Hidden Falls / Inspiration Point hike in evening?

Most of the advice here seems to favor doing the Hidden Falls / Inspiration Point hike early in the day. We will be arriving from YNP in the afternoon (July 27) and were thinking about catching one of the latest ferries (6:00pm right?) across Jenny lake, doing the hike and then return by walking around the lake (since no ferry then).

If morning really is the better time, do we have time for this before an 11:15am whitewater trip out of Jackson (be there at 10:45) or would we be staring at our watches too much to enjoy the hike?

The morning would be good logistics-wise since we are staying at Colter Bay and working toward Jackson, but I don%26#39;t know how rushed that would be.

I am trying to avoid taking our tight schedule mentality with us on vacation, but we have to be somewhat efficient given we only have one night and 2 partial days in GTNP...

Hidden Falls / Inspiration Point hike in evening?

i don%26#39;t know what time the first boat goes across jenny lake in the morning. i wouldn%26#39;t hesitate to go in the afternoon. you could take the boat %26amp; then hike back around the lake. there is so much activity in that area it%26#39;s not like you%26#39;re going to be alone doing it. i think the hike back only adds about a mile, mile %26amp; a half to your walk %26amp; it%26#39;s flat. you could stop at dornans (moose junction) on the way back, sit on the deck eating %26amp; watch the sunset. very casual place %26amp; lots of hikers/rafters will be there doing the same.

Hidden Falls / Inspiration Point hike in evening?

The days are still pretty long and as long as you don%26#39;t mind the hike back around Jenny Lake near dusk I wouldn%26#39;t worry about doing the night before your raft trip. From the boat dock to Jenny Lake parking area is 2.4 miles each way, but it is mostly flat and follows the lake shore back to the parking lot.

So the mileage looks like this:

Cascade Canyon boat dock to Hidden Falls - 0.5 miles

Hidden Falls to Insiration Point - 0.5 miles

Inspiration Point to Jenny Lake lot - 3.5 miles

Total - 4.5 miles and can be easily done in 3 hours.

If you think that you might be walking out in low light or early dark, bring along a head lamp or flashlight just so everyone feels more comfortable.

Also remember to bring a towel if you have them accessable for after the raft trip. You can leave non-valuables on the bus (if you are using Mad River) as you will be picked up by the same bus/driver that delivered you to the put in. I also recommend that you bring footwear that can get wet, I wear Teva sandals that buckle and avoid flip-flops. I encourage your family to take advantage of a surprise spot in the river where the guide will offer everyone the option of getting out of the boat during a very long quiet stretch and float/swim along with the raft. It is cold, but exhilerating and safe. The guide will help you back into the boat, but it is a unique experience that your kids will not likely forget.

- Kery