We hiked around the lake instead of taking the boat. This was a mistake because it is a very long hike on a very rocky path. I think they are renovating the trails so it may be better in the future. We saw the waterfall which was very pretty but did not want to walk up to the point because it looked like a narrow road up the side of a mountain. I thought it was too dangerous for kids but I saw many crazy parents bringing their kids up there.
We took the boat across Jenny Lake to hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. Hikers can hike the Jenny Lake trail, but taking the boat across the lake is a great way to conserve energy for the hike beyond the lake. The boats depart about every 15 minutes for the short ride across the lake ($15 round trip, $12 for seniors). After hiking, it's easy to catch the next boat back across the lake.On the way up to Inspiration Point, it's an easy detour to Hidden Falls, just 100 yards off the trail to Inspiration Point. After viewing the beautiful falls, continue on to Inspiration Point for a beautiful view of Jenny Lake. It rained on days prior to our visit, so large mud puddles were in the path to Hidden Falls.Once at Inspiration Point, hikers can easily continue into Cascade Canyon. We hiked a couple of miles into the canyon to another waterfall where we enjoyed a snack and water break and a short rest before walking back to the boat dock. The ride back across the lake was a little windy, but we had our jackets. When leaving the west boat dock, be sure to look back at the afternoon view of the lake and landscape -- beautiful!
We took the hiker's boat across the lake, which shortened the hike. There is a 650 elev. climb, but all types of people were doing it. It does get very narrow close to the top. You should definitely wear hiking shoes.
Every turn you take in this park is another beautiful site. This one is not to be missed. We took the Jenny Lake ferry and were at the dock in about 10 minutes. From there it is a pretty steep climb up to Inspiration Point, especially after the Hidden Falls. The path is well traveled, so you will probably have some company. Lots of wildflowers to see along the way, too. Your reward is the panoramic view of the pines, lake and valley beyond.
To get here you cross a beautiful lake by shuttle boat if you wish, climb past Hidden Falls, traverse wooden bridges with a view and have an unending treat of eye candy. BUT keep going as far as time allows as the trail levels off for a further walk in the canyon.
Nice hike for a great view. Does need better signage. We thought we were at the point and realized a little later the it was up a bit more on the trail.
We road the Jenny Lake shuttle boat and hiked up to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. There is a little bit of scrambling at one place on the hike and for those that don't like heights (ME!) it was unexpected. But, we managed and the view is beautiful. Several folks set up on the rocks and had a little picnic looking out over the lake. You have to be mindful of oblivious people in your photos but it's definitely worthwhile.
It's a side trail from the hidden falls trail on the west side of Jenny Lake. Most of it is not too steep, the last part is on a rocky slope, and a bit harder, but many older people do it as well. Inspiration point elevation is 7200 feet high, and has a nice view of the lake.
This trail is breathtaking. Completely worth the trek. We were too early for the hiker boat, so we walked around Jenny Lake to the start of the trail. It added some extra miles, but the views are stunning. Hear elk bugling on the mountainside. Continued on to Hidden falls (very beautiful). Then went up and up and up until we hit Inspiration point. The view is stunning and is a great place to stop and have a snack before heading on or heading back down. Take the hiker boat across the lake on your way back and enjoy a new perspective.
Gets very busy, so start early. Maybe it is also less busy late afternoon. I do not consider this a steep walk, but rather a steady climb. I could not believe how many people wore inappropriate footwear! There is a small exposed section that I wouldn't have walked in wet weather (my husband doesn't agree :-) )Looking east you are overlooking the lake, but I agree that after having been in the European Alps and the Canadian Rockies the views are not all that spectacular. We didn't expect it though. We thought the walk itself was very nice, waterfall, autumn colours etc. We would have liked to continue the walk into the valley / Cascade Canyon, but had other plans for the afternoon. We took the boat return trip, but thought it was overpriced and would have walked to the trailhead (adding 2 mi one-way ) if we had had the time.