Cascade Canyon Trail (Grand Teton) Hiking Guide
Cascade Canyon is the easiest way into the heart of the Tetons: past Inspiration Point the trail runs up a glacier-carved valley between Teewinot and Mount St. John with the Grand Teton overhead. It gains surprisingly little once you're in the canyon, and you can turn back wherever you like. The big variable is the boat across Jenny Lake.
Permit: Grand Teton National Park charges an entrance fee: $35 per private vehicle, $30 per motorcycle or $20 per person on foot or bike (16 and older), each valid 7 days; the park annual pass is $70 and the America the Beautiful pass ($80) also covers entry. Non-US residents 16 and older pay an extra $100 per person unless entering on an annual or America the Beautiful pass. The park is cashless. No permit is needed for a day hike. The optional Jenny Lake boat shuttle (2026: $20 adult round trip, $15 one way) shortens the hike; it ran May 15 to September 30 in 2026.
Boat or No Boat
To the Forks of Cascade Canyon the park gives 9.4 miles round trip with 1,480 feet of gain if you take the shuttle, and 13.3 miles with 1,720 feet if you walk around Jenny Lake's south shore. AllTrails also lists the boat version at 9.4 miles but with only 1,102 feet of gain. Our stats block uses the park's walk-around figure, since the shuttle runs only in summer: in 2026 its last day was September 30.
On the Trail
The first stretch climbs past Hidden Falls and up stone steps to Inspiration Point, including an exposed last flight with no rail. Beyond the point the park says the trail climbs gradually, a bit over 500 feet, crossing small streams and rock slides on crushed rock and dirt. The canyon floor follows Cascade Creek with the Grand Teton, Mount Owen and Teewinot above. At the Forks the trail splits toward Lake Solitude to the north and Hurricane Pass to the south.
Wildlife in the Canyon
The park points to moose, bears and pika in Cascade Canyon. Give large animals room; the park's rule for bears is 100 yards. Hike in a group of at least three, speak up where the creek noise covers your approach, and keep bear spray within reach. Don't drop your pack if a bear approaches: the park says that teaches bears to go after packs.
Snow, Season and Access
The park says the canyon often holds snow until early or mid summer and advises against snow travel without experience and gear. Fall is a good window, with sunny days and cold nights, but storms can bring early snow. Cars can reach the Jenny Lake Trailhead only while the Teton Park Road is open, May 1 through October 31. Entry costs $35 per vehicle or $20 per hiker for seven days, and the park's gates accept cards only.
Hiking tips for Cascade Canyon Trail (Grand Teton)
- Count on the 13.3-mile walk-around after the boat stops at the end of September.
- Pick a turnaround time rather than a destination; the canyon is good wherever you stop.
- Give moose plenty of room; they can be as dangerous as bears up close.
- Carry plenty of water; the park says dehydration is common at this elevation.
- Ask at the Jenny Lake Visitor Center about snow if hiking early in summer.
Nearby trails to explore
- Lake Solitude via Cascade Canyon
- Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point at Jenny Lake
- Jenny Lake Loop
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Cascade Canyon is a full day into the range, and the park recommends a group of three in bear country. Use TrailMates to find Jackson Hole hikers heading to Cascade Canyon. Download the TrailMates app to connect.