Grand Teton National Park · Wyoming

Lake Solitude Trail

0.1 mi of trail, end to end · 9,043 ft–9,051 ft · earth surface · trail class Minimally Developed · hiking, horse

9,044 ft 9,051 ft · 0.1 mi high 9,051 ft

Lake Solitude the Park Service's write-up

9-13 Hours · no dogs · Summer, Fall · 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.

Start Jenny Lake

A small lake surrounded by mountains reflects the mountainous scenery on its calm surface.
Hikers are rewarded with stunning views upon arriving at Lake Solitude. Photo: NPS Photo/J. Bonney

This popular Teton hike offers views of the surrounding peaks, alpine lakes, and ample wildlife viewing opportunities. Starting from the Jenny Lake Trailhead, visitors can hike around the south end of Jenny Lake or take a shuttle boat across for access to Cascade Canyon. Once in the canyon, follow the relatively flat trail to the Forks of Cascade Canyon. At the trail junction, take a right, following the signs for Lake Solitude. Hikers will climb over the next 2.5 miles to arrive at Lake Solitude. From here, hikers may turn around to make this an out and back day hike. The trail does continue from Lake Solitude however, passing over Paintbrush Divide and down Paintbrush Canyon. Those planning to complete the Paintbrush-Cascade Loop should stop by the Jenny Lake Ranger Station to speak with a ranger about conditions on Paintbrush Divide, as the divide often holds snow until mid-July and can be dangerous if attempted without the proper snow equipment.

Accessibility Lake Solitude Via Shuttle Boat Lake Solitude is a strenuous, 14.4 mi (23.2 km) RT out and back hike with 2,670 ft (810 m) of elevation gain with an average slope of 9%. Lake Solitude Via South Jenny Lake Loop Trail Lake Solitude is a very strenuous, 18.3 mi (29.5 km) RT out and back hike with 2,910 ft (890 m) of elevation gain with an average slope of 8%. The trail crosses several bridges. Trail obstacles include steps, exposed roots and rocks, narrow sections, and steep switchbacks.

This hike on nps.gov

All 122 trails in Grand Teton National ParkFind a trailOn the parks mapPark on nps.gov

About this trail's facts

The lines are the National Park Service's public trails layer, the trailheads and the waterfalls, views, peaks and historic places along them the Service's public points of interest, read 2026-10-16 and simplified for the map; the length is the line's, end to end. The write-ups are the Service's own "things to do" text, unedited. Heights come from USGS 3DEP through Terrain Tiles on AWS (Mapzen/Tilezen), read along each line and rounded; a short trail on steep ground can be off by a few tens of feet. Closures change: check the park's own site before you go.