Inspiration Point
| Trail Features: | Panoramic Views, Waterfall |  |
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| Trail Location: | Jenny Lake Trailhead | ||||
| Roundtrip Length: | 2.2 Miles | ||||
| Trailhead Elevation: | 6783 Feet | ||||
| Total Elevation Gain: | 450 Feet | ||||
| Avg. Elev Gain / Mile: | 409 Feet | ||||
| Highest Elevation: | 7203 Feet | ||||
| Trail Difficulty Rating: | 3.10 (easy) | ||||
| Parking Lot Latitude | 43.75114 | ||||
| Parking Lot Longitude | -110.7238 | ||||
Trail Description:
The hike to Inspiration Point in Grand Teton National Park begins from the Jenny Lake Trailhead. To reach the trailhead turn west off Teton Park Road at the South Jenny Lake Junction, located roughly 7.7 miles north of Moose Junction. From the junction drive another half-mile to the boat dock parking area. Hikers will have the option of walking around the south end of Jenny Lake, or taking the shuttle boat across the lake to the Cascade Canyon Trailhead. The boat cuts-off roughly 2.4 miles of walking each way; however, there's a fee for the boat ride
This hike description follows the route beginning from the Cascade Canyon Trailhead, located at the West Shore Boat Dock, after taking the 12-minute shuttle boat across Jenny Lake.
Covering roughly 1191 acres, glacially-carved Jenny Lake is the second largest lake in the Teton Range. At 423 feet it's also one of the deepest. The lake was named for a Shoshone Indian named Jenny who assisted with camp logistics during the Hayden Geological Survey of 1872. Nearby Leigh Lake is named for her husband, Richard "Beaver Dick" Leigh, an itinerant trapper and early tour guide who helped guide the Hayden Expedition through this region. In 1876 Jenny and their six children died of smallpox.
The Spring 1939 issue of Grand Teton Nature Notes reports that "By far the most popular trail in the park is the lower portion of the Cascade Canyon Trail which leaves Jenny Lake and climbs above Hidden Falls." More than 80 years later that statement still holds true. As a result of overuse through the years the park launched a multi-year project in the spring of 2014 to improve the area surrounding Jenny Lake. The project included extensive rehabilitation of trails connecting Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, as well as improvements to the viewing areas at both destinations.
From the boat dock the trail begins climbing upward through a pristine conifer forest. It's likely you'll notice quite a few huckleberry patches along this stretch, which is one of the reasons why you'll need to watch for bears on this hike.
Soon the trail crosses over Cascade Canyon Creek, and at roughly three-tenths of a mile will reach the Valley Trail, which also serves as the western portion of the loop hike around Jenny Lake.
At just over a half-mile from the boat dock you'll reach the horse trail leading up from Jenny Lake. Hikers should proceed straight ahead at this junction. A short distance later you'll arrive at the side trail that leads to Hidden Falls. Hikers should turn left here to visit the viewing area of this impressive waterfall. Situated near the mouth of Cascade Canyon, Hidden Falls drops roughly one hundred feet in a series of steps.
After viewing the waterfall return back to the main trail and turn left to continue towards Inspiration Point. From the falls the trail resumes climbing along a very rocky and rugged trail. As you near Inspiration Point you'll pass over a short section of trail that traverses a fairly steep ledge. This granite-carved segment of trail that gains access to Inspiration Point was built by Civilian Conservation Corps workers in the 1930s. Hikers should definitely use caution along this stretch of the trail.
As you climb higher you'll enjoy outstanding views of the "Cathedral Group" towering above the canyon towards the west. This group of mountains includes 12,325-foot Teewinot Mountain, 13,770-foot Grand Teton and 12,928-foot Mt. Owen.
At 1.1 miles hikers will finally reach Inspiration Point, one of the most popular hiking destinations in Grand Teton National Park. From this lofty perch you'll enjoy commanding views of Jenny Lake, Jackson Hole, as well as the Gros Ventre Range towards the east. For those wishing to go home with some great photos you may want to note that the sun will likely pose problems during the morning hours. You may want to start your hike later in the day, or perhaps travel a little further into Cascade Canyon where you'll have even better views of the Cathedral Group. Elevation gain beyond the overlook is much more gradual. Although you don't have to go all the way to the Forks of Cascade Canyon, a short hike into the canyon itself is well worth it if you have the time and energy. Depending on your timing, the sun may be high enough in the sky to allow for better photos of Jenny Lake on your return trip back to Inspiration Point.
