Jenny Lake Trail, Grand Teton National Park, WY

Jenny Lake Trail is one of the busiest trails in Grand Teton National Park. Jenny Lake itself was formed some sixty thousand years ago from melting glaciers. This deep blue lake is at the heart of Grand Teton National Park. It sets at the base of Teewinot Mountain. The lake is quite deep at 260 feet at its deepest point. There are many hiking trails that branch out from the Jenny Lake trail. Hikes that can be taken from the Jenny Lake trail are to Inspiration Point and Hidden Falls.

The trail around Jenny Lake is about 6.6 miles and is considered to be an easy to moderate hike. Guests of the park can take a boat ride across the lake instead of hiking if they prefer. By taking a boat shuttle from the eastern shore boat dock the trail is cut in half.

Most people begin the walk at Jenny Lake Visitor Center. The parking lot is quite large, but does fill up quickly in the summer with visitors. After guests look through the visitor's center they take the trail around the lake or get on the shuttle boat. Because taking the boat is so popular there can be short waits at the dock. The shuttle boat lands on the western shore of Jenny Lake by the trailhead for Cascade Canyon. This trail also takes you on to Inspiration Point and Hidden Falls.

Because the weather can get quite warm in July and August visitors should bring along a bathing suit to take a dip in the cold water of Jenny Lake to refresh themselves. If visitors to Jenny Lake are hungry after the hike, a fifteen minute drive north will take them to Signal Mountain Lodge for a great lunch overlooking Jackson Lake. The road that runs from Moose to Jenny Lake Trail is only open in warmer weather and closed throughout the winter.

Trails other than the ones to Inspiration Point and Hidden Falls from Jenny Lake Trail area include the Amphitheater Lake Trail, which is an almost ten miles round trip and is considered difficult because of the three thousand foot climb. Guests will enjoy a great view of Disappointment Peak, Grand Teton and Teewinot peak. Leigh Lake, String Lake, Taggart Lake and Bradley Lake trails all branch off the Jenny Lake Trail. String and Leigh Lakes trail are considered easy hikes, with String Lake a 3.3 mile round trip and Leigh Lake a 7.5 mile round trip. Taggart and Bradley Lakes are a moderate hike and approximately five miles for a round trip. This last trailhead is reached by car because it is about 6 miles south of Jenny Lake.

Jenny Lake Lodge is right there so visitors can get refreshments at the restaurants or stay the night. There are single room cabins or suites available that include breakfast and a five course dinner in the room rate. Guests can get information on float trips, Jackson Lake cruises or other information about Grand Teton National Park.