiking and less time waiting in lines!
Once crossing the lake (arrived around 7:30) and starting on the trail up to Inspiration Point, your first stop will be to check out Hidden Falls! It's well worth the short detour to see and hear!
From Hidden Falls you'll head back onto the main trail to head up to Inspiration Point which is definitely a decent climb. Many people do this trail! Once you take in the pretty lake views then it's time to keep trekking towards Cascade Canyon Trail!
My husband and I are "views" people. When we pick a hike we pick it for the view at the end. Cascade Canyon trail has EVERYTHING. It is named "cascade" for a reason. So many rivers and waterfalls from above! The views walking through the valley were breathtaking! We saw more wildlife on this trail than any other trail we did while in the Tetons. We saw deer, a moose, a marmot, and a bear all on this day! You've reached the "end" of Cascade Canyon once you reach the North Fork which is marked by a waterfall. It took us 1 hour 45 mins. It is here that most people turn back to Jenny Lake or some continue on 2.5 more miles to Lake Solitude. We did not originally plan to hike all the way up, but my husband was convinced by fellow hikers that we could make it. It was tough doing the full 16 miles, but I will say the views from the backside of the mountains as you head up towards the lake were amazing. I am glad we did it. We really pushed ourselves out of our comfort zone and were greatly rewarded! If you have enough energy and water I would highly recommend going all the way!
We were there the 3rd week of June and it was pretty hot, but there was a decent amount of snow at the top. We got by fine with just hiking boots, poles, and no crampons, but just make sure you are keeping an eye on reported trail conditions. Again, the ALL TRAILS APP is really great for getting real time info! *Catching the Ferry Back* Technically if you did not want to wait for the ferry you can walk a 2.5 mile trail around the lake (counter clockwise) back to the parking lot. Obviously we put in a lot of miles, and I will admit my feet felt like they might fall off about half way back down from Lake Solitude. Keep in mind that the Inspiration Point side of the lake is very crowded and there will most likely be a long line for the ferry. We reached the dock at 2:30 p.m. and waited 45 mins before we were actually on a ferry back towards our car. There are coolers of water located at the dock if you happen to run out (like me...whoops!)
I hope you get a chance to enjoy this trail! It's one of a kind and unforgettable!
Here you can find my list of my BEST 3 DAY HIKES in Grand Teton National Park!
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