Lake Solitude is one of Grand Teton National Park’s most spectacular alpine lakes – a glacial tarn at 9,055 feet at the head of Cascade Canyon, cradled in a granite cirque beneath the soaring summits of the Teton Range. The hike to reach it is a Teton classic, climbing past waterfalls and wildflower meadows to one of the most beautiful spots in Wyoming. This guide is part of our growing Wyoming Lakes Database.
- Lake Solitude at a glance
- A classic Teton alpine lake
- Hiking to Lake Solitude
- Fishing, swimming and what to know
- Getting there and what’s nearby
- Know before you go
- Frequently asked questions
- How long is the hike to Lake Solitude?
- Can you fish at Lake Solitude?
- How high is Lake Solitude?
- Where is Lake Solitude?
Lake Solitude at a glance
- Elevation: ~9,055 ft, at the head of North Cascade Canyon
- Location: Grand Teton National Park, in a granite cirque below the high peaks
- Hike: ~14.6 miles round trip with the Jenny Lake boat shuttle (longer if you walk around the lake), ~2,255+ ft of gain
- Scenery: views of the Grand Teton, Mount Owen and Teewinot above the lake
- Fishing: a high, cold alpine lake – any fishing falls under the Wyoming state license used in Grand Teton
A classic Teton alpine lake
Lake Solitude sits in a deep amphitheater of granite summits that rise some 1,500 feet straight from the water’s edge – a quintessential high-country tarn. It’s the turnaround point for one of Grand Teton’s greatest day hikes, and the reward is a stunning view back down Cascade Canyon to the Grand Teton itself. At over 9,000 feet, the lake is snow-rimmed into early summer and the air is thin and cool.
Hiking to Lake Solitude
The trip usually starts with the Jenny Lake boat shuttle, then climbs past Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point and up the North Fork of Cascade Canyon through alpine meadows to the lake – about 14.6 miles round trip (closer to 18 miles if you walk around Jenny Lake instead of taking the boat), with roughly 2,255 feet of climbing. It’s a strenuous, all-day hike; start early, carry layers, water and food, and watch for afternoon thunderstorms.
Fishing, swimming and what to know
Lake Solitude is first and foremost a hiking and scenery destination; at over 9,000 feet it’s cold and the fishing is limited, but Grand Teton uses the Wyoming state fishing license if you do cast. The water is frigid for swimming. This is bear country with fragile alpine terrain – carry bear spray, stay on the trail, and pack out everything. Backcountry camping in Cascade Canyon requires a park permit.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Lake Solitude is reached from the Jenny Lake area of Grand Teton National Park, via Cascade Canyon. Jenny Lake, Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point and the Teton Crest Trail are all on the route.
Know before you go
- Strenuous hike: ~14.6 miles round trip at high elevation – start early and be prepared.
- License: Grand Teton uses the Wyoming state fishing license (fishing is limited at this elevation).
- Bear country & alpine: carry bear spray, stay on trail, and watch for storms.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the hike to Lake Solitude?
About 14.6 miles round trip using the Jenny Lake boat shuttle (around 18 miles if you walk around the lake), with roughly 2,255 feet of elevation gain.
Can you fish at Lake Solitude?
It’s a high, cold alpine lake where fishing is limited; Grand Teton uses the Wyoming state fishing license if you do fish. Most visitors come for the scenery and the hike.
How high is Lake Solitude?
About 9,055 feet, at the head of Cascade Canyon in Grand Teton National Park.
Where is Lake Solitude?
In Grand Teton National Park, reached via Cascade Canyon from the Jenny Lake area.
Related: explore the small lakes of Wyoming, or head back to the Wyoming Lakes Database.
Explore more Wyoming lakes: the largest lakes in Wyoming and the deepest lakes in Wyoming.
