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Jenny Lake

 4.5 (44)
  1. Areas
  2. WY
  3. …Northwestern Wyoming
  4. …Grand Teton National Park
  5. West
Google Map

Length


7.3 Miles 11.8 Kilometers


385' 117 m

Ascent

-384' -117 m

Descent

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

13%

Max Grade (8°)

6,897' 2,102 m

High

6,788' 2,069 m

Low

Shared By Tom Robson

Conditions

All Clear 3 days ago
Dry History
Getting forecast...

“One of the most popular trails in Grand Teton and maybe the world...”

— Tom Robson
Driving DirectionsGPX File

Dogs No Dogs

Features Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildlife

Family Friendly Low-grades, well-maintained trail and awesome views make this a great route for kids and adults alike.

Overview

Without a doubt the Jenny Lake Trail is the easiest way to get up close and personal with the Tetons. Jenny Lake is ultra-crowded, but well worth the journey.

If you're looking to add a little flair to this awesome hike, be sure to head up to Inspiration Point on Cascade Canyon Trail - the views of Jenny Lake from there are awe-inspiring. Additionally, you'll pass Hidden Falls, an over 100' waterfall.

Need to Know

Be sure to bring some cash on this hike as the Jenny Lake Lodge has great dining options. The Lodge is conveniently located just off of the trail's northern extent.

Description

BAM! Right from the get-go views of the Teton's Cathedral Group will slap you right in the face; and this doesn't stop for the duration of the hike.

The Cathedral group consists of the following peaks: Mount Owen (12,928'), Middle Teton (12,804'), South Teton (12,514'), Teewinot Mountain (12,330'), Teepe Pillar (12,266'), Cloudveil Dome (12,026'), Nez Perce Peak (11,901'), and Buck Mountain (11,938').

The vistas are especially good on the eastern side of Jenny Lake, so plan accordingly.

From the Jenny Lake trailhead, the Jenny Lake trail is one of the most popular hikes in Grand Teton National Park, and for good reason! This easy hike circumnavigates Jenny Lake and provides pedestrian access to Cascade Canyon Trail, Hidden Falls Spur (to Hidden Falls waterfall), and String Lake Trail.

As mentioned earlier, don't miss the view of Hidden Falls or Inspiration Point, unless you're crunched for time.

Flora & Fauna

Aquatic habitats and adjacent forests, marshes and meadows fulfill the needs of many forms of wildlife. Diverse and abundant vegetation offers excellent food and cover. Look for moose, river otters, beavers, muskrats, coyotes and mule deer.

Aspen, cottonwood, alder, and willow trees abound on this hike.

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Grand Teton National Park

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Your Check-Ins

Check-Ins

Sep 22, 2018
Jordan Honer
Didn’t finish it because of time running out 1mi
Sep 20, 2018
Sarah Rohm
Sep 18, 2018
Sarah Rohm
7mi
Sep 13, 2018
Kylie Radjenovic
8mi
Sep 9, 2018
Katie Kirk
9/9/18 7mi
Sep 2, 2018
Christine Huff
Jenny Lake Trail
Aug 31, 2018
Cam Johnson
Hiked out. We were trying to hitch hike back to granite canyon trailhead and met a man named Dale on the trail. Long story short he bought us a cabin 7mi
Aug 29, 2018
Craig Fairfield
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 44 votes

#2

in West

#84

Overall
  4.5 from 44 votes
5 Star
61%
4 Star
25%
3 Star
11%
2 Star
2%
1 Star
0%
Rankings

#2

in West

#2

in Wyoming

#84

Overall
311 Views Last Month
4,063 Since Jan 29, 2016
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
15%
67%
18%
0%
0%
0%
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Photos

At the Base of the Peaks with permission from Hobbes7714 Photo Credit: Andrew Wahr Link: https://twitter.com/WahrAndrew
At the Base of the Peaks with permission from H…
 5
Looking across Jenny Lake to Rockchuck Peak (11,081').
Looking across Jenny Lake to Rockchuck Peak (11…
 2
Jenny Lake Overlook, Morning views.
Jenny Lake Overlook, Morning views.
 3
Jenny Lake and the Tetons
Jenny Lake and the Tetons
 3
A great trail with fantastic views all around.
A great trail with fantastic views all around.
 3
View of Cathedral Group and Cascade Canyon from Jenny Lake. <br> <br> Image by the National Park Service (NPS).
View of Cathedral Group and Cascade Canyon from…
 2

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