Cascade Canyon is located within Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. This park has been in existence since 1929 when the mountains and lakes by the base of the Grand Tetons was all that was included. In 1950 the boundaries were expanded so that the adjacent valley floor was also protected. The park has several visitor centers but most of them are seasonal. Craig Tomas Discovery & Visitor Center is open year round with hours that vary from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm depending on the season. Jenny Lake Ranger Station, Colter Bay Visitor Center & Indian Arts Museum, Flagg Ranch Information Station, Jenny Lake Visitor Center, and Laurence S. Rockefeller Preserve Center are all closed in the winter.
A single entry pass is $25.00 and is good for seven days. This pass is good for Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. This price is for a vehicle only. A $12.00 per person fee for hikers or bikers is good for seven days and a $20.00 per motorcycle fee is for seven days as well. In the winter there is a $5.00 per day fee; this is available from mid December to April 30th and is good only in Grand Teton National Park. Seniors 62 or older can purchase a $10.00 pass that is good for life. This pass is good for all areas covered under the America the Beautiful pass.
Hiking is available in Cascade Canyon which is west of Jenny Lake. While hiking, visitors can see golden mantled ground squirrels at Inspiration Point. Visitors are asked not to feed the squirrels. Other wildlife that is in the surrounding boulder fields includes pikas and yellow bellied marmots. If guests look closely they may see mule deer or moose in the shrubs that grow near the mouth of the canyon. The smaller animals such as the squirrels, pikas and marmots often beg for food, but by doing so the animals may not continue to hunt for food having become dependent on unnatural food sources.
Cascade Canyon goes through the heart of the Teton Mountain range. Jenny Lake lies at the foot of the mountains that make up Cascade Canyon. For a small fee visitors can take a boat ride across Jenny Lake. This scenic boat ride takes guests to the mouth of Cascade Canyon. If visitors want to hike instead they can follow the trail which is four miles around. One of the magnificent elements of this hike is a narrow bridge that is above the waters of Cascade Creek. Hidden Falls is about a quarter mile from the boat dock. These falls are about 250 feet high and the roar of the water, the mist and flowing water make it worth the walk.
Inspiration Point is approximately three quarters of a mile from Hidden Falls. This is one of the best vantage points for viewing Cascade Canyon. Although many people turn back from here the trail continues and it becomes fairly level and easy to walk. The jagged peaks of the Tetons surround Cascade Canyon and provide wonderful beauty.
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