Jenny Lake Trail
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
A highlight of Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park, the Jenny Lake area is characterized by thundering waterfalls, canyons, mountain vistas, and the crystalline expanse of Jenny Lake itself. The lake trail runs 7.1 miles (11.4 kilometers) around the water’s edge and passes by Hidden Falls, Cascade Canyon, and Inspiration Point.
Most tours of Grand Teton National Park include at least a portion of the Jenny Lake Trail, whether you opt to explore on a full-day, morning, or sunset excursion. Day trips to Grand Teton typically leave from the towns of Jackson Hole or Jackson and allow you to see Jenny Lake along with park highlights, such as Oxbow Bend and Jackson Lake.
Most tours include a meal and round-trip transportation. To explore Grand Teton National Park at your own pace, opt for a self-guided tour.
The Jenny Lake Trail is a must-see for nature lovers.
Wear shoes suitable for hiking, dress in layers, and bring sun protection.
The area is home to both grizzly and black bears, so be sure to make noise when out on the trail and leave no trace of food or trash behind.
A shuttle boat crosses the lake from the visitor center to a dock on the lake’s western shore, which allows you to see Hidden Falls after just 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) of hiking.
Jenny Lake sits at the base of the Tetons at an elevation of 6,800 feet (2,073 meters) from the town of Jackson. You can visit via private vehicle or opt for a guided tour to avoid the hassle of parking.
Summer, when the weather is typically warm and sunny, is the most popular time to visit. Parking at South Jenny Lake can fill up quickly, so arrive early in the morning to score a spot. The area is accessible by car from May through October.
The most popular variation of the Jenny Lake Trail starts with a shuttle boat ride across the lake from the visitor center to a dock on the western shore. From here, a moderately steep, 0.5-mile (0.8-kilometer) hike leads to thundering Hidden Falls, before continuing up Cascade Canyon toward aptly named Inspiration Point. While the trail connects with overnight trails, day hikers most often turn back and return via the southwestern shoreline.
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