Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point from Jenny Lake

The walk starts at the South Jenny Lake parking lot by the Jenny Lake Visitor Center. The Jenny Lake Trail follows the south and west shores of the lake to the mouth of Cascade Canyon, then climbs beside Cascade Creek to a short spur to the Hidden Falls viewing area. From there the trail climbs over rock to Inspiration Point, on a cliff edge about 400 feet above the lake, with views east across Jackson Hole. Return the same way around the lake.

It is 5.8 miles (9.4 km) round trip with 510 feet (155 m) of climbing; allow about 3 hours. The grade is Moderate: mostly level along the shore, with a steep, rocky climb at the end.

Bears may be about at any time: carry bear spray, make noise and hike in a group. Keep children close at Inspiration Point, where the viewpoint ends at a cliff. The parking lot is often full from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. From November 1 to April 30, the Teton Park Road is closed to cars beyond the Taggart Lake Trailhead, so Jenny Lake can't be reached by car.

The Jenny Lake shuttle boat, which ran from May 15 to September 30 in 2026, crosses to the west shore and cuts the round trip to Inspiration Point to about 1.8 miles; there is a fare.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.