Do you enjoy a hike with choices—taking the long way when there’s time or choosing a shorter version that better fits your schedule? The Hidden Falls hike in Grand Teton National Park near Jackson, Wyoming, does just that.
Alan and I have hiked this popular Grand Teton (official website) trail twice—the longer Jenny Lake trail and the shorter one that makes use of a shuttle boat across Jenny Lake to the Hidden Falls trailhead. While we recommend enjoying this trail in the fall, rather than during the busy summer season, it’s beautiful any time of year that you can manage it.
Need to gear up for a day hike? Be sure to scroll to the end of this article for my favorite day hiking gear.
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Tips for hiking to Hidden Falls in Grand Teton
Active boomers can hike the long way, reduce the miles with a one-way boat shuttle across Jenny Lake, or take the easy route that includes a round-trip journey across the water.
On our first fall visit to Grand Teton National Park, Alan and I started the long version of the Hidden Falls hike by walking around the lake’s south end to where Cascade Canyon trail leads to the falls. But on that trip, Alan had hurt his back playing handball.
By the time we reached the boat dock on the west side of Jenny Lake, he opted to wait for me. So I made the short hike up the trail to see Hidden Falls.
Enjoying Hidden Falls trail on a fall trip to Wyoming
Fast forward ten years, and we’re hiking to Hidden Falls again—one of our favorite fall national park hikes—this time with friends.
The journey into the park begins with a late start. We wisely choose to enjoy lunch at Jenny Lake Lodge before beginning the hike—I highly recommend the buffalo burger.
The Jenny Lake Visitor Center parking lot is crowded with tourists. Even though this is an easy hike in Grand Teton National Park, considering the late start, our small group of four opts for a round-trip boat shuttle across Jenny Lake to make sure that we actually see Hidden Falls. Although it’s after Labor Day, there are a number of visitors using the same strategy.
Boomer Travel Tip
A must for the trail: Hiking Grand Teton National Park (Falcon Guides).
The shuttle boat motors ten minutes across Jenny Lake providing a fine view of the Tetons along the way. Carved by glacier movement during the last ice age, the lake is over 250 feet deep. On this sunny September day, the dark blue lake sparkles with sunlight.
Reaching the other side of Jenny Lake, we exit the boat to begin the 1.2 mile round trip to Hidden Falls. Although the trail climbs steadily, it’s moderate enough that I don’t regret forgetting hiking poles.
Not a hiker? Choose the hour-long boat tour of Jenny Lake to enjoy the view and learn about the area’s history.
The hike to Hidden Falls is the most popular trail in Grand Teton National Park so we don’t find that quiet peacefulness that our hikes usually provide. However the continuous hiking traffic is probably a good deterrent to wildlife, especially bears. Although we didn’t bring bear spray, I would not hike this trail without it on a quiet day in the park.
To avoid the crowds, take the Hidden Falls trail in the morning before the boat launch begins operation. The hike will be longer but there’s more possibility to see wildlife and enjoy the view in a quieter setting.
The trail crosses Cascade Creek (on a bridge) before winding up the canyon. Partly shaded by trees, it’s a pleasant hike that’s accompanied by the sounds of water rushing, bird calls and the scampering of chipmunks through dry leaves.
Reaching Hidden Falls, we find a shady spot to sit among the crowd of visitors admiring the cascade that tumbles 100 feet into the appropriately named Cascade Canyon. Finally, Alan sees what he missed on that long ago trip to the Grand Tetons. And we remark to each other about how crowded this spot must be in the summer.
From Hidden Falls, it’s possible to continue another .5 miles to Inspiration Point. But on our visit, this access was closed due to trail rehab efforts, which meant hikers had to retrace their steps to the boat dock and then head out on the horse trail to make it to the scenic viewpoint—a journey we saved for another day.
To learn about the latest trail conditions and closures, check this page at the Grand Teton National park website.
Boomer Travel Tip
Check out more of our national park travel ideas.
More Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park
Add these easy to moderate hikes in the Grand Tetons to your list:
When you need a break from hiking, check some of the other boomer travel adventures in Grand Teton National Park:
- Enjoy a scenic float trip on the Snake River
- Look for wildlife on a morning wildlife safari adventure
- Admire the sunset on a 5-hour Grand Teton sunset experience.
- Or visit the geysers at Yellowstone National Park. It’s not that far!
Where to stay in Grand Teton National Park
On this trip, we stayed at the luxurious Four Seasons Resort in Jackson Hole. But Alan and I have also enjoyed a budget-friendly log cabin at Signal Mountain Lodge. Other in-the-park lodging that we’d like to try:
Gear up for your Hidden Falls day hike
Need to gear up for your hike? Here’s a day hiking shopping list filled with the items that I use on a day hike.
Day Hiking Essentials Shopping List
Would you rather purchase day hiking essentials all in one place? This Amazon shopping list makes it easy for you to buy what you need to be out on the trail in no time. Happy shopping!
Columbia Women's Benton Springs Full Zip Jacket, Soft Fleece with Classic Fit
A fleece jacket is perfect when your day hike begins on a cool spring or fall morning. Once you warm up, tie the jacket around your waist. That's what I do. It's also lightweight enough to easily stuff into a backpack. Buy one of the bright colors so your photo stands out from trail scenery.
Kirkland Signature Ladies' Water-Repellent Wind Resistant Softshell Jacket
This Kirkland jacket comes in many colors (I don't recommend black if you'll be wearing this in photos). I wear my red Kirkland Signature jacket on almost every adventure. The lining adds a bit of warmth, plus the outer shell is water repellent and wind resistant.
Waterproof Hiking Fanny Pack
How do we carry gear on a day hike? For short hikes, our choice is to wear a waterproof fanny pack that holds a water bottle on each side of the pack.
BAFX Adjustable Anti Shock Aluminum Hiking Poles for Walking or Trekking
Hiking poles take the pressure off hips and knees, especially on downhill portions of the trail. If you have a fear of heights, like me, hiking sticks offer stability and security.
HotHands Toe, Hand and Body Warmer Variety Pack
Your hands and toes will thank you for carrying adhesive warmers in your pack. They're perfect for when colder weather surprises you on the trail.
Osprey Packs Tempest Women's Hiking Backpack
The Osprey Tempest comes with cushioned shoulder pads and comfortable hip belts. It's my backpack choice for day hikes where I need to pack more gear in anticipation of changing weather conditions.
Tilley Endurables LTM6 Airflo Hat
My Tilley Endurables hat protects me from the sun, plus the mesh airflo vent keeps my head from overheating.
KEEN Women's Targhee Waterproof Hiking Boots
For rocky trails, I wear a tough hiking boot like the Keene Targhee.
Darn Tough Vermont Hiker Boot Full Cushion Sock
Darn tough cushion socks keep my feet dry and comfortable. Good hiking socks provide essential cushioning for those long days of exploring.
Columbia Women's Standard Saturday Trail II Convertible Pant, British Tan, 6 Regular
These stretch hiking pants look good enough to wear around town. The convertible feature is handy for warmer days. And, ladies, these Columbia pants also come in plus sizes.
LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle
The LifeStraw has a 2-stage integrated filter that protects against, microplastics, chlorine, organic chemical matter and sand, dirt, cloudiness and more. And your water will taste better, too!
HESTYA 4 Pack Mosquito Head and Face Netting
Avoid mosquito and insect bites with the Hestya mosquito head and face netting. Place the head netting over a hat and your neck and face will be protected. Comes in a set of four. This is perfect if you only occasionally hike in mosquito prone areas. Also easy to pack in your luggage.
Cliganic 10 Pack Mosquito Repellent Bracelets
Wear these DEET-free mosquito repellent bracelets on your wrists and ankles to avoid bug bites on the trail. Each coil is individually wrapped in a reusable pouch. The essential-oil infused coils last for 10 days or 250 hours.
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