ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Inspiration Point at Grand Teton National Park
We’ve spent serious time in Grand Teton National Park, filming along the Snake River at dawn with the Tetons reflected in the water, hiking into the backcountry above the valley floor. It’s one of the most photogenic parks in the system and, honestly, one of the most enjoyable to simply wander through. This guide covers the highlights.
I’ve also put together a trail video, elevation profiles, and maps you can download and save to your mobile device or preferred mapping system. Let’s get into it.
NOTE: I will be using the phrases Inspiration Point and Hidden Falls with the words Grand Teton a lot in this article, but only to ensure those seeking these places will find them. Between all the state and national parks in America, you’d be surprised how many Inspiration Points and Hidden Falls there are!
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Inspiration Point at Grand Teton
Table of contents
- 5 Things to Know About Grand Teton National Park
- Inspiration Point Trailhead in Grand Teton Directions
- Inspiration Point Elevation: via Jenny Lake Boat
- Inspiration Point Elevation: via Jenny Lake Trail
- Beyond Inspiration Point and Hidden Falls in Grand Teton
- VIDEO: Inspiration Point Grand Teton Hike
- Map of Hike for Inspiration Point at Grand Teton
- Pin Inspiration Point at Grand Teton
5 Things to Know About Grand Teton National Park
- The entrance fee to Grand Teton National Park is $35 per vehicle, which covers seven days of park access. If you have an American the Beautiful interagency pass, you’ll get in for free. The pass also covers the costs of Yellowstone National Park for you and everyone in your car.
- You need to access Teton Park Road to get to Jenny Lake for the Inspiration Point hike. Teton Park Road closes to vehicles in early November through April 30. While you can walk or ski the road, taking this steep trail is not a good idea. It might even close.
- Inspiration Point and Hidden Falls in Grant Teton are two of the park’s most popular spots. Get an early start or arrive in the evening to experience the smallest crowds.
- Bring a map and/or a guidebook for spots where mobile service isn’t available. You can also use Google Maps to get offline National Park maps now. Bring bear sprays. I saw three bears on this trail and one tree that was raked of all its bark by a bear.
- Jackson Hole stands as one of my favorite cities in America. I love the Wild West appeal and the laid-back nature of the community. The Lodge at Jackson Hole should be on your short list of lodging options.
Inspiration Point Trailhead in Grand Teton Directions
Jenny Lake sits about 30 miles from the north entrance and 15 miles from the south entrance. You’ll find it right off Grand Teton Drive. A visitor center and campground are also there. Find Inspiration Point Grand Teton parking at the trailhead.
If you take the shortest route, you’ll need to pay for a boat shuttle service across Jenny Lake. The boats run non-stop and are first-come, first-served. No reservations are taken for the shuttle. On the other hand, if you’re taking the scenic tour, please reserve that as far in advance as possible.
Even though Grand Teton Road opens at the end of April, shuttle runs wait until mid-May to begin.
TRAVEL TIP: Book the earliest shuttle you can due to the size of the crowds later in the day. Parts of the trail are narrow and steep, not ideal for large crowds if you have a thing about heights.
Inspiration Point Elevation: via Jenny Lake Boat
Trail Length: 1.8 Miles
Trail Time: 2 Hours (more if you soak in the views)
Elevation Gain/Loss: About 400 feet gained on the ascent and 400 feet lost going down.
Difficulty: Depending on how you are with heights and steep grades (16%), easy or moderate.
A popular way to tackle this trail is by the Jenny Lake shuttle, which shaves a good 2-3 miles off the trek around the lake. You’ll find a menagerie of Trail near the West Shore Boat Dock. Follow signs for the Cascade Creek Trail. On the way, you’ll cross over storybook charming footbridges with Cascade Creek below.
The trail’s elevation changes less than 200 feet in the first stretch as you meander through the woods. About 0.6 of a mile in, a 200-foot spur trail will lead you to Hidden Falls in Grand Teton – the least hidden thing in any national park, ever, it seemed, with the size of the crowds. The waterfall’s intensity directly relates to the melting snowpack. It cascades 100 feet down the rock wall in a stunning display.
The next elevation gain comes at you harder and throws in five switchbacks that grow in intensity. The trail heads up a 16% slope. On switchback #5, you’ll reach a narrower ledge with a steep drop. It reminded me a little of the ledge walk at Precipice Trail hike at Acadia National Park on a smaller scale.
Just around the bend, you’ll see Inspiration Point and a grassy, rock-mixed area to spread out. This is one of the best locations to see the sunrise at Grand Teton National Park. From here, go back the way you came to Jenny Lake.
Inspiration Point Elevation: via Jenny Lake Trail
Trail Length: 8-11 Miles
Trail Time: 2 Hours (more if you soak in the views)
Elevation Gain/Loss: About 400 feet gained on the ascent and 400 feet lost going down.
Difficulty: Depending on how you are with heights and steep grades (16%), easy or moderate.
I’m not going to lie, I liked the view of the mountains more than the view of the valley. That’s why I recommend skipping the boat tour and taking the Jenny Lake Trail around to the West Shore Boat Dock. I get goosebumps just thinking about the Jenny Lake Overlook.
In addition, if you have the energy, you can take the boat to the trailhead and then walk back around the lake. The views of the mountains rising before your eyes captivate you. You won’t even notice how far you’ve walked, and the lake felt more like a walk than a hike, but it’s still a trail and not a paved route.
At the same time, another option is to rent a kayak and paddle across to the trailhead. On a warm summer day, you can’t beat this experience at Grand Teton National Park.
Beyond Inspiration Point and Hidden Falls in Grand Teton
You’ll crave more adventure from Inspiration Point in Grand Teton as you’re standing at the mouth of Cascade Canyon.
Continue on the Cascade Canyon Trail to see a captivating glimpse into the majestic “Cathedral Group” of the Tetons.
Hikers steadily ascend past Valhalla Canyon, with the trail culminating at a fork. Ambitious hikers can opt to continue towards Lake Solitude or explore the Schoolroom Glacier and Hurricane Pass. For example, Lake Solitude is a 14.4-mile roundtrip. That takes anywhere from seven to 12 hours, depending on experience, speed, and stopping time. Give yourself plenty of time if you go the longer route – the views on this trail are legit.
VIDEO: Inspiration Point Grand Teton Hike
Map of Hike for Inspiration Point at Grand Teton
Pin Inspiration Point at Grand Teton
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