Introduction:
What? :
Grand Teton National Park is a jewel of the American West, boasting craggy peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and abundant wildlife. Nestled in the heart of the park lies Jenny Lake, one of the park's most iconic and accessible areas. From the lake shore start Cascade Canyon Trail, a spectacular hike that takes you into the rugged beauty of the Tetons wilderness.
Cascade Canyon via Jenny Lake hike is out and back 9.1 miles (with boat shuttle) / ~13 miles (without shuttle) and with elevation gain of 1,100 feet.
Although relatively long, I will consider it a moderate hike, involving some short steep sections but overall fun to do.
A day visit at Jenny Lake and hiking into Cascade Canyon offers a classic Teton experience that combines pristine nature, dramatic scenery, and hiking experience.
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Where? :
From Jackson, take highway 191/26 north into Grand Teton National Park.
Google Map Link
Turn left into Teton Park Road, pass the visitor center and drive until you will see Jenny Lake road parking entrance on your left.
From Colter Bay Village: drive south on highway 287/191 and turn right into Teton Park Road. Cross over Jackson Lake Dam and drive until you will see Jenny Lake Visitor Center enter on your right.
The Jenny Lake Visitor Center and parking area will be your main base of the visit here.
The large parking fills up quickly (especially between 8am and 12am), so plan to arrive early. If the parking is full, park your car on the main road (as you can see in the above picture).
When? :
Grand Teton National Park is open year-round, but most roads are not open to vehicles in the winter due to heavy snow.
The park tourist season is from late May through September.
Park service are open
High elevation trails are mostly snow-free
Wildflowers are blooming
Waterfalls are flowing
Wildlife is active
Shuttle boat across Jenny Lake is running
My personal recommendations are to visit Grand Teton National Park during the month of September.
The park is not as crowded as the peak tourist season of the summer months, the weather is ideal for hiking, it is not so hot or cold, all the roads are still open and the animals are in their active months.
Another option is during June when the snow is mainly cleared, all is green and the animals are getting out and active after the long winter.
Summer:
This is the peak Season (Mid-June to Mid-September)
All park roads are open to personal vehicles, making it easy to drive up to all attractions.
It is very crowded here during the summer months. The crowds exist in all park roads and tourist destinations.
Days are usually warm days (70-80f), but nights can still be cool. Afternoon thunderstorms are common.
All lodges, hotels and campgrounds are open, high price and reservations need many months in advance.
Fall:
Fall season is short (Mid-September to end October) offering pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds than summer.
All roads are still open (most interior roads close to vehicles by early November), usually there is no heavy snow but you should expect a mix of sunny and rainy days and cold temperatures.
Daytime highs can range from the 40-70F, with nights dropping below freezing.
Winter:
US Highway 89/191/26 (the outer road) is open year-round and plowed for traffic. This is the main north-south highway that runs from the town of Jackson through the park and continues toward Yellowstone. The park inner roads are typically closed to wheeled vehicles from November 1 through April 30 (dates can vary based on weather).
From approximately November through May, most visitor facilities, including visitor centers, campgrounds, and lodges, are closed or operate on very limited schedules.
Avoid visiting in early spring or late fall if you’re aiming for a hike, snow and ice may make higher elevations impassable.
The weather is cold with daytime temperatures between 0-20f.
You need proper, layered, waterproof and warm winter clothing is essential.
Spring:
Spring is a very short season, practically in May and early June.
Crowds are minimal, especially in April and May, making for a quiet visit.
Weather is unpredictable, with the potential for warm, pleasant days mixed with snow, rain, and freezing temperatures.
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Tips and inputs:
Due note 1:
This is probably the most popular destination in the park, so expect it to be extremely crowded during mid-day.
Due note 2:
Near the parking lot you can find Jenny Lake Visitor Center and Store.
Restrooms, water refill stations.
Trail maps and rangers to answer questions.
There are no tourist facilities on the far side of the lake.
Due note 3:
This is a long hike, bring with you plenty of water (2–3 liters per person)
Bring snacks or light lunch
Due note 4:
Dress in Layers: Grand Teton weather can change quickly even during the summer months. Be prepared for sun, rain, and cool temperatures. Some sections of the trail are exposed to the sun so bring a hat, use sunscreen and sunglasses.
Due note 5:
Carry bear spray, know how to use it, and keep it accessible (not in your backpack). Hike in groups and make noise, especially in the forested and backcountry sections.
Due note 6:
Animals observe Safe Distances: Always maintain a safe and legal distance: 100 yards (91 meters) from bears and wolves, and 25 yards (23 meters) from all other animals, including bison and elk.
Due note 7:
Bring with you a good binocular. Many of the most animals are often viewed at a distance. Animals may be far and hard to spot.
Due note 8:
Limited Cell Service – Don't rely on GPS or mobile maps; download offline maps before you go.
My thoughts:
A visit to Jenny Lake and the Cascade Canyon Trail was one of the most rewarding half-day hikes I did in Grand Teton National Park.
I arrived in this area at noon and the parking lot was full and I parked my car on the main road , far from the parking lot.
After taking the boat to the far side of the lake I start my hike. The first mile of the waterfall and climb up the viewing point was crowded.
When heading into the canyon the views of the mountain's cliffs and ragged peaks on both sides are very impressive.
This section of the trail is fun, climbing moderately crossing forested and open sections.
When I reached the trail junction I saw a large bull moose walking in the forest, what an impressive animal !
Jenny Lake Shuttle Boat:
You need to decide if you will take Jenny Lake Shuttle Boat to the other side of the lake or you will hike the trail circling the lake shore (2 miles one direction).
The boat ride is about 10 minutes across the lake to the West Shore Boat Dock.
Tickets are purchased at the dock or even better in advance online.
The first boat is at 7am and the last return boat is at 7am. Start / end time may vary seasonally so check when the last boat is and do not miss it. Come some time before the last boat. During mid-day busy hours you may have a long waiting line of people waiting to take the boat back to the visitor center.
Tip: Taking the shuttle in the morning and hiking back around the lake trail in the evening gives you two perspectives of Jenny Lake.
This is what I did.
The Hike:
The hiking trail starts from the boat dock at the far lake side. Make sure you are following the signs to Hidden Falls, trails from both sides of the creek heading up.
You will not be the only one here, this area and all the way to Inspiration Point it is very crowded, especially when the boat is arriving.
From here it is a short and rewarding uphill hike along the creek in the forest.
You will cross a wooden bridge over the creek.
After about 0.5 mile you will see a side short trail and reach Hidden Falls viewing point, an impressive 100-foot waterfall.
From the waterfall viewing point the trail climbs steeply over the rocky cliff to your right. This section is steep, rocky and exposed in some sections where the trail is curved into the rocky cliff.
After about 0.5 mile of climbing you will reach Inspiration Point (about 1 mile from the boat dock).
This panoramic overlook of Jenny Lake provides an impressive panoramic view above the trees of the lake.
In my view, although the view of the lake is nice you do not see from here the Grand Teton mountain range so it is not so impressive.
After Inspiration Point, the crowds thin as you enter Cascade Canyon.
From here you are getting into Cascade Canyon.
After the first major steep climb the trail entering the canyon is relatively gentle and shady, with several stream crossings (bridged) and plenty of places to stop for lunch or photos.
The trail continues into the canyon alongside Cascade Creek. From both sides of the canyon you will see towering granite cliffs slope and ragged peaks.
Expect jaw-dropping views of the impressive peaks of Teewinot Mountain, Mount Owen, and Grand Teton.
The trail here has open sections and also sections of dense forest.
Along the hike wildlife sightings may include Moose grazing in the creek and Marmots sunning on rocks.
Most hikers turn around at the junction with the North and South Forks (about 4.5 miles in, right after the wooden bridge), though you can continue deeper if you're up for it.
Here I saw a large bull moose walking in the forest.
I was the only one here and spending 10 minutes with the moose was a surreal experience.
Once you are ready to turn back, retrace your steps down to the boat dock, or hike the Jenny Lake Trail along the shore back to the visitor center.
When I hiked back late in the afternoon heavy rain started, the sunlight mixing with the rain created a majestic view of the cliffs and mountain.
After arriving at the boat dock I decided not to take the boat ride but rather walk along the lake shoreline trail, this is an additional 2 miles hike. I even extended this trail by walking to Moose Pound Trail, a perfect way to end the day.
Final Thought:
If you only have one day in Grand Teton National Park and you want to really experience the park and to do some hiking, make it this one.
Jenny Lake and Cascade Canyon are the soul of the Tetons, wild, beautiful, and unforgettable.
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