Lake Solitude via Cascade Canyon Hiking Guide
Lake Solitude sits in a high basin at the top of the North Fork of Cascade Canyon, and getting there in a day is one of the classic big hikes in the Tetons. Most of the distance is the gentle walk up Cascade Canyon; the real climbing comes in the last stretch above the Forks. Without the summer boat across Jenny Lake it becomes a very long day.
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. A backcountry permit is needed only to camp overnight. The optional Jenny Lake boat shuttle (2026: $20 adult round trip, $15 one way) cuts about 4 miles; it ran May 15 to September 30 in 2026.
How Far It Really Is
With the shuttle boat, the park puts Lake Solitude at 14.4 miles round trip and 2,670 feet of gain. Walking around Jenny Lake instead, the park says 18.3 miles and 2,910 feet; AllTrails, which also starts at the Jenny Lake trailhead, maps 18.4 miles and 2,749 feet and estimates eight and a half to nine hours. The boat's 2026 season ended September 30, so the stats block uses the walk-around distance.
The Route
You cross the lake or walk its south shore, climb past Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, then follow the relatively flat trail up Cascade Canyon to the Forks. Turn right toward Lake Solitude; the park says the trail climbs over the next 2.5 miles to the lake, with bridges, steps, roots, narrow sections and steep switchbacks. The trail continues past the lake over Paintbrush Divide and down Paintbrush Canyon, but the park warns the divide often holds snow into mid-July and should only be attempted with snow gear after talking to a ranger.
Snow and Turnaround Time
The park recommends this hike after snowmelt in summer and in fall before the first snow, and its trail reports this year had snow patches near the lake into early July. In October, days are short and storms can dust the upper canyon. Set a firm turnaround time so the last miles aren't in the dark, and tell someone your plan, as the park advises.
Bears, Fee and Gear
This is a long day in grizzly country. The park's advice is groups of three or more, regular calling out where you can't see ahead, bear spray in reach, and no headphones. Carry more water and food than you think, plus rain gear and warm layers. Before any of that, pay the park entrance fee: $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass, $20 for each hiker or cyclist 16 and over, or an annual pass; card only.
Hiking tips for Lake Solitude via Cascade Canyon
- Start at first light if walking around Jenny Lake; it's an 18-mile day.
- Treat the Forks as a decision point and check your pace before the final climb.
- Don't attempt Paintbrush Divide on snow without an ice axe and the experience to use it.
- Bring a water filter for refills from the creek rather than carrying everything.
- Leave a written plan with someone who isn't hiking.
Nearby trails to explore
- Cascade Canyon Trail (Grand Teton)
- Jenny Lake Loop
- String Lake Loop
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Lake Solitude is a long day that's safer and more fun with a steady partner. Use TrailMates to find Jackson Hole hikers heading to Lake Solitude. Download the TrailMates app to connect.