Trail
7.3 mile
11.8 kilometer
loop
Easy/Intermediate
Elevation
Ascent:
385'
117 m
Descent: -384' -117 m
High: 6,897' 2,102 m
Low: 6,788' 2,069 m
Grade
Avg Grade: 2% (1°)
Max Grade: 13% (8°)
Dogs
No Dogs
Weather
Minor Issues
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“One of the most popular trails in Grand Teton and maybe the world...”
— Tom Robson
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.
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.
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.
Aspen, cottonwood, alder, and willow trees abound on this hike.
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ADA Accessible, History & Background
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Contacts
Land Manager: National Park Service - Grand Teton National Park
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Check-Ins
Sep 12, 2019
Darren McPherson
Did inspiration point and falls. Stopped at end to talk for 30min.
9.6mi
—
4h 22m
Jul 18, 2019
Doug Price
had to take part of the horse trail as the normal trail was closed. also included hidden falls.
9.3mi
—
1h 11m
Jun 22, 2019
Michael Trinh
Most of the hike is further from water than implied - Inspiration Point and Hidden Falls well worth
Jun 13, 2019
Kat L
The south side of the trail was closed for maintenance so it takes you on the horse trail to Hidden Falls
Jun 4, 2019
Dianne Beland
We loved this hike! Probably medium intensity for us. Would do it again. Enjoyed Hidden Falls.
7mi
May 31, 2019
Trevor Kirkland
Added Moose pond loop where we saw a moose and her calf, and started into cascade canyon before turning around due to snow
May 30, 2019
Courtney E
Loved this hike! Went end of May so not too crowded and took Hidden Falls Horse trail to avoid crowds. Great views, and even saw a bear with 2 cubs.
Oct 24, 2018
Vilk Schwiesow
Easy hike with nice views. Entered the trail from the boat launch and walked back around towards Spring Lake.
8.3mi
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 14, 2018
Marne Cario
Did a few sections of the trail - - - Hidden Falls, Lower Inspiration Point, and the section leading from the visitor center to Moose Ponds. Saw a…
Aug 6, 2018
K Jen
Walked 6.5 milesGorgeous views mountains and cascades. Took trail Jenny Visitor Center. Went North around Lake taking boat back to visitor center.
May 26, 2018
Geoff Pleiss
Absolutely beautiful hike! Trail ran part of it. Tried to make it up the canyon but encountered lots of snow.
Aug 1, 2017
Radha P.
Traveled across Jenny Lake with shuttle and then went along 1.8 mile Hidden Lake trail. Trail is surrounded by tall evergreens and the cascading falls
2mi
Jun 5, 2017
Jenny King Dugan
Closed on the south west end from Moose Ponds to Cascade Canyon. Might reopen mid June. Shuttle boat not running.
Jul 19, 2016
Makenna Spencer
Such a cool hike with a lot to see! Crowded but would absolutely do it again.
May 18, 2016
Marie Groover
This hike is worth the crowds. We spent half the day here and did Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. Absolutely epic. Also saw lots of wildlife.
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