Become a Member

Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more.

Already have an account? Sign In

Become a Member

Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more.

Already have an account? Sign In

Brands

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park: Cascade Canyon

This 14.6-mile out-and-back meanders past lodgepole pine, towering peaks, and a waterfall on its way to a backcountry campsite at the foot of the Tetons.

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.

Save a weekend for this 14.6-mile backcountry trek in Grand Teton National Park. From the String Lake Trailhead, head southwest briefly to connect Jenny Lake and String Lake, then keep left at the Y-junction. The trail climbs gently through Cascade Canyon, traveling beneath Storm Point and The Jaw.

Keep your camera handy as you hike past five-star views of the towering, rugged mountains that flank each side of the trail. After 5.6 miles, the route turns north for the final 1.7-mile stretch to a North Fork Cascade campsite (you’ll fall asleep to the sounds of Cascade Creek). The next day, turn around and retrace your route back to the trailhead.
Note: To turn this out-and-back into a loop, go to Paintbrush Canyon to Cascade Canyon Loop.

INFO For information on permits, current trail and camp conditions, and wilderness guidelines, go to nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/things2know.htm.

PERMIT A wilderness permit is required for all overnight camping in the backcountry. Reservations accepted ($20 administrative fee for permits during peak season). nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/back.htm

CONTACT Grand Teton National Park, (307) 739-3300; nps.gov/grte/

-Mapped by Kari Bodnarchuk

None
None

Trail Facts

  • Distance: 23.5

Waypoints

CAS001

Location: 43.784767, -110.727203

Head south from String Lake parking area.

CAS002

Location: 43.783733, -110.727669

At the String Lake Trailhead, turn right (heading southwest) and cross the wooden bridge between String and Jenny lakes.

CAS003

Location: 43.78166, -110.730686

Bear left @ Y-junction, heading south. Ahead, the dirt-packed, pine needle trail traces the edge of the sparkling Jenny Lake.

CAS004

Location: 43.768831, -110.74472

Turn right @ 3-way junction and head west on a horse trail (a quieter, lesser-used trail). Optional side trip: Continue straight @ 3-way junction for a 1-mile detour to Hidden Falls. Ahead, the path ascends through old lodgepole pine forest with scrubby underbrush.

CAS005

Location: 43.767026, -110.754365

Continue straight @ 3-way junction. Wind through an area where big glacial erratics line the trail on each side.

CAS006

Location: 43.764019, -110.759636

Maneuver and scramble around a cave formed by big boulders. Ahead: Cross a slide area next to the creek and pass through a boulder field (on the right). The sandy trail reenters the forest.

CAS007

Location: 43.76281, -110.776924

Hike past two giant glacial erratics; the serene, slow-moving creek flows by on the left. The trail weaves through pine forest and aspen groves; the gushing sounds of Cascade Creek can be heard as you hike.

CAS008

Location: 43.7645, -110.803703

Before heading back into the forest, take in the five-star views down canyon of towering, rugged mountains that flank each side of the trail. Next, continue heading west through trees draped in old man’s beard (lichen); occasional views of the Tetons appear on the left through the trees.

CAS009

Location: 43.764493, -110.81686

Turn right @ Y-junction onto North Fork Cascade Canyon Trail (leave North Fork Cascade Canyon behind you). In the next mile, you’ll cross a small wooden bridge with peek-a-boo views of the mountains and hike through fields of red bush. Watch for squeaking pikas and marmots.

CAS010

Location: 43.775742, -110.825401

Enter the North Fork Cascade Camping Zone. The trail continues to head north-northwest, paralleling Cascade Creek.

CAS011

Location: 43.784046, -110.830786

Turn right and leave the trail to reach a campsite in North Fork Cascade Camping Zone.

CAS012

Location: 43.784851, -110.830254

Set up camp near Cascade Creek and spend the night in the Tetons. Next day: Return to Waypoint 11 and turn left. Retrace your steps to the trailhead.

Cascade Canyon

Location: 43.764524, -110.802784

Towering Peaks

Location: 43.775618, -110.825143

How to Pack for Backcountry Skiing

Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack.

Keywords: