Hiking the Inspiration Point Trail via Jenny Lake Visitor Center in Grand Teton National Park
Distance: 5.7 miles / 9.2 km
Inspiration Point is one of the best effort-to-reward trails in Grand Teton National Park.
For the most part, the Jenny Lake Trail to Inspiration Point is a relatively flat hike, with very little elevation gain until the very end. That’s where the trail splits off from the popular Hidden Falls Trail to climb a series of switchbacks up above Jenny Lake.
For the most adventurous type of person, the Inspiration Point Trail is one of the best sunrise hikes in Grand Teton, as it’s one of the few overlooks that rises above the forest canopy and faces east!
Jenny Lake Visitor Center Parking
While the trail to Inspiration Point could begin from a number of different directions, the most popular trailhead is by far the Jenny Lake Visitor Center, which is the direction that this post is written.
That being said, be sure to arrive early, regardless of which trailhead you choose to begin.
I say this because the parking lot at the Jenny Lake Visitor Center, along with other trailheads, will fill up completely between 9-10 a.m. during the busy summer season, which can require visitors to park up to a half-mile away from the trailhead.
Google Maps Directions: Inspiration Point Trailhead
Hiking Checklist - Yellowstone-Tetons
Here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in the Yellowstone-Teton area.
Hiking the Inspiration Point Trail
From the Jenny Lake Visitor Center, the Inspiration Point Trail begins at the Jenny Lake Trailhead, located just past visitor center and the bathrooms.
Jenny Lake Loop
Once at the Jenny Lake Loop, turn left to continue toward the Jenny Lake Boat Shuttle, which is the fastest route to Inspiration Point.
Jenny Lake Boat Shuttle
Then, turn right to walk past the Jenny Lake Boat Dock.
While you could cut out most of the hike around Jenny Lake by taking the shuttle, I recommend hiking around Jenny Lake at least one way, as the Jenny Lake Loop Trail along the shoreline is the best way to truly enjoy the beautiful alpine-blue water and potentially see wildlife!
In my experience, bears can and will be found on any trail in Grand Teton National Park.
However, they tend to be less common on busy trails, like the Hidden Falls/ Inspiration Point side of Jenny Lake.
Valley Trail (Lower Moose Ponds) Junction
The next junction on the Jenny Lake Loop is the Valley Trail, which is also a part of the Moose Ponds Loop Trail that uses a short part of the Jenny Lake Trail to complete the loop around the ponds.
That being said, the Moose Ponds Loop Trail is one of the best trails in Grand Teton to see wildlife in the park. Therefore, to learn more about how to better your chances, I highly recommend checking out my separate article.
Read My Separate Post: Moose Ponds Loop Trail
Upper Moose Ponds Loop Junction
Shortly after the Valley Trail connection, the Jenny Lake Loop Trail will pass by the upper Moose Ponds Loop junction.
Again, I highly recommend treating the Moose Ponds Loop as an entirely separate hike, especially if you want the unique opportunity to see wildlife within the park.
Read My Separate Post: Moose Ponds Loop Trail
Jenny Lake Horse Trail Junction
At a few points around the Jenny Lake, the trail splits into both a foot traffic and horse trail.
In this case, go right to stay on the foot traffic trail around Jenny Lake.
Once on the back side of Jenny Lake, you’ll have the opportunity to see some of the deepest, clearest, and bluest water along the shoreline.
This can be a great place to fish if you have a valid Wyoming fishing license or go for a swim in the cold, alpine waters of Jenny Lake.
Inspiration Point-Jenny Lake Loop Junction
At the Hidden Falls-Inspiration Point junction, go left to continue up the trail toward Inspiration Point.
The trail to the right continues toward the West Jenny Lake Boat Dock, the Lake of the Crags Trail, and the full Jenny Lake Loop Trail.
Inspiration Point-West Boat Dock Junction
The first turn that you will come across is a short connection with the West Jenny Lake Boat Dock, where the shuttle would have dropped you off if you had taken it across the lake.
Inspiration Point-Hidden Falls Junction
At the next split past the horse trail connection, go right for Inspiration Point.
The trail to the left is the path to Hidden Falls, which you can read more about in my separate post.
I think it’s worth noting that the switchbacks up to Inspiration Point may not be the best kid-friendly option.
At certain points, the cliffs to the side of the trail are very steep and dramatic, which is why I recommend keeping them close by when hiking with young kids.
Read My Separate Post: Hidden Falls
Once across Cascade Stream, the Inspiration Point Trail will being climbing a series of five switchbacks until you arrive at the overlook about 420 ft. (128 m) above Jenny Lake.
Cascade Canyon-String Lake Junction
The junction at the top is the direction that you would likely have come from if you began at the String Lake Trailhead or took the boat shuttle across Jenny Lake.
Additionally, this is also the way to go for the much longer hikes up Cascade Canyon, which tend to be longer backpacking adventures for most people looking to get into the Teton backcountry.
Inspiration Point
This beautiful east-facing view above Jenny Lake is why I believe that Inspiration Point may be one of the best sunrise hikes in Grand Teton National Park.
There simply aren’t many viewpoints within a short day hiking distance that I would say this about.
