Forks of Cascade Canyon

Starting from the west shore of Jenny Lake (or the east shore if you want to add a few flat miles), you'll follow Cascade Creek into one of the most dramatic glacially carved canyons in the Rockies. The trail is deceptively gentle — the canyon floor stays relatively flat while cathedral walls of granite rise thousands of feet on either side, with the Grand Teton and Mount Owen looming overhead like they're judging your fitness level. The path is well-maintained and mostly shaded by spruce and fir, with the creek providing a constant soundtrack. At the fork, the canyon splits — North Fork heads toward Lake Solitude, South Fork toward the Alaska Basin. Either direction rewards you with increasingly wild alpine scenery and thinning crowds. This is the trail for hikers who want big Teton views without the knee-destroying vertical that most routes in this range demand.