Jenny Lake

There is nothing more iconic than a boat ride across Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park. 

Visitors have many options in how to explore Jenny Lake. With trails to hike, ferries across the lake, scuba diving in the underwater forests, or just taking in the glacial centerpiece that sits at the base of the Tetons, it’s not surprising that Jenny Lake is one of the most highly visited destinations in Grand Teton National Park–which also means it can be to find a parking spot, requiring visitors to park alongside of the road. 

Bring your boat, kayak or paddleboard, or take the hike around the lake to reach Hidden Falls, a 100-foot waterfall, and Inspiration Point which has a gentle gain in elevation but does include stretches with rock stairs. 

​​The Discovery Trail is a paved, less than half a mile trail, with wheelchair access to Jenny Lake. Educational exhibits along The Discovery Trail make it easy to learn more about area wildlife, history, and the creation of the landscape.

The vistas at Jenny Lake include Teewinot Mountain, Mount St. John, and Cascade Canyon. From the west shore, visitors can look back across the lake towards the Jackson Valley.

The Jenny Lake Visitor Center is inside the historic Harrison Crandall Studio. The original building was built in the 1920s, and recent renovations were completed in 2019. Rangers are on-site to help with trail information, and wildlife identification and provide some history about the area. 

There is a lot of bear activity in the area and so visitors should be equipped with bear spray and know how to handle trash and food securely while camping in the area. As it’s one of the most popular destinations in the park, reservations go quickly for the lodge and the campsites.