There’s something wildly liberating about rolling into a national park solo, climbing out of your rig, and heading straight for the trail. On a recent solo trip in Dustcatcher (my trusty truck camper), I got to experience that kind of freedom firsthand in Grand Teton National Park—and I want to help you do the same!
Whether you’re looking for an easy intro hike or want to skip the crowds for a more secluded experience, this guide has you covered.
Why This Trail?
Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point offer the perfect balance: iconic views, manageable mileage, and a range of hiking options depending on your preference for solitude, scenery, or convenience.
My goals for this solo hike:
- Stay on a well-traveled trail (hello, bear safety).
- Nothing too strenuous.
- Avoid peak-season bottlenecks when possible.
- Soak up jaw-dropping views. ✅
Know Your Options: Routes to Hidden Falls & Inspiration Point
1. Most Popular (2.1-mile loop)
- Take the Jenny Lake boat shuttle ($20 round trip for adults).
- From the dock hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point.
- 580 feet elevation gain.
- Ideal for: families, limited time, or those who don’t mind crowds.
2. My Choice: The Scenic Out-and-Back (5.4 miles total)
- Park at String Lake Trailhead.
- Route: String Lake Loop → Jenny Lake Loop → North Cascade Creek Trail → Hidden Falls → Inspiration Point.
- 728 feet elevation gain.
- Ideal for: anyone wanting a quieter, more immersive experience.
👉 Pro Tip: Arrive before 10am for a decent shot at parking in early summer. In early June I showed up right around 10:30am and ended up waiting about 5 minutes before a spot opened, which still wasn’t bad. But… I hear things only get busier in the summer 😉
Trail Highlights
🌲 String Lake Trail:
Peaceful, scenic, and wildly underrated. This stretch alone made the extra miles worth it—stunning views of Jenny Lake and the surrounding peaks, all with just enough foot traffic to feel safe but not crowded.
💦 Hidden Falls:
Yes, it’s crowded. But yes, it’s also completely worth it. The falls thunder with snowmelt, the mist cools your face, and the raw power of nature drowns out the noise—literal and metaphorical.
🏞 Inspiration Point:
The name doesn’t lie. From up here, Jenny Lake sparkles, Cascade Creek roars below you, and the towering Teton peaks feel close enough to touch. Fewer people make it this far which adds to the serenity of the view.
Solo Hiking Tips (Especially in Bear Country)
- 🐻 Carry bear spray—and know how to use it.
- 🎶 Talk, clap, or play music in more remote stretches.
- 📱 Download offline maps before you lose service.
- 🧢 Dress in layers—weather can shift fast.
- 🚶♀️ Choose well-traveled trails if you’re hiking alone.
- 📷 Take a pic of the trail map before you head out.
- 💡 Tell someone your plan.
Final Thoughts
Whether you take the shuttle or trek the longer route like I did, Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point are worthy destinations. Personally, if I’m able I’ll always choose a slightly longer, quieter hike over a crowded shortcut. And honestly, solo hiking in the Tetons wasn’t intimidating thanks to my having realistic goals and planning ahead. So get out and EXPLORE, even if it’s solo!
