Jenny Lake Boating
Jenny Lake Boating
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Jenny Lake Boating
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
195 reviews
Excellent
136
Very good
45
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5
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4
Terrible
5
HeavyHiker
Farmingdale, NY197 contributions
Aug 2022
We took the round trip shuttle across Jenny Lake to access the Hidden Falls Trail Head. I believe the cost for my family was $60 for 4 people round trip. The boat is very simple offering bench seating. The ride is very pleasant and smooth and you can't beat the scenery. The captain offers different facts and tips about some of the Teton trails and wild life which was nice - it wasn't just a silent ride. The safety lecture is thorough and we felt secure the entire time. The company has water available on the docks for your use which was appreciated. The boats run continuously every 15 minutes during their operating hours. The whole experience was very pleasant and I would recommend it for families with kids who don't want to hike around the lake to get to the trails. You can also opt to do it one way if you are looking for the mileage at the end of your hike. If you don't purchase the trip at the boathouse but decide to take the return trip you can get on the boat and will be asked to pay upon docking. Payment is cash only - or at lest was at the time of my trip.
Written September 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
RJ748
Grass Valley, CA494 contributions
Jul 2020
Jenny Lake Boating is a concessionaire operating within Grand Teton National Park. They rent kayaks and canoes, operate a shuttle service for hikers wishing to reach trailheads on the opposite side of the lake, and operate a boat cruise with a guide providing narration regarding the lake and points of interest.
We took the boat cruise. It is a good value and a nice way to spend an afternoon in the Park. The senior rate for the hour-long cruise (which actually ran for an hour and fifteen minutes) is $20 per person. The guide was knowledgable and engaging. He told us about the history of the area and its natural and geological features, and he also shared some interesting anecdotes.
We reserved our tickets online. Reservations are recommended, particularly because the boats aren't currently operated at full capacity -- allowing for social distancing. The guide wore a mask. Guests weren't required to wear masks on the boat, but everyone on our cruise did.
Gratuities are not required, but they are appreciated. We gave him a tip at the end of the cruise.
Notes on Getting There:
The company's website recommends that guests allow plenty of time to find parking and use the restroom before boarding the boat. (There are no restrooms on the boat.) This is really good advice. We had reserved seats on the 2 p.m. cruise on a Saturday in July. We left our hotel in Jackson at 12:30 p.m., but when we got to the Lake, the parking lot was full. We circled through it for twenty minutes before we came upon someone who was vacating a parking spot.
There isn't much signage directing guests to the boat dock. We saw one sign that pointed to a path to the shuttle boat, but at the time we weren't sure if that would lead us to the right place. (It would have.)
The gift shop and ranger station both had lines of people waiting their turn to either get in or to speak with a ranger. We approached the gatekeeper at the gift shop just to ask directions to the boat dock. He told us to take the Discovery Trail. This turned out to be the closest path from the parking lot to the dock, but there was no signage indicating that the Trail would lead to the dock. Long story short, we finally got to the dock at 1:40 p.m.
There wasn't much signage at the dock either, but a couple of employees were standing at the dock addressing questions and directing traffic.
We took the boat cruise. It is a good value and a nice way to spend an afternoon in the Park. The senior rate for the hour-long cruise (which actually ran for an hour and fifteen minutes) is $20 per person. The guide was knowledgable and engaging. He told us about the history of the area and its natural and geological features, and he also shared some interesting anecdotes.
We reserved our tickets online. Reservations are recommended, particularly because the boats aren't currently operated at full capacity -- allowing for social distancing. The guide wore a mask. Guests weren't required to wear masks on the boat, but everyone on our cruise did.
Gratuities are not required, but they are appreciated. We gave him a tip at the end of the cruise.
Notes on Getting There:
The company's website recommends that guests allow plenty of time to find parking and use the restroom before boarding the boat. (There are no restrooms on the boat.) This is really good advice. We had reserved seats on the 2 p.m. cruise on a Saturday in July. We left our hotel in Jackson at 12:30 p.m., but when we got to the Lake, the parking lot was full. We circled through it for twenty minutes before we came upon someone who was vacating a parking spot.
There isn't much signage directing guests to the boat dock. We saw one sign that pointed to a path to the shuttle boat, but at the time we weren't sure if that would lead us to the right place. (It would have.)
The gift shop and ranger station both had lines of people waiting their turn to either get in or to speak with a ranger. We approached the gatekeeper at the gift shop just to ask directions to the boat dock. He told us to take the Discovery Trail. This turned out to be the closest path from the parking lot to the dock, but there was no signage indicating that the Trail would lead to the dock. Long story short, we finally got to the dock at 1:40 p.m.
There wasn't much signage at the dock either, but a couple of employees were standing at the dock addressing questions and directing traffic.
Written September 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
duck8to
Montville, NJ6,858 contributions
Jul 2020
The Jenny Lake Visitor Center is where to begin your Jenny Lake boating experience. Canoes, kayaks, paddle boarding and the ferry can all be accessed here. The Jenny Lake Visitor Center also has a store, it is the access point to various trail heads and the boat ferry.
Some people choose to hike around the lake which is about a 7 mile hike while others choose to take the ferry($18 per/person round trip). The ferry drops you off on the other side of the lake. From that point two trail heads are available. One takes you to the Hidden Falls (1 mile back and forth). The other trail takes you to Inspiration Point which is another (1 mile back and forth). Because of the COVID-19, the ferries run on half capacity and wait lines exist. While the staff wore masks not all the hikers do and masks are not enforced.
You can book the boat ride online on their easy to use website. The website will also tell you how many seats are left on the boat. The lake is crystal clear and the trails are beautiful. This is back country so bring bear spray and know how to use it, otherwise enjoy the abundant wildlife, mountains and crystal clear waters.
Some people choose to hike around the lake which is about a 7 mile hike while others choose to take the ferry($18 per/person round trip). The ferry drops you off on the other side of the lake. From that point two trail heads are available. One takes you to the Hidden Falls (1 mile back and forth). The other trail takes you to Inspiration Point which is another (1 mile back and forth). Because of the COVID-19, the ferries run on half capacity and wait lines exist. While the staff wore masks not all the hikers do and masks are not enforced.
You can book the boat ride online on their easy to use website. The website will also tell you how many seats are left on the boat. The lake is crystal clear and the trails are beautiful. This is back country so bring bear spray and know how to use it, otherwise enjoy the abundant wildlife, mountains and crystal clear waters.
Written August 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Amy Jo C
Dixon, IL13 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
Our guide Hauna was knowledgeable and friendly- we learned about the history and formation of the lake and surrounding mountains. She also gave us recommendations of other places to visit for views. Smaller boat meant we could see everything and be more personal in asking her questions.there is a walk to the marina, although it is completely paved. I highly recommend it as good for all ages and definitely worth the price.
Written July 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Robert C
Harmony, PA59 contributions
Jun 2022
This was a great informational trip around a small but beautiful lake. We enjoyed learning about the lake and its formation as well as the mountains that flank it. You were able to ask questions not only about Jenny Lake but also Teton National Park as well. The guide was easy to understand, informational, and added a bit of humor to put everyone in a great mood. We would absolutely recommend this tour.
Written June 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
w0rld_traveler_4_28
Columbus, OH428 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
We arrived at 8:30 and waited an hour to get on a boat over. We had planned to walk back, but then hiked a lot further into the canyon with our 6-year-old than expected, so felt she couldn’t make it the extra 2 miles. We got in line at the 30 minute marker and it took easily an hour, primarily due to people jumping the line to join their separated parties. One woman brought an extra 7 people with her. The company may not be able to manage the entire long line, but once you get closer to the waiting area, they need to manage this type of behavior.
Written July 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
AveMaria
Alexandria, VA22 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Our experience with our Jenny Lake cruise was wonderful.! Mike was an excellent captain and guide, and offered great knowledge of the history of the park. Very much appreciated that he wove in Native American history and a perspective of the first peoples of this area.
The administrative staff was also very kind in allowing us to reschedule the cruise to the next day when we realized that we booked it for the wrong day.
The morning on the water was just perfect, what a beautiful way to enjoy the park! Highly recommend, and would absolutely do again!
The administrative staff was also very kind in allowing us to reschedule the cruise to the next day when we realized that we booked it for the wrong day.
The morning on the water was just perfect, what a beautiful way to enjoy the park! Highly recommend, and would absolutely do again!
Written September 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tammi P
Colorado Springs, CO86 contributions
Jul 2020
We took one of the last boats across the lake (big mistake). The boat ride was fine, but when we got to the other side, the line to come back across the lake was so long it was ridiculous. (There was good wifi and cell service there though--strange. It was good because I had to sign something last minute for the refi on my house and wasn't able to get service anywhere else). We decided not to wait for the boat back and to walk around the lake on the trail. It wasn't too bad of a hike physically, but it was longer than I thought it would seem. It was beautiful. When we were close to getting back, a sudden freak windstorm came up. It was crazy. As soon as we reached our car, the sky opened up and it POURED. We got really lucky. It was quite the adventure. I only expected to take a boat ride, see a waterfall, and ride the boat back. We definitely ended up with much more than planned. There really should be more boats bringing people back, or a system that people have specific return times.
Written January 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
IndyKevin317
Indianapolis, IN105 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
The boat trip was nice and it helped us get across the lake quickly so that we could spend more time exploring the Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. I probably should have prepared myself more for this trip. We had already hiked five miles in different areas of the park and the boat ride saved us from having to hike another five miles and we were running low on time. I really enjoyed climbing to Inspiration Point and it was a relief that I didn’t have to hike back.
Written August 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Grinson4
Mason, OH19 contributions
May 2021
Just be prepared to wait or hike both ways if necessary. We hiked in to beat the possible afternoon weather because we were planning to go into Cascade. Thus, 10-4 didn’t seem to fit our specific needs. We got lucky and caught a boat back with no line. A sign in the west dock line said “wait time from here is 45 minutes” which concerned me since it’s only just opened so if they have a need for that sign now, I can’t imagine when it’s busy. So yes it was convenient, but we were very close to just hiking out. It does bring a lot of people to HF and IP that wouldn’t add to the crowds otherwise, so I am torn between how great it is for them to see those two sights, versus the intrusion of a “monorail” to the front door of the attractions, so to speak. Part of me wishes the 4 plus mile RT hike was necessary for the reward. Others probably think differently and I respect their opinions.
Written May 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
debby11781
Macomb, MI11 contributions
Can you rent and take the kayak to the other side to see the falls, are the kayaks safe to
leave on shore.. what’s the cost for kayaks?
kmz88
Plon, Germany369 contributions
Not sure which falls you mean. We rented canoes (costed $20, now I can't remember if it was for 1h or 2h) and we rowed to the other side of the lake, tied it it up and relaxed on the shore. Pretty sure you can do the same with kayaks.
Gardener536
Omaha40 contributions
Hi,
We are planning a trip to The Tetons in September and want to take the Jenny Lake Shuttle across to lessen the length of the hikes. I have not found a site that gives the dates in September that the Shuttle usually runs. Does anyone know how late in Sept. they operate? I know it would be dependent on weather, but would like a ballpark. Is it common for them to run until the end of September or not?
Really appreciate any input!
rohitpathak2017
Box Hill, Australia12 contributions
Is the shuttle and hiking to hidden falls doable with 1 year old? it looks not from previous answers but I just want to be sure?
We have many families that hike to hidden falls with young children. It is a half mile hike to the falls, and then another third of a mile to inspiration point, there is a slight elevation gain and the trails do have rocks, so hiking will be at your own discretion but it is doable. Many families also opt to carry their youngest children in backpacks, as the trails are not conducive to strollers.
Ana Lynn W
1 contribution
How long should we allow for the visit to Jenny Lake - including the ride across the lake; hiking to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point and back?
FlorenceYall3030
Florence, KY308 contributions
I would allow 3-4 hours. The shuttle runs frequently and only takes about 10 minutes or less to cross the lake. The trail is good and there will be a lot of people on the trail. The trail is not long but you are going up to 7,000'+ at Inspiration Point so air is little thinner. Beautiful hike and view from Inspiration Point. I would suggest going in the early morning because Jenny Lake can get very crowded and parking can be difficult to find as the day goes on. I believe we were there around 9:00 in September and were OK on parking.
Would this be something a 3 year old could do?
Joanna C
Gainesville, FL13 contributions
Hi Susan. I think it depends on your 3 year old. A very active and energetic 3 year may squirm and want to get down and move around on the boat, which would not work, due to its design and for reasons of safety. If your 3 year old is quiet and doesn’t mind being held for an hour, I think it would work. You’d have to check with Jenny Lake Boating about life preservers for a child that small to make sure they have them available.
Susan H
River Oaks, Texas, United States2 contributions
Any idea the date in May the Jenny. Lake Ferry will open?
Susan H
River Oaks, Texas, United States2 contributions
We will arrive in Jackson on May 10, 2018. We will be back in Jackson Hole on May 15. Will the Jenny Lake Ferry be open during this time? Fingers crossed!
pena240
Branson, MO8 contributions
Is the hike to the Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point too hard for kids age 8-10yr?
