Lake Solitude

A small lake surrounded by mountains reflects the mountainous scenery on its calm surface.

This is a lung-busting alpine assault: 14.4 miles and 2,670 feet of elevation gain via the shuttle boat (or 18.3 miles if you hike the full loop). The reward is an ice-cold alpine lake at 9,000 feet ringed by soaring granite peaks with abundant wildlife and views that justify every switchback. Expect steep terrain, constant elevation gain, exposed alpine conditions, and 9 to 13 hours of grit. This is not a casual walk.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 14.4
Route Type: Out and back (with optional extension to Paintbrush-Cascade Loop)
Difficulty Level: Strenuous—lung buster. 2,670 feet of relentless elevation gain in 7.2 miles.
Elevation Gain Feet: 2670

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 14.4
Route Type: Out and back (with optional extension to Paintbrush-Cascade Loop)
Difficulty Level: Strenuous—lung buster. 2,670 feet of relentless elevation gain in 7.2 miles.
Elevation Gain Feet: 2670
Estimated Time: 9 to 13 hours (day hike) depending on fitness and acclimatization
Trail Surface: Dirt and stone with steps, exposed roots, rocks, and steep switchbacks. Well-worn from heavy use.
Trail Features: Alpine lake at 9,000 feet
Granite peaks and cirque
Cascade Canyon views
Mountain meadows
Wildlife viewing opportunities
Clear mountain streams
Trail Highlights: Lake Solitude sits in a granite cirque at 9,000 feet, surrounded by soaring Teton peaks. This is high-altitude alpine country with clear cold water, abundant wildlife (mule deer, elk, marmots, pikas), and unobstructed views of the Teton Range and Jenny Lake below. The lake is a reward hike—worth every switchback.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Jenny Lake Trailhead, accessed via South Jenny Lake. Drive the Teton Park Road and turn at South Jenny Lake. Follow signs to the trailhead parking area.
Parking Fill Time: By 9am mid-week; by 8am on summer weekends (mid-summer peak season)
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: Optional shuttle boat across Jenny Lake cuts 4.4 miles from the route and saves 240 feet of elevation. Tickets purchased directly at the boat dock. Check jennylakeboating.com for seasonal hours and prices. Shuttle fills up by mid-morning in peak season.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: Not required for day hiking. Backcountry permits ARE required for overnight stays in the canyon. Visit nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/back.htm to apply.
Fees: $35 per private vehicle (valid 7 days). $20 per person if entering on foot, bicycle, or motorcycle.
Trail Status: Open (seasonal conditions apply—snow and ice may hazard or close the trail before late June)
Seasonal Closures: Paintbrush Divide (northern extension) holds snow through mid-July in most years and is dangerous without alpine travel skills. Main trail is snow-free by mid-July. Season ends with first major snowfall in September or early October.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: Filter at streams in Cascade Canyon (before Forks junction). Above the forks, water is scarce—the trail is dry on the switchback climb to Lake Solitude. Carry 2-3L from the start. Do not rely on finding water at the lake.
Accessibility: Rooty and steep. Trail obstacles include steps, exposed roots, rocks, and narrow sections with steep switchbacks. Very strenuous elevation gain. Not wheelchair accessible. Extremely challenging for those with mobility limitations or balance issues.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Altitude (9,000 feet)
Steep switchbacks and exposure
Dehydration on dry terrain
Early-season snow and ice
Lightning during afternoon thunderstorms
Wildlife encounters (bears, mountain lions)
Loose rock on descent
Hazard Details: The elevation gain is relentless—2,670 feet of climbing compressed into 7.2 miles creates a constant lung-burner. Switchbacks are steep and sometimes narrow, with drop-offs that require careful footwork. Alpine exposure is serious; you are above treeline and exposed to sun and weather. Snow lingers on Paintbrush Divide through mid-July and is dangerous without proper gear. Afternoon thunderstorms develop rapidly at altitude and can be violent—lightning, hail, and hypothermia are real risks. Bears are present in Cascade Canyon and Lake Solitude basin; make noise and carry bear spray. Loose rock increases descent risk—many injuries happen on the way down.
Cell Service: No reliable service. Assume you have zero signal. Carry a satellite messenger or InReach device.
Crowd Level: Conga line—this is one of the most popular trails in Grand Teton. Expect heavy foot traffic, especially mid-July through August and on weekends.
Peak Crowd Times: Mid-July through August, especially weekends and holidays (9am-3pm). Weekday mornings before 8am are noticeably quieter.
Best Season: Summer (mid-July through early September) and early fall (September)
Best Time To Visit: Early July through late September. Start by 6am to beat crowds and avoid afternoon thunderstorms. The shuttle boat operates seasonally—check jennylakeboating.com for current hours. Avoid early season (before mid-July) unless you have snow travel gear and Paintbrush Divide experience.
Tips Advice: Carry 2-3L water minimum—the trail is dry above Cascade Canyon and altitude increases fluid needs.
Bring trekking poles—they save your knees on the descent and improve stability on steep sections.
Start before 6am. Afternoon thunderstorms develop fast at altitude and can be violent.
Make noise while hiking—bears are present. Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
The shuttle boat saves 4.4 miles and 240 feet of elevation—arrive early to secure tickets.
Pace yourself. The relentless switchbacks and altitude will test your grit. Stop and acclimate if you feel lightheaded.
Tighten your boots before the descent—loose footwork on steep terrain is how people get hurt.

More details

Park Area: Jenny Lake
Trail Markers: Well-marked from Jenny Lake Trailhead through Cascade Canyon and Forks junction. Clear signs point toward Lake Solitude. The switchback trail to the lake is obvious and well-worn. Navigation is straightforward under normal conditions.
Dogs Allowed: No
Biking Allowed: No
Shade Level: Full sun alpine exposure. Tree cover below Forks of Cascade Canyon (~3 miles); above that, zero shade. Sun exposure is relentless at altitude—wear SPF 50+ and a hat.
Emergency Contacts: Jenny Lake Ranger Station (on-site during summer operations). Contact via ranger station in person or refer to nps.gov/grte for emergency procedures. Assume no cell service—carry satellite device for backcountry emergencies.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Paintbrush Divide holds snow through mid-July in average years. Avoid the northern extension unless you are confident in snow travel skills and have an ice axe. Main trail to Lake Solitude is snow-free by late June in most years.
Insider Tips: The shuttle boat is not optional in mid-summer—the 4.4-mile shortcut is worth the wait. Arrive by 7am for tickets.
At Forks of Cascade Canyon, hang a right and don't stop at the viewpoint—Lake Solitude is another 2.5 miles of relentless climbing.
False summit at 8,500 feet will tempt you to quit. Keep pushing another 15 minutes; the actual lake is past it.
Water in Cascade Canyon is available for filtering. There is nothing above the forks—do not run dry.
Descents are harder than ascents on this terrain. Start at 6am and be off the mountain by 4pm to avoid lightning exposure.
The most peaceful moment is dawn at the lake before crowds arrive. If you camp overnight (permit required), wake before sunrise.
Family Friendly Notes: Not family-friendly. The 9-13 hour duration and 2,670-foot elevation gain are beyond most families. Steep drop-offs and narrow sections require constant attention. High altitude exposure can affect children unpredictably. Minimum age for this hike: 14+ with advanced fitness and prior alpine experience.
Nearby Facilities: Jenny Lake area services (in-summer): visitor center, ranger station, picnic areas, boat rentals. Dornans Resort nearby for supplies. No food, water, or lodging on the trail.
Review Summary: Hikers report the relentless elevation gain and altitude are humbling, but the alpine lake in a granite cirque makes every switchback worth it. Early starters (before 6am) experience solitude; late arrivals contend with crowds. The shuttle boat is life-changing if you can secure tickets. Most hikers describe the descent as harder than the ascent—don't underestimate the physical toll.

Frequently asked questions

Can I do this trail?

You need solid fitness—this is strenuous, not casual. Prior high-altitude hiking (8,000+ feet) helps manage altitude shock. If a 10-mile hike with 2,000 feet of elevation is your max, you will struggle. The last 2.5 miles are relentless climbing. Honest assessment: Are you fit? Can you climb 500+ feet per hour? If yes, do it.

Is it safe to hike alone?

Yes, but tell someone your plan and expected return time. Bears are present—make noise, carry bear spray, and know how to use it. Cell service is unreliable; assume you have no signal. A satellite messenger is smart. If you twist an ankle above Forks, rescue will take hours. Hike with a buddy if possible.

Do I need trekking poles?

Yes. Poles save your knees on the 2,670-foot descent and provide stability on steep sections. They also improve your pace on the climbs. Not optional—bring them.

What about altitude?

Lake Solitude is at 9,000 feet. If you live at sea level, expect shortness of breath, mild headache, and slower pace. Drink water constantly, eat carbs, and go slow. If you have a history of severe altitude sickness, consider a practice hike at lower elevation first. Most hikers acclimatize fine by mile 4.

How much water should I carry?

Minimum 2-3 liters. Filter water in Cascade Canyon below Forks. Above Forks, the trail is dry—refill there and plan for the climb. Running out of water at 8,500 feet is a real emergency. Carry more than you think you need.

Can I turn back early?

Yes. Forks of Cascade Canyon (3 miles from shuttle, 4 miles from trailhead) is a good turnaround if you are struggling. You get the canyon scenery without the alpine grind. Many hikers stop there. Be honest with yourself at this point—if the climb ahead looks impossible, it's okay to turn back.

What's the weather risk?

Afternoon thunderstorms are violent at altitude and develop fast. Lightning kills. If you hear thunder above 8,000 feet, descend immediately. A 6am start means you are off the mountain by 3-4pm, mostly safe. A 9am start means you are exposed to afternoon storms.