How to Kayak Jenny Lake to Hidden Falls & Inspiration Point in the Grand Tetons
How can you make the Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point Hike, one of the most popular hikes in Grand Teton National Park, into your own offbeat adventure?
Instead of taking the easy way, aka the shuttle boat, kayak across Lake Jenny to the trailhead to begin your ascend to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. With my awesome foldable kayak, Orukayak, this turned into my favorite activity in the Grand Tetons.
A Bit about Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is an incredible wilderness area located in Wyoming, and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore. Visitors can experience the park’s beauty through activities, such as wildlife viewing, hiking, or boating on alpine lakes (like Jenny Lake).
Grand Teton lies adjacent to Yellowstone National Park and provides visitors with stunning views of the jagged peaks of the Teton Range against a backdrop of lush forests and grassy meadows.
With a variety of hiking trails, campgrounds, and ranger-led programs available year-round, Grand Teton offers something for everyone who loves nature and wants to explore it responsibly.
Where is Jenny Lake?
Jenny Lake, Wyoming is a glacier-carved lake in Grand Teton National Park on the Jackson Hole Valley floor. It’s well known for its mountain views, which include massive peaks such as the Grand Teton and Teewinot Mountain.
With its crystal-clear waters and spectacular surroundings, Jenny Lake is one of the most popular destinations in Grand Teton National Park.
Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point Hike Logistics
Hiking to the top of Inspiration Point brings dazzling views of glacier-fed beautiful Jenny Lake and Jackson Hole Valley. Along the way, marvel at the only accessible waterfall in the Grand Tetons, Hidden Falls, a 100 feet picturesque waterfall cascading through the alpine forest.
There are three ways to arrive at the trailhead of Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, by foot or via boat across the shimmering waters of Jenny Lake.
- Most Popular: Take the Jenny Lake boat shuttle + 0.9 mile one-way hike to Inspiration Point via Hidden Falls
- Hiking Only: Jenny Lake Trailhead, which loops the lake 2.9 miles one way hike to Inspiration Point via Hidden Falls
- Adventurous Proposal: Kayak 1.5 miles across Jenny Lake + 0.9 mile one-way hike to Inspiration Point via Hidden Falls
Getting across Jenny Lake to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point via boat shuttle and the Lake Loop Trail is well-documented, so I’ll be focusing this post on the logistics of how to do this adventure with your own or rentak kayak.
Jenny Lake Kayaking in Grand Teton National Park
Courtesy of some compelling Instagram ads, at the beginning of 2021, I purchased a feat of modern engineering, a foldable kayak, Orukayak, that packs into the size of a large suitcase. The setup time takes 10 minutes, and the breakdown takes 5 minutes. I couldn’t recommend Orukayak enough.
When is the best time to Kayak Lake Jenny?
Teton Park Road, which leads to the Lake Jenny area and boat launch, is closed from November to May, leaving access only during the summer months.
Lake Jenny’s waters are typically calmer in the morning and turn rougher in the afternoon as the wind picks up.
The weather can also drastically change quickly, making the current difficult to paddle against. Check the weather before embarking on this adventure.
Boat Permit Fees in Grand Teton National Park
Even if you are saving money on your road trip with a National Park Pass, all motorized and non-motorized boats in Grand Teton National Park require an additional fee. Permits are good for the entire year and may be purchased online at recreation.gov or at Jenny Lake Visitor Center and Colter Bay Visitor Center.
- Motorized Boat Permit Fee: $75
- Non-motorized Boat Permit Fee: $25
Whether you purchase online or in-person, you will receive a sticker to place in a prominent position on your vessel.
If your boat is longer than 10 feet, it may be subject to AIS inspection, a check to prevent the spread of pathogens and invasive species.
Where do you Launch the Kayak in Jenny Lake?
If you own your own kayak or boat, begin your paddle at the Jenny Lake Boat Launch, just west of the Jenny Lake Boat Shuttle at the south end of Jenny Lake. At the South Jenny Lake junction on Teton Park Road, turn onto Lupine Meadows Road, then follow signs to a small gravel parking lot right at the river access.
If you are bringing a larger vessel or motorized boat, there is a proper boat ramp to unload and load your boat.
Bring your Own Kayak
If you’re in the market for a kayak, I couldn’t recommend my foldable kayak Orukayak more. I mean it literally folds into a medium suitcase that I put in the front seat of my van. I carry it everywhere and kayak everywhere.
But I’m not going to lie, Orukayak is an investment. So if you’re looking for another portable kayak option, Sevylor is one of the best kayak brands. on the market and they have inflatable options.
Jenny Lake Kayak Rental
Of course, embarking on this adventure would be easiest if you had your own kayak, but I understand it is not practical for most.
Jenny Lake Boating, which operates the shuttle service, also offers non-motorized boat rentals depending on the weather, water temperature, and wind conditions. Typically the season begins in late June or early July, ending in mid-September.
Kayaks and canoes are rented on a first-come, first-served basis with a waiting list if no more boats are available. Canoes can accommodate three adults, and kayaks can hold two paddlers.
Cost: $35/hour or $140/day
Boat rentals from Jenny Lake Boating will leave from East Boat Dock, and returns are expected back at the same location.
Kayaking Across Jenny Lake to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point
Get an early start if you plan on doing this kayak and hiking adventure. The shortest route is 1.5 miles across Jenny Lake to get to the Hidden Falls Trailhead, where Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point begin. For the average kayaker, this will take about 0.5 – 1hr, depending on the wind, how calm the lake’s waters are, and how experienced you are.
Beginner kayakers clock in at approximately 2 mph, while experienced kayakers can reach maximum speeds of 5 mph.
The Jenny Lake waters are calmer in the morning and start to get choppy later in the afternoon. Follow along the ferry route at a safe distance, paddling toward the prominent Teewinot Mountain and Mount Owen peaks. Make sure to stay out of the way of the Jenny Lake Boat Shuttle, which runs back and forth every 10-15 minutes and causes heavy turbulence.
Docking your Kayak at the Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point Trailhead
Whether rental or self-owned, don’t lose your boat while you go hiking Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. Pull your boat up out of the water or tie your boat to a tree.
I had no rope, so I docked my kayak on land at a nearby small island on the west side of Jenny Lake and crossed a small stream to arrive at the trailhead. Although safer, the stream turned out to be deeper than expected, even with my muck boots. So I’m not sure I would recommend this, especially during a colder time of year.
Hiking to Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point & Cascade Canyon
Start your hike as everyone else. Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point is a popular hike in Grand Teton National Park, so do not expect to be alone on the trails.
How hard is the hike to Hidden Falls and Inspirations Point?
The scenic hike is rated as moderate with a total elevation gain of 500 feet and takes 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete.
If you are hiking the full Jenny Lake loop, it will be mostly flat except for the final uphill section from the west shore boat dock to Inspiration Point.
Warning: Snowy conditions can last well into late spring, so be careful on your way up and down as areas can be extremely slick with ice and sleet.
Hidden Falls Trail in Grand Teton National Park
On your way up to Inspiration Point, tack on a short spur trail to Hidden Falls to see the only accessible waterfall in Grand Teton National Park.
In a park set in glacial mountains and alpines lakes – surprising, huh?
Inspiration Point in Grand Teton National Park
After another 0.5 mile hike up the main trail from Hidden Falls, you will reach one of Grand Teton’s most famous vantage points, Inspiration Point. This viewing area features gorgeous views of Lake Jenny and Jackson Hole.
Bonus: the squirrels and chipmunks are extremely friendly (or aggressive) up here. I think they got fed one too many peanuts and snacks, and they will literally climb up your leg if they believe you have snacks to steal.
Cascade Canyon Trailhead in Grand Teton National Park
If it’s still early in the day and you want to resume the hiking experience, Inspiration Point is at the mouth of Cascade Canyon.
Walking another 3.7 miles from Inspiration Point, the Cascade Canyon Trail follows Cascade Creek, eventually forking into North Fork Cascades Creek and South For Cascades Creek. You can continue in either direction.
You can turn back whenever you like as this trail is very long.
Heading Back to Lake Jenny from Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point
After soaking in the gorgeous sights of Hidden Lake and Inspiration Point, it’s time to head back the same way you came. Pick up your kayak and start paddling back across Lake Jenny to the Lake Jenny Boat Launch or the East Boat Dock.
Can you Kayak from Leigh Lake to Jenny?
If you would like to extend your Hidden Falls & Inspiration Point adventure or do an all-day kayaking day, you can paddle to the northern side of Lake Jenny to reach String Lake.
The distance between the String Lake entrance and the Jenny Lake Boat Launch is approximately two miles so ensure you have enough time in the day to return before nightfall. Paddling up String Lake, you can portage over to Leigh Lake for a unique, secluded perspective of the Teton mountains.
Unlike Lake Jenny, String Lake and Leigh Lake are more suitable for beginners as they offer calmer waters. But I don’t believe there is a designated boat launch closer than the one that Jenny Lake provides.
Other Great Places to Kayak in Grand Teton National Park
Snake River
Tighten your helmet and lifejacket as Snake River offers white water rafting and fantastic kayaking. There are many river access points. Just make sure to avoid rapids that you cannot handle.
I have done a kayak run at the Oxbow Bend Turnout ending at Deadman’s Bar Float. This approximately 12-mile float was swift but had no rapids that a total beginner couldn’t handle.
Jackson Lake
Jackson Lake, the largest lake in Grand Teton National Park, offers a few boat ramps: Leeks Marina, Colter Bay Village, Jackson Lake Dam, and Signal Mountain Lodge. In the south, ride around Donoho Point Island or Elk Island.
Like Lake Jenny, waters on Jackson Lake get choppy, especially when winds pick up later in the afternoon.
Where to Stay near Jenny Lake, Jackson Hole, WY
Jackson Hole is the closest town to Grand Tetons. It’s a charming town, yet it can be pretty pricy for budget-minded roadtrippers and travelers. To help make you stay comfy, here are two highly rated options with varying rates, along with a map so that you may check all your possibilities.
THE BEST HOTEL IN JACKSON WITH MOUNTAIN VIEWS – Hotel Jackson
In a prime location in the heart of Jackson, book a stay at Hotel Jackson, arguably the best hotel in the whole town. With the surrounding snowcapped mountains as the view for your spacious and elegantly appointed rooms, it can only be topped with its top-of-the-line amenities, like its sparkling indoor swimming pool and fitness center.
HOMEY WESTERN-INSPIRED INN – Parkway Inn of Jackson Hole
Stay at the Parkway Inn of Jackson Hole for a cozy and authentic mountain getaway. This homey, western-inspired inn is perfect for those seeking a warm and inviting retreat. Relax before the fireplace, take in the stunning mountain vistas from your balcony, or unwind in the indoor pool after a long day at the slopes.
Final Thoughts: Kayaking Jenny Lake to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point
Kayaking Jenny Lake to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point is one way of taking a popular route and turning it into your own little adventure. This method may not be for everyone, but the challenge in the journey somehow makes you a little more grateful for the beautiful views at the top of Inspiration Point.
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Catherine Xu is the founder and author of Nomadicated, an adventure travel blog that helps travelers cross off their bucket list. Since discovering traveling in 2015, she has lived and journeyed to 65 countries across 5 continents and vanlifed the west coast USA for 2+ years. These days, she splits her time in Southeast Asia and California while sharing her travel stories and resources based on first-hand experiences. Catherine's other works has been referenced in major publications like MSN, Self, and TripSavvy.