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Jenny Lake

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate
 4.5 (131) RECOMMENDED ROUTE
  1. Areas
  2. WY
  3. …Northwestern Wyoming
  4. …Grand Teton National Park
  5. West
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“One of the most popular trails in Grand Teton and maybe the world... ”

Tom Robson
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Map Key

7.3

Miles

11.8

KM

Loop

6,897' 2,102 m

High

6,788' 2,069 m

Low

385' 117 m

Up

384' 117 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

13%

Max Grade (8°)

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

Shared By:

Tom Robson
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Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 131 votes

#3

in West

#67

Overall
  4.5 from 131 votes
5 Star
63%
4 Star
27%
3 Star
8%
2 Star
2%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#3

in West

#3

in Wyoming

#67

Overall
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Photos

At the Base of the Peaks with permission from Hobbes7714 Photo Credit: Andrew Wahr Link: https://twitter.com/WahrAndrew
Jan 8, 2015 near Jackson, WY
Fun little lunch spot on the shores of Jenny Lake 10/12/18
Oct 14, 2018 near Colter…, WY
Jenny Lake Overlook, Morning views.
Dec 18, 2015 near Jackson, WY
Grand Teton National Park
Apr 1, 2020 near Colter…, WY
Looking across Jenny Lake to Rockchuck Peak (11,081').
Dec 20, 2014 near Jackson, WY
A great trail with fantastic views all around.
Nov 5, 2016 near Alta, WY

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All Clear 53 days ago See History
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Check-Ins

Sep 28, 2022
Virginia Szabo
Sep 11, 2022
Mindi Armatas
9mi — 3h 38m
Aug 24, 2022
Manuel Bossard
Aug 23, 2022
Nick Kepf
Amazing hike, do Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. — 3h 52m
Aug 16, 2022
George Vogel
Aug 9, 2022
Eric Sanders
Jul 16, 2022
Jenna Vuotto
Jul 4, 2022
alicia crowther
Took boat over, hiked to hidden falls and inspiration point, then took the 2.4 mile hike back

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