Grand Teton National Park

Lake Solitude

Strong Day HikersPeak BaggersPhotographers
2.5 mi Distance
9-13 hours Estimated Time
roundtrip Trail Type

What to Expect

This is one of the Tetons' great all-day epics — a journey that earns every inch of its reputation. Most hikers shave off a few miles by catching the shuttle boat across Jenny Lake, then climbing through Cascade Canyon where granite walls tower on both sides and the creek keeps you company. The canyon stretch is deceptively mellow, lulling you into thinking you got off easy. Then the trail turns right at the Forks and starts climbing in earnest — the final push to the lake gains serious elevation through increasingly sparse terrain. When you finally crest the last rise and see Lake Solitude sitting in its glacial bowl beneath the Cathedral Group, the exhaustion converts instantly to awe. The water is impossibly clear, the peaks feel close enough to touch, and you'll understand why people keep coming back despite the mileage. Strong hikers who want a full-body Teton experience will be in heaven.
Strong Day HikersPeak BaggersPhotographersSolitude SeekersWildflower Season

Safety Advisory

Afternoon thunderstorms roll in fast and hit hard above treeline — the final approach to Lake Solitude is fully exposed with nowhere to shelter. Plan to reach the lake by early afternoon and start descending before storms build.

This is prime grizzly bear country, especially in Cascade Canyon. Carry bear spray in an accessible holster, make noise on blind corners, and know how to use the spray before you need it — fumbling with the safety tab while a grizzly charges is not the time to read instructions.

Snow lingers on the upper trail well into July most years. The final switchbacks can be treacherous on steep snow without microspikes or an ice axe — turn around if conditions are beyond your comfort level.

Trail Details

Distance 2.5 miles round-trip
Estimated Time 9-13 hours
Trail Type roundtrip
Pets Not allowed
Season Lake Solitude is best accessed in summer after the snow melts and in fall before the first snow arrives. Hikers should use caution when traveling over snow and not attempt Lake Solitude unless they have previous snow experience and the proper equipment.
Trailhead Lake Solitude

Pro Tips

Trail Tip

Take the Jenny Lake shuttle boat on the way up — it cuts roughly four miles of flat lakeside walking and saves your legs for the real climbing ahead. Buy your ticket early because the line gets ugly by mid-morning.

Trail Tip

Start before 7 AM to beat the shuttle crowds and afternoon thunderstorms. The canyon stays shaded in the morning, keeping temperatures manageable during the hardest stretch of climbing.

Trail Tip

Hike the return trip around the south shore of Jenny Lake instead of waiting for the boat back — the late-afternoon light on the Tetons from the lakeshore trail is some of the best photography in the park, and your legs will appreciate the flat finish.

Photos

A small lake surrounded by mountains reflects the mountainous scenery on its calm surface.NPS Photo/J. Bonney

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Explore Grand Teton National Park

8 campgrounds, 60 trails, 3.6M annual visitors

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