Hike to Lake Solitude

Start out at South Jenny Lake.

You have the option to take a ferry boat to the other side of the lake to make the journey shorter. If you want to take the ferry, it's about $15 and saves you an extra 4 miles RT.

So from South Jenny Lake you hike along the south-west shore of Jenny Lake to the intersection point of the then-current trail, Inspiration Point, the ferry drop-off, and a nice waterfall. Double check your map and begin the ~1 mile ascent to the valley of Cascade Canyon. 

After ascending for a few minutes, the trees will brake slightly to reveal the majestic and jagged peaks of the Tetons. In front of you will stand the Teewinot Mountain and Grand Teton. Continue to hike through the canyon for about 6 miles. Cascade Canyon is filled with streams, waterfalls, and endless views of the giant peaks that surround the canyon.

After the roughly 6 mile stretch of canyon you come to a fork in the trail. From here take a left (North) and make the final push towards Lake Solitude. There is about 2.5 miles to the lake from the fork. From here enter the North Fork of the Cascade Canyon and the trees will begin to dwindle. You will pass some dispersed campsites and talus fields. When you reach the horse trough, you are just minutes away and you will begin to emerge from the last of the forest and into the alpine. 

As you come over the gradual ridge, you will see Lake Solitude. A beautiful high-alpine lake that sits in the basin of a cirque. Feel free to jump in the glacial waters and refresh a bit.

After about an hour of eating lunch, swimming, and soaking up the sun, you can begin your ~10 mile descent. 

Like many mountain ranges, storms often build up in the afternoon. Always keep weather in-mind while in the Tetons. 

You'll make the long trek down to your car by about 4:30 pm, which gives you plenty of time to cook up a nice and "healthy" Ramen Noodle dinner.