Wyoming · Hiking · Near Jackson

Inspiration Point

Inspiration PointPhoto: Buidhe — Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
0.7 mi
round trip
356 ft
climb
7,325 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Sep
best months

Is Inspiration Point open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Grand Teton National Park. It doesn't name Inspiration Point, so check the source for the area it covers.

  • Death Canyon Trailhead Construction Closure

    Park closure covering Grand Teton National Park · NPS · Grand Teton National Park

  • Construction in the South End of the Park

    Park alert covering Grand Teton National Park · NPS · Grand Teton National Park

  • Construction on HWY 26/89/191

    Park alert covering Grand Teton National Park · NPS · Grand Teton National Park

As of · Source: NPS · Grand Teton National Park. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

The view from Inspiration Point draws thousands of visitors each year. Jenny Lake lies below to the east and the Teton Range towers to the west. On a clear day, you can see the Yellowstone Plateau to the north, the Absaroka and Gros Ventre ranges to the east, and the Snake River Range to the south. You feel as though you are high in the mountains, yet you are only 420 feet above the lake below. You are standing at the mouth of Cascade Canyon that slices through the heart of the Teton Range inviting you to explore. Some hikers circle the north or south end of Jenny Lake to reach the west shore. Others take advantage of the Jenny Lake Shuttle Boat (fee charged) and shorten the hike by roughly 2 miles each way. From the west boat dock, the first half mile leads you to Hidden Falls, then the second half mile climbs steeply to Inspiration Point. Hike Information 5.7 miles round-trip, 3 hours, 870 ft total climbing. Moderate. Via shuttle boat: 1.8 miles round-trip, 2.5 hours. 550 ft total climbing. Easy. Name Origin This viewpoint offers a spectacular panoramic view of Jenny Lake and Jackson Hole to the east and the Cathedral Group to the west.

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Local outfitters

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  • Best time to go · Jun–Sep

    Best time to visit Inspiration Point

    Best months: June–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      24° / 1°

      14 wet · 14 snow

    2. Feb

      30° / 4°

      12 wet · 11 snow

    3. Mar

      39° / 12°

      12 wet · 9 snow

    4. Apr

      46° / 21°

      12 wet · 6 snow

    5. May

      56° / 31°

      12 wet · 2 snow

    6. Jun

      67° / 37°

      10 wet

    7. Jul

      77° / 42°

      8 wet

    8. Aug

      76° / 40°

      8 wet

    9. Sep

      66° / 34°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      51° / 25°

      9 wet · 3 snow

    11. Nov

      35° / 14°

      12 wet · 9 snow

    12. Dec

      24° / 4°

      15 wet · 14 snow

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Moran 5wnw, WY, 10.1 mi away at 6,805 ft. The station sits about 500 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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