Grand Teton National Park (Part 2)

Exploring Grand Teton National Park with family.

Hidden Falls to Cascade Canyon Trail

Per request… on day one with family, we to head down to Jenny Lake and take the boat shuttle across for the Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point, and Cascade Canyon Trail. It’s five miles (part of the trail is still blocked by snow) and 866 feet of elevation to reach incredible views and multiple water cascades in addition to the promised waterfall.

We know from the last few days that the key to getting a parking spot here is to arrive early. So, we do and are able to walk right on to a shuttle. I believe this was also helped by the unplanned closure of the Teton Pass this weekend and the additional two hour travel time the detour adds for accessing the park.

South Cascade Creek Trail

Shortly after leaving the boat, we see this on the South Cascade Creek Trail… I originally think this is Hidden Falls; but no, that’s still up the trail.

Hidden Falls

A short deviation from the main trail leads to this beautiful 100 foot drop waterfall.

Inspiration Point

Next, we head up the trail to Inspiration Point. The trail up is steep, narrow, rocky, and there are no rails along the side. So, it’s not for the faint of heart, those with balance issues, or for those afraid of heights. We passed quite a few people clinging to the rock wall on the inside edge (downward lane) of the trail both going up and again coming down the trail.

Cascade Canyon

Once we leave Inspiration Point, we head inland along the Cascade Canyon Trail. We didn’t make it to the snow cutoff; but went quite a way before turning around. Several hikers we passed said they’d seen moose and that it was just up around the next bend; which of course prompted us to go further. But each time it was already gone. However, we did see some really good cascades and mountain views along the way.

North Cascade Creek Trail

On the way back to the boat, we went along the North Cascade Creek Trail to get some different views.

Surprise at the Boat Dock

When we arrive at the boat dock, we see the elusive moose we’ve been looking for throughout the hike. Not the same one of course; but this one is nice enough to stand still for us so we can get some descent photos. And when he turns, we can see a large scar/wound on his side. This definitely makes standing in the shuttle line more enjoyable.

Boat Ride Back

Due to a medical emergency on board, our ride back is very quick. And at the other end, it’s pretty clear the gentleman has a severe case of dehydration if not heat stoke. Hopefully, he’s ok.

As for us, we head back to the truck for lunch only to quickly give up our parking spot to one of the people circling the lot. We end up having lunch at one of the pullouts just up the road.

Phelps Lake, Lake Creek, and Woodland Loop Trail

The following day we set our early again to make sure we get a parking spot at the popular Lawrence S. Rockefeller Preserve Trailhead and it’s really small parking lot. As we enter we can see the permanent lane set up for waiting vehicles, which is thankfully empty. We quickly secure our parking spot and head out on the trail.

Views Along The Trail

Phelps Lake

Flora & Fauna

This ~6.6 mile, 867 foot elevation loop trail is very enjoyable and offers a lot of opportunity to see wildlife. However, there’s one section that goes through dense bushes, so I wouldn’t recommend doing it without bear spray and making a lot of noise along the way (at least through this section).

Sawmill Ponds Overlook

After finishing the hike, we pass the expected line of cars waiting to park. So, we quickly hop back in the truck and take off to the Sawmill Ponds Overlook to eat our lunch.

Coulter Bay

It’s our final day in the park, so we decide to stick around Coulter Bay and explore on foot.

Swan Lake & Heron Pond Loop

This is a repeat of the hike we did as couple the afternoon the family arrived; but as it’s easily accessed on foot from the campground and cabins, we decide to do it as a family in the morning. The afternoon is definitely better as the lighting is more conducive to taking pictures, and there are significantly fewer bugs. The mosquitos definitely ruined this morning hike for everyone.

Canoeing Jackson Lake

In the afternoon, we decide to head out on Jackson Lake for some canoeing to see if we can find any animals along the shore of the islands not accessible via land.

Unexpected Weather Delay

As we head out we see a large black cloud and then instantly hear thunder. So, we temporarily separate from the family to quickly head back to the camper and put everything away. After that’s accomplished we head down to the marina to be available when they begin renting canoes again.

Once the weather passes, we’re first in line and head out on the lake shortly after the rest of the family joins us. We set out on the suggested route; and after one doing one donut we get on the same page and begin moving in the right direction. Everything starts out well; but after spotting another very ominous cloud coming over the Tetons, our relaxing paddle turns into a race against the weather once again. We complete the full route and arrive back at the dock (under two hours later) to see that they’re in another weather hold.

The only animals we managed to see were a deer (resting in the grass), a mouse, and a beaver dam (minus the beaver). We did manager some really cool pictures from the water.

Despite not being what we intended, we did enjoy the afternoon and now we’re quite hungry. As we’re sitting at the marina deciding what to do next, a family passes by with pizza boxes. I ask them “How’s the pizza?” and much to my surprise they reply that they ordered way too much and offer us each a slice. It’s delicious, so we head to the cafe in the village to order our own for an early dinner.

It’s now time to say “Goodbye!” to part of the family, while the rest of us will meet up again tomorrow to continue exploring a new location.

Next stop… Mesa Falls Scenic Byway