Inspiration Point hike
View PhotosInspiration Point hike
Difficulty Rating:
The hike to Inspiration Point and beyond into Cascade Canyon is one of the must-do intermediate level hikes in Grand Teton National Park. Expect great scenery, beautiful viewpoints, a quiet secluded trail and spectacular mountain peaks.
Getting there
From Colter Bay, head south down the John D. Rockefeller Parkway. At the first intersection turn right down Teton Parkway towards Jenny Lake. After nearly 13.0mi turn right at the South Jenny Lake junction. Alternatively, from Moose drive north on the Teton Parkway and turn left at the South Jenny Lake junction. Park anywhere – this lot fills up quickly!
About
When to do | June through October |
Backcountry Campsites | No |
Toilets | Trailhead |
Family friendly | No |
Route Signage | Average |
Crowd Levels | High |
Route Type | Circuit |
Inspiration Point
Elevation Graph
Weather
Route Description for Inspiration Point
For this hike we advise skipping the mediocre 2.5mi hike around the lake and instead take the Jenny Lake boat shuttle. The cost for an adult is $15 round trip. From the ferry dock at the far end turn left and follow the signs towards Inspiration Point.
This short climb is not too steep, and gives you a nice view over Jenny Lake. Early in the morning (at the start of the hike) there is beautiful light over the lake. You will be able to see across the expansive valley to distant foothills in the National Forest. This surreal view is well worth the minimal effort of the short climb! Hidden Falls Trail was closed during our most recent trip, however the falls are stunning and worth the short diversion to see.
We advise continuing past Inspiration Point along the Cascade Canyon trail for at least a little while. This trail remains very level for its entirety as it meanders beside the slow-flowing Cascade Creek. Continue along this trail as long as you want, as the view remains mostly the same for most the first part of the Cascade Canyon Trail.
This part of the hike is shaded by trees, but still gives good views of the creek and the mountains. For marginally more effort you get beautiful views up the mountains surrounding Cascade Canyon, and the majestic Cascade Creek. Above you to the right you will be able to see “The Jaw” and Symmetry Spire.
Insider Hints
Great portrait shots are available as you hike along Cascade Creek. Drop down from the trail to take your next “profile picture”.
Depending on how long you go along the Cascade Canyon trail, this hike can increase in difficulty to a 3 out of 5. Gauge your energy level and turn around while you still have sufficient energy.
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Jane Watkinson 4 years ago
A quick walk through of the stunning viewpoints of the mountains.
MamaBear 4 years ago
Easy hike with majestic views of the Cascade.
jamaieca 4 years ago
It was a short impressive hike. The air quality was fantastic. Views are exceptional!
Dahlia T. 4 years ago
Ethreal scenery all around! Views are jaw dropping.
Peter McGuiness 5 years ago
Enjoyed the view of the forest and mountain peaks. It was pretty short and not very steep. Good for newbies.
Jack Wellington 5 years ago
Amazing secluded hike. It was a magnificent place to relax and meditate.
Wyatt Thomas 6 years ago
Inspiration Point was a great hike, and I really enjoyed the ability to extend it as we were feeling quite strong that day.
RobS 6 years ago
inspiration point is a good choice after a hard day of hiking. it does not require a lot of effort and is really enjoyable.
StMilly 6 years ago
nice place to take the pictures and make your friends jealous
Ronny 6 years ago
Some very nice scenery. Shame the crowd was big. Had to almost push through the people. But everyone wants to take a picture.