Jenny Lake Trail
Jenny Lake Trail
4.5
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Four miles of flat trail and spectacular mountain scenery.
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  • Elizabeth S
    39 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A MUST for Teton Hikers
    The boat shuttle was not open yet, so we did the whole trail up to Hidden Falls & Inspiration Point! It made for the perfect distance! One of my favorite all time hikes now....there are all the elements on this trail....woods, waterfalls, snow, scenery, bridges, trails, elevation, challenge! Can't say enough about it!! LOVED all the sights & sounds!!
    Visited May 2023
    Written May 29, 2023
  • amesi
    Milwaukee, Wisconsin101 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Hiked 2mi counter clockwise - stunning even when rainy
    My husband, 1.5 yr old son and I explored GTNP over Memorial Day weekend. The weather was rainy almost every day but didn’t last too long any of the days. We hiked Jenny Lake starting from the visitors center going counter clockwise. Our son was in a backpack carrier and cried the entire time…after about 2 miles it began to rain so we turned around. Truly beautiful scenery even though we didn’t complete the whole trail. Easy to access beautiful views even with an unhappy toddler haha.
    Visited May 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written June 9, 2023
  • WrldTraveler1789
    Austin, Texas100 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Post Card Views
    Truly beautiful. There is a nice trail that runs right along the water and through the forest at the same time. So you are always walking through beautiful trees and starring at the lake and mountains. We had our two small kids with us and our dog and they all loved exploring on the trail. We didn't go see the actual lodge, but the hike alone is worth going there. Truly post-card views.
    Visited June 2023
    Written June 19, 2023
  • Demon Mike
    Melbourne, Australia270 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jenny Lake Trail
    We were at the Grand Tetons and visited Jenny Lake. We drove to the lake and then took a boat trip across the lake to the trailhead. We walked up to Inspiration Point. It is a relatively easy trail to manage although there is an incline. The View from Inspiration Pont of the lake is beautiful. Therreafter we took the long route back. A it was spring/summere we carried bear spray but did not encounter any bears. we did see a Moose. The walk is scenic. If you go to Jenny Lake it is worthwile doing the trail
    Visited June 2023
    Written July 16, 2023
  • Margaret F
    Sydney, Australia12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful walk around the lake
    A wonderful walk around the lake with some beautiful scenery. We set off early for two reasons- to walk in the cooler part of the day and to get a parking spot close to the lake. We walked clockwise and detoured up to the hidden waterfall which was absolutely stunning. The shuttle on the lake can take people close to the waterfall and cut out a couple of kilometres of walking if short on time. The many different views of the lake were worth the walk. A good walk that wasn’t too strenuous. After a quick swim we were happy we got there early as the cars were parked out beyond the entrance road.
    Visited July 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written July 29, 2023
  • Happygoluckyyoko
    Marietta, Georgia6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Best hiking !
    It was parfect hiking !! Must try hiking with ranger 9 am meet ranger at near information center . We just went hiking this morning it was little raining and it has been rain for 5 days so it was muddy but it was so perfect and ranger was very knowledgeable we learned a lot from him . It was 2hr hiking with ranger and after you are own so we decided we were already in half way to the shuttle board dock so another 90 min hiking to get there . Be aware There were no restroom . But it was very beautiful view and me and all my family were very happy . I have 3,4,5 and 70 Yrs mom it was good amount of walking !
    Visited August 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written August 8, 2023
  • Tzivia R
    69 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Was great - even in the rain!
    Going to Jenny Lake was a dream of mine for the last few years. I do a "Jenny Lake hike" on my iFit treadmill and I love the views and wanted to experience it in real life, so I dragged my family out to Teton/Yellowstone for an epic vacation. Of course we got there and it was raining non-stop! There was a lot of confusions/misinformation about how long the trail actually was. Because of the rain we opted not to do the full 7 mile loop. We took the Ferry boat across the lake (about $10 a person) I am a planner and it was annoying that there's no real ferry information out there until you show up. Then we were told we could do a 5.5 mile or a 1.5 mile hike back (or take other trails and take the boat back) we opted for the 1.5 mile - which actually is 2.8 so almost double what we were told and we didn't do any of the side trails on the way to make it longer, we were cold and wet. It wasn't a hard hike, but there was a moderate amount of up and down (mostly with stairs so not much hiking up or down). I still maintain that Jenny Lake is a beautiful place and it was very popular even on the rainy days, but we obviously didn't get the gorgeous reflection pictures because it was all foggy and cloudy. But I'm still glad and grateful I got to go!
    Visited August 2023
    Written August 13, 2023
  • TesaVan
    Indianapolis, Indiana299 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Must Do!
    The highlight of our Grand Tetons trip was definitely this hike. We ventured along the Moose trail, although, unfortunately, we didn't encounter any moose. Walking alone felt a bit daunting, questioning if we were on the right path (which we were, and luckily, no bears!). The main trail, featuring stunning lake views, is truly unbeatable. To make the most of our experience, we utilized the boat to return to the starting point after reaching the falls. This is a definite must do for visitors!
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written January 9, 2024
  • Julia Snow M
    Portland, Maine7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Breathtaking
    I took my 9 y/o grandson to Jackson Hole in July. He repeatedly tells us that it was the best week of his life and the high point was Jenny Lake. It is breathtakenly beautiful. We were so lucky because a mama bear and her cubs came down to the water. The rangers kept everyone at a safe distance but we could still see them bathing. What an experience! It was incredibly crowded when we first got there but on the paths just moderately so. We had to take a cab out there which was very expensive. Not a negative just an alert. I highly recommend a trip there and allow yourself enough time to walk, swim and hiking.
    Visited July 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written January 10, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Nate
Rockwell, IA9 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021
Jenny Lake gets a lot of hype and I don't think it lives up to it, honestly. It's a pretty lake, but it's not any prettier than any other lake in the area and the overall activity with hordes of people make it a bit more interesting.

We got here at 8am and it was already packed in the parking areas. We took the trail clockwise towards Hidden Falls, which is an easy 2 mile hike and fairly pretty. Hidden Falls is the real gem here as it's an amazing experience. Very pretty and refreshing to visit... was excellent. From there it's worth going up to Inspiration Point as the climb is fun and views are excellent.

After those 2 points of interest, I'd recommend going back the way you came and go visit other areas of the Tetons. You can take the boat back but it's expensive and it's about as quick to just hike the 2 miles back. Our party elected to go all the way around the lake, which was a mistake. Total trip after hitting those points of interest is about 9-10 miles and the last 7 miles are nothing special. There are less people on that part of the lake but also less to see, so all it did was tire our group out for the day.
Written July 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lou
Massachusetts53 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2019 • Family
My husband and two kids (ages 10 & 12) took the boat ride across the lake and hiked back. We took the first boat out in the morning to avoid the mid summer heat. It was perfect timing, as the hike took 3 hours. We stopped many times to take pictures and just take in the scenery and fresh air. I would recommend this hike.
Written May 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Bitsy S
Overland Park, KS38 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2020
We are a 60ish husband and wife. One of us is a mild jogger and the other not so much. We took the ferry across the lake and hiked up to Hidden Falls. The falls and scenery were gorgeous. The climb to the falls is a moderate uphill effort. We felt good but knew the additional climb to Inspiration Point would be too much for us. We did decide to hike the rest of the way around the lake back to the East boat dock/parking lot which is about 2.4 miles of moderate hiking. There were a lot of rocks and roots and mud on the path and you have to watch your footing. It also goes up and down and you need to make way for other people so it does take some effort. I saw people with little kids and didn't know how they did it. I would recommend this hike as it is a few hours with gorgeous views but do know that it is not for out-of-shape people. If you are, then take the ferry both ways!
Written July 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Carolyn K
Secor, IL11 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021 • Family
We arrived at parking lot around 7:30 on Thursday, lot was already 75% full. Started hike at trailhead going counter clockwise. This direction allowed for incredible views of the mountains in spotlight of the sunrise, blue skies begins them and the beautiful lake in front. You know, the views you see by professional photographers. So many photo ops along this hike as the mountain peak’s angles change as you follow the trail around. We went up to inspirational point and continued on to the cascade canyon trail. We hiked this to the fork and back down where we continued to hidden falls and then back to Jenny Lake to finish the rest of the trail to parking lot. This whole trip was 16 miles but well worth it for out family of six, 44,43,19,18,14,10 years of age. We hiked in tennis shoes, Chaco, Teva and keen sandals. Took about 7.5 hours but we stopped for snack/picnic/water breaks. Saw 2 bull moose along cascade canyon trail! Absolutely beautiful!!!
Written August 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

David B
Scottsdale, AZ110 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020
Jenny Lake was our favorite stop on our recent trip to GTNP. We went there twice. Once for the shuttle over to hike to Inspiration Point and Hidden Falls, and the second time to hike this trail.

We arrived around 10:30 on a Monday morning and were surprised to find a few open parking spots in the lot. We did the shorter 2.4 mile hike around the southern end of the lake. We took a leisurely pace and completed the hike in about 1.5 hours, with a short excursion to the Moose Pond area (not recommended). It's a relatively easy to moderate flat hike, but there are a few areas of elevation gain requiring you to walk up steps. We took the ferry back around 12:30, and for the second straight day were happy to see black bear(s) hanging out at the East dock!

My wife and I are mid 50's, and are relatively fit. We thought about hiking all the way around the lake, but TBH, we weren't up to an additional 2 hours or so. This would be a personal choice of course, but we'd recommend taking either the north (longer) or south (shorter) route from the East dock area over to the West dock area, and then ride the ferry back. You also might want to consider doing a separate hike to Inspiration Point and Hidden Falls. For those serious go-getters, I'm sure you can do it all in one day, but why? Go enjoy this beautiful place more than once!
Written August 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jesse o
Jackson, WY6,614 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2019 • Business
Depending on how you do it, this trail can be quite crowded if you sleep late and only take the boat across. Avoid South Jenny Lake area except to walk through. It’s nice but far too well known. Park at the String Lake Trailhead before 9:00 a.m. and enjoy your day. It’s ten km all around the lake but adding a spur up cascade canyon 1 or 2 km will add to your pleasure greatly. Another way to enjoy it is to come I’m October or May. Around each bend of the trail is a new delight.
Written May 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

familytraveler06904
Grand Rapids, MI76 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020
Hiking in Jenny Lake was on the the best hikes we've been on! We took the ferry ride to and from the trailhead and we're very glad we did. They said it would have added 2.8 miles each way to hike if we didn't take the ferry. The ferry ride was $50 round trip for a family rate. Once there, we hiked 0.6 miles to Hidden Falls - it was beautiful! Then we did the 0.4 steep and rocky hike up to Inspiration Point and it was worth it. We then kept going to Cascade Canyon which was beautiful - lots of changing landscape that opened up in a beautiful canyon with views of the snow topped Tetons. We spent about 2.5 hours on this trail before heading back. We started at 8:30 am and headed back a bit before noon. We were told that it gets extremely busy later in the day which we saw when after we got off the boat. Cars were parked a long way away and there was a long wait for the boat ride to and from. Definitely get there early if you can, and I'd suggest bug spray as it was quite buggy in the morning.
Written August 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Carrie’s MHO
48 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2020 • Couples
Took the ferry to the trail to the falls and then hiked the southern trail back to the starting point. Glad we had hiking boots with some of the trail being uneven and steep. Gorgeous views - would recommend starting early in the morning before it gets crowded.
Written September 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Camille H
Cottonwood Heights, UT8 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2020 • Family
We loved the boat ride to Jenny lake and enjoyed the hike to hidden falls and Inspiration Point, but the highlight for us was continuing one mile in from the top of Inspiration Point into Cascade Canyon. We turned around after 1 mile in, we made it to beautiful open views of the Tetons. Our kids were ages 7,10 and 11 and they did great . The toughest part is up to inspiration point. It was 4 miles round trip, we took the boat both ways . They have a family deal for 2 or more kids and 2 adults for $50 for the boat ride there and back, which we enjoyed because then we spent longer In the canyon.
Written June 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

kellir
Boise, ID23 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2020
We hiked the Jenny Lake trail to Hidden Falls and then to Inspiration Point. The hike to Hidden Falls is moderate. Then next 0.5 mile up to Inspiration Point is more technical and strenuous but worth it for the spectacular views. If you can make it to Hidden Falls, you can make it just the short distance farther to Inspiration Point. The trail is well maintained and beautiful. We saw a couple of moose feeding at a pond along the way
The parking lot at Jenny Lake is full by 9:00. Recommend an early start closer to 8:00am
Written September 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Jenny Lake Trail - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Frequently Asked Questions about Jenny Lake Trail