Hike Jenny Lake in Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park

Name:	Jenny Lake Trail
Type:	Loop
Trailhead:	Boat Dock
Map:	GPX
Round Trip Length:	8 miles
Time:	3 Hours
Nearest City:	Moose, WY
Best Time of Year:	August- September
Elevation Gain:	1,265 feet
Highest Point:	7,187 feet

You can find Jenny Lake nestled under the high peaks of Grand Teton National Park. The trail encircles the lake but gives several options for how you want to tackle the walk. Hike the entire trail, take a boat ride one way, or skip the walking altogether. The Jenny Lake hike is the most popular in Grand Teton National Park. Depending on your level of wilderness prowess, that description may make or break this hike for you. 

Difficulty: Is Jenny Lake an Easy Hike?

The trail is rated easy in the official brochure of Grand Teton National Park; however, in my experience, these ratings mean absolutely nothing. If you actually hike the full trail, I would lean toward a moderate difficulty. This means plan to be sweaty and out of breath. Also, plan on stopping three or four times for a snack break. And don’t you dare try to wear denim on this hike (looking at you people who don’t go outside often). Chaffing is no joke, my friend. 

This difficulty rating does not include the grind to Inspiration Point. That’s a whole thing on its own.

Now there is a means to make this hike super easy, and that is to take the boat shuttle. You can take the ferry one way or round trip. It’s not the cheapest way to get around, but it’s fast and gives you a pleasant view of the mountains.

Jenny Lake Trail

The trail starts at the Jenny Lake Boat Dock. From here, you have a few choices on how to proceed. Hike west around the lake for elevated views and get up close and personal with the mountains. Or hike east along the shoreline for an easier time and save the elevation for last. Lastly, you can say to hell with hill climbing and just take the ferry across.

This was our first hike of the day, so we chose the up first and headed west.

The trail winds through thick timber. You’ll wander your way through wildflowers as you begin your ascent. Be bear-aware during the early stages of this hike. You’re more likely to run into a grouse (or as I like to call them “forest chickens”) but just be vigilant.

At the top of your climb, you’ll reach a large boulder patch with a great view of the lake. Many people confuse this spot with Inspiration Point. They are not the same but have similar views. After the viewpoint, you’ll begin to make your descent. Soon you’ll hear the water bellowing from Hidden Falls.

Hidden Falls

You’ll reach the junction as the trail levels off. The split is well marked, so it should be easy to navigate. One way goes to Hidden Falls, and the other goes to the boat dock on the north side of the lake.

Hidden Falls is far from secluded. It’s one of the most popular spots in the park (They should really think about changing the name). The boat ride makes it easy for everyone to get to it, and that kinda ruins it for me. The waterfall is lovely, but it is forgettable compared to other aspects of the park. And the swarms of people take away from the wildness of the experience.

Inspiration Point

Across the wooden bridge from the waterfall is a series of switchbacks that lead to Inspiration Point. If you opted to take the ferry across, it’s worth checking out. If you hiked here, the outlook is not very inspiring despite the name. Considering you have already seen some great views along the western trail, I would argue it is not worth the effort.

Return Via the Jenny Lake Ferry

If you have had enough of trail wandering for the day, you can take the boat back to the trailhead. It will run you $10/person for a one-way ticket, but it saves you 2 miles of walking. The Shuttles run every 10-15 minutes throughout the day. If you want to avoid crowds, your best bet is to reverse the trail. Take the first boat across in the morning and then hike back. The ferry leaves sometime before 7 AM so you’ll have to sacrifice the beauty sleep. Don’t worry, the bears don’t care how you look.

Our Take

I enjoyed the trail around Jenny Lake, but it is not the best hike in Grand Teton National Park. That vote goes to Taggart Lake. Jenny Lake was pretty, but the highlights were jammed with tourists, and it made me feel claustrophobic even in the great outdoors. 

The best part of the trail was the boat ride back. I think if I could do it again, I would opt to rent a canoe and paddle across. It would have allowed for more relaxed views away from people. Plus, I could do a little fishing along the way.

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Jenny Lake Facts

– Located at an altitude of 6,783′

– The lake is 423′ deep.

Trail Tips

• Bring Bear Spray
• Bring lots of snacks
• Go early to avoid crowds

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