Hiking Cascade Canyon in Grand Teton National Park

May 2, 2024

Hiking Cascade Canyon in Grand Teton National Park is to this day, one of my favorite experiences. We saw so much wildlife, insane mountain views, lush waterfalls, and just had the best time. The serene beauty of Grand Teton National Park is incredible, and this hike is a total dream. You’ll start by riding a boat across the GORGEOUS Jenny Lake, hike to Hidden Falls & Inspiration Point, and continue on to the top of Cascade Canyon – and you’ll have unbeatable sights the entire time. Keep reading for full details on how to accomplish this hike, I promise you won’t regret it!

Table of Contents

Trail Stats

Trailhead: The Cascade Canyon trail starts from the Jenny Lake Trailhead. The trailhead is accessed by a shuttle boat across Jenny Lake or by hiking the Jenny Lake Trail around the south end of the lake.
- Busy Bee Tip: Arrive early in the morning and ride the boat across Jenny Lake. The views on the ride are amazing and it’s a fun way to hear more about the area. I recommend arriving in time for the first boat to avoid major crowds.
Distance: The trail is approximately 9 miles round trip.
Elevation Gain: 1,100 feet gained from the Jenny Lake Trailhead to the end of the canyon.
Difficulty: While considered moderate in difficulty, the trail does involve some uphill sections and rocky terrain, so it’s important to be prepared with proper footwear and water.
Scenery: Along the trail, hikers are treated to breathtaking views of the Teton Range, including towering peaks such as the Grand Teton itself, as well as cascading waterfalls, alpine meadows, and pristine lakes.
Wildlife: Cascade Canyon is known for its wildlife sightings. You’ll have opportunities to see black bears, moose, deer, and more. Hikers should always maintain a safe distance and follow park guidelines when encountering wildlife.
- We saw 5 moose, a beaver, several chipmunks, and a porcupine on this hike in early June! The chipmunks are SO friendly, it seemed like they’re used to tourists taking their pictures.
Season: The trail is typically accessible from late spring through early fall, though conditions can vary depending on snowmelt and weather. Hikers should check Grand Teton National Park website for current trail conditions before setting out.

How to Get There

Jenny Lake: You can reach Jenny Lake by car from the main park road. There’s a parking lot near the Jenny Lake Visitor Center, but it tends to fill up quickly, so be sure to arrive early!
- Busy Bee Tip: Jenny Lake Visitor Center is well marked along the main park road. It’s also easy to find on Google Maps.
Boat Shuttle Option: From the Jenny Lake Visitor Center, you have the option to take a scenic boat shuttle across Jenny Lake to the Cascade Canyon Trailhead. The boat shuttle operates during the summer months and reduces the hiking distance by about 2 miles each way. Note that there is a fee for the boat shuttle.
- Busy Bee Tip: If you choose to ride the shuttle boat, arrive early! We got there in time for the first boat of the morning to avoid crowds and long lines. On our way back a few hours later, the lines were hundreds of people long.
Hiking Option: If you prefer not to take the boat shuttle or if it’s not operating during your visit, you can hike around Jenny Lake to reach the Cascade Canyon Trailhead. From the Jenny Lake Visitor Center, follow the Jenny Lake Trail, which loops around the southern end of the lake. This adds about 2 miles to your hike each way.
Cascade Canyon Trailhead: Whether you take the boat shuttle or hike around Jenny Lake, you’ll eventually arrive at the Cascade Canyon Trailhead. This is where the trail officially begins. From here, you’ll start your hike into Cascade Canyon.

Busy Bee Tip: I totally recommend taking the Jenny Lake Boat if it’s operating during your visit. It’s a beautiful ride with mountain views, and it’s a fun way to hear more information about the park and the hike.

When to Hike Cascade Canyon

The best time to hike Cascade Canyon in Grand Teton National Park largely depends on personal preferences and what you hope to experience during your hike. Here are some considerations for different times of the year:

Summer (June to August): This is the most popular time to visit the park, including Cascade Canyon. The weather is generally warm during the day, and most of the trails are fully accessible. This does mean that trails can be quite crowded, especially on weekends. If you prefer solitude, consider hiking early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
Fall (September to October): Fall brings cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage as the aspen and cottonwood trees change color. The crowds tend to thin out compared to summer, making for a more peaceful hiking experience. However, be prepared for potential early snowfall at higher elevations, which could impact trail conditions.
Spring (April to May): Spring can be a beautiful time to hike Cascade Canyon as the snow begins to melt, revealing lush greenery and blooming wildflowers. However, early spring hikes may encounter lingering snowpack and muddy trails, particularly in shaded areas. It’s important to check trail conditions and be prepared for variable weather.
Winter (November to March): While winter hiking in Cascade Canyon can be stunningly beautiful, it’s also the most challenging time due to snow and ice. Some portions of the trail may be closed or difficult to navigate without appropriate gear such as snowshoes or traction devices. Winter visitors should also be aware of avalanche risks and changing weather conditions.

Regardless of when you go, be sure to check current trail conditions and weather forecasts, and always practice Leave No Trace principles to help preserve the natural beauty of the park.

Trail Description

Trailhead to Hidden Falls

The hike begins at the Jenny Lake Trailhead, where you’ll follow the well-marked trail along the eastern shore of Jenny Lake or take the shuttle boat across the lake. This initial section of the trail offers picturesque views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. After about 0.7 miles, you’ll reach Hidden Falls, a stunning waterfall cascading down the cliffs from Cascade Creek above. This is a popular stopping point for visitors to admire the falls and take photos.

Hidden Falls to Inspiration Point

Continuing past Hidden Falls, the trail climbs steadily through a series of switchbacks, gaining elevation as it ascends towards Inspiration Point. Along the way, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of Jenny Lake and the surrounding peaks. Inspiration Point, located about 1.2 miles from the trailhead, offers a stunning vista overlooking Jenny Lake and the Teton Range. It’s a great spot to take a break and soak in the scenery before continuing on.

Inspiration Point to Cascade Canyon

From Inspiration Point, the trail continues along the western shore of Jenny Lake, gradually descending towards the mouth of Cascade Canyon. As you hike deeper into the canyon, you’ll be surrounded by granite cliffs and dense forests of pine and fir. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as deer, moose, and even bears, particularly in the early morning or late evening.

Cascade Canyon

Once you reach the mouth of Cascade Canyon, the trail levels out as it follows the course of Cascade Creek deeper into the heart of the canyon. Along the way, you’ll encounter meadows, wildflower-filled fields, and bubbling mountain streams. The scenery is truly spectacular, with the towering peaks of the Tetons rising high above the canyon walls. Once you reach the top, be sure to stop for awhile and enjoy a snack break. Something about eating a cliff bar with amazing views, makes the snack taste even better! 😊

Elevation Changes and Terrain

The Cascade Canyon trail features moderate elevation changes, with a total elevation gain of approximately 1,100 feet. The terrain varies from well-maintained dirt paths to rocky sections and occasional tree roots. While the trail is generally well-marked and not overly strenuous, hikers should be prepared for some uphill sections and uneven footing, particularly in the switchback sections near Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point.

Challenging Sections

While the trail is accessible to hikers of all skill levels, there are a few challenging sections to be aware of. The switchbacks leading up to Inspiration Point can be steep and strenuous, particularly for those who are not accustomed to hiking at higher elevations. Additionally, the trail can be crowded during peak times, especially near popular landmarks like Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. Hikers should use caution and be mindful of other visitors, particularly on narrow sections of the trail.

Wildlife to Watch For

Moose: One of the most iconic and sought-after sightings in Cascade Canyon is the moose. They are often found near water sources or in the lush meadows.
- We saw 5 during our hike!

Black Bears: While encounters with bears are less common than with other wildlife, Cascade Canyon is home to a healthy population of black bears. Be bear aware and carry bear spray, especially in early morning or late evening when bears are most active.

Deer and Elk: White-tailed deer and mule deer are frequently spotted throughout the canyon, particularly in the early morning or at dusk. During the fall rutting season, you may also hear the haunting bugle of bull elk echoing through the valley.

Birds: Cascade Canyon is a haven for birdwatchers, with an array of species inhabiting the area.

Small Mammals: Watch for smaller mammals such as squirrels or chipmunks darting across the trail.
- The chipmunks are so friendly – they even posed for our pictures! It seemed like they were used to tourists giving them treats and taking their pictures.

Additional Tips

I know I’ve said this already in this post, but start your hike early! This is a popular hike so the parking fills up fast, the shuttle boat lines get long, and more people on the trail typically means less wildlife sightings. We arrived in time for the first boat across Jenny Lake and thought the timing was great. You can start even earlier by skipping the boat and hiking around Jenny Lake.
Pack your patience. Even if you start early, on your way back, the Jenny Lake boat will be packed. You can avoid this by hiking back to the start, but this does add some distance to your hike.
Bring bear spray! You’d much rather have it & not need it, than need it and not have it. You can find it at most stores in downtown Jackson Hole & in the park Visitor Centers.
Wear good footwear! This trail is long and strenous at points. Having good hiking shoes or boots goes a long way to make your feet painfree, and your hike more enjoyable. I recommend waterproof shoes if you have them. Even in early June we encountered some snow cover and muddy spots.
- I swear by my Merrill Moab’s! They’re waterproof and have great arch support.
Check out my Favorite Hiking Gear post for more info on my favorite hiking essentials.