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Jenny Lake

 4.5 (47)
  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 30 days ago
Mostly Dry, Some Mud - Still clear route. Some muddy sections. Very cold in the canyon! 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

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
Oct 21, 2018
Daniel Smith
Oct 21, 2018
Mary Goodman Hammond
Oct 12, 2018
Sam F
Stunning Lake 2mi
Sep 28, 2018
Margaret Trump Schaaf
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
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 47 votes

#2

in West

#81

Overall
  4.5 from 47 votes
5 Star
62%
4 Star
26%
3 Star
11%
2 Star
2%
1 Star
0%
Rankings

#2

in West

#2

in Wyoming

#81

Overall
99 Views Last Month
4,262 Since Jan 29, 2016
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
14%
67%
19%
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…
 3
Fun little lunch spot on the shores of Jenny Lake 10/12/18
Fun little lunch spot on the shores of Jenny La…
 4
Jenny Lake Overlook, Morning views.
Jenny Lake Overlook, Morning views.
 4
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

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Inspiration Point

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