Inspiration Point

Hikers are rewarded with spectacular views of Jenny Lake at Inspiration Point.

NPS Photo/J. Bonney

One of the most popular trails within the park, hiking to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point allows for spectacular views of Jenny Lake, a 100 ft cascading waterfall, and the Jackson Hole Valley. Visitors may choose to walk around the southern lakeshore or utilize the privately-run shuttle boat to cross the lake and shorten the hike. (If you are planning on using the shuttle, be sure to check their hours and prices. Tickets are purchased directly at the boat dock.) Once on the west side, the trail gently slopes up 200 ft in elevation towards Hidden Falls, a 100 ft tall cascade fed by snowmelt. Visitors wishing to hike further can continue up the trail another 0.5 mile to Inspiration Point, which provides a view above Jenny Lake and out into the Jackson Hole Valley, as well as a view of Cascade Canyon and the Cathedral Group: Mount Owen, Teewinot, and the Grand Teton.

Details

Duration

2-4 Hours

Inspiration Point Via Shuttle Boat 

Inspiration Point is an easy, 1.8 mi (2.9 km) RT out and back hike with 550 ft (170 m) of elevation gain.

If you are planning on using the shuttle boat, check their hours and prices. Tickets are purchased directly at the boat dock. 

Inspiration Point Via South Jenny Lake Loop Trail

Inspiration Point is a moderate, 5.7 mi (9.2 km) RT out and back hike with 870 ft (270 m) of elevation gain.

Activity

Hiking

Pets Allowed

No

Activity Fee

No

A general fee is charged to enter Grand Teton National Park.

Location

Jenny Lake

To access trails, drive down the Teton Park Road and turn at South Jenny Lake. Jenny Lake is a popular area and parking fills in mid-summer. Arrive before 9am to guarantee a parking spot. Pull fully off the road if parking along the shoulder.

Reservations

No

Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

The trail often contains snow throughout spring and can be slick in spots. Use caution when traveling over snow.

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

Accessibility Information

Inspiration Point Via Shuttle Boat 

Inspiration Point is an easy, 1.8 mi (2.9 km) RT out and back hike with 550 ft (170 m) of elevation gain with an average slope of 16%.

Inspiration Poin Via South Jenny Lake Loop Trail

Inspiration Point is a moderate, 5.7 mi (9.2 km) RT out and back hike with 870 ft (270 m) of elevation gain with an average slope of 10%.

The trail is dirt with several sections of rock stairs and exposed roots. The trail crosses exposed rock and features several steep switchbacks.