Epic Guide to Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Jenny Lake is one of the most popular attractions in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. Visitors can enjoy epic hiking trails, boat rides, renting a canoe, and wildlife viewing at the base of the Teton Range. The Tetons offer epic views around every corner of this park.

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Jenny Lake - Grand Teton National Park

The first thing you need to know about visiting Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park is it is EXTREMELY POPULAR and BUSY!! If I could make the words "extremely busy" and "popular" in bigger, bolder, flashing Las Vegas-style neon lights I would. Why? Because that is how busy this part of the park is.

The parking lot fills up EARLY! Earlier than you probably want to think about it filling up. It is not uncommon to pull into the parking lot and see multiple cars just driving in circles trying to find a parking space. You will also see cars parking along the roadside and people hiking to reach the visitor center and trailheads.

You will want to plan time to find parking and get to the visitor center and trails. I also suggest having a few alternative plans in case there is no parking available.

Great alternatives to Jenny Lake include driving the Moose-Wilson Road to look for wildlife, drive down to Menor's Ferry Historic District to learn more about this part of the park, or head over to Mormon Row for a while to take photos before heading back to see if parking is available.

Where is Jenny Lake?

Jenny Lake is located off of Teton Park Road. There are quite a few signs in the park leading you to the South Jenny Lake area.

The lake is located 19.5 miles from Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Jenny Lake Visitor Center

The Jenny Lake Visitor Center is housed in the historic Harrison Crandall Studio. The original building was built in the 1920s, and recent renovations were completed in 2019.

Harrison Crandall worked as the park's first official photographer in the late 1920s. He sold postcards and photographs from this cabin.

Today you can visit the visitor center to learn more about the impact of art in the park. Shop at the Grand Teton Association store and ask rangers questions about the area.

The visitor center is open daily from late spring through mid-fall, with extended hours during the summer season.

You can get your National Park Passport Book stamp in the visitor center.

We like to use these circle stickers for park stamps so we don't have to bring our passport book with us on every trip.

The National Park Passport Book program is a great way to document all of the parks you have visitied.

You can get Passport Stickers and Annual Stamp Sets to help enhance your Passport Book.

Jenny Lake Ferry Shuttle Boat

The Jenny Lake Shuttle runs daily and eliminates a 2-mile hike (each way) to the Cascade Canyon trailhead. You will want to check to see what times the boat shuttles are running. Times vary by season.

Shuttles run every 10-15 minutes throughout the day.

Options are available to take the shuttle boat round-trip (over and back with hiking time between) or taking the Ferry Shuttle Boat One-way and hike one way).

The boat dock is just down from the visitor center.

Hiking Trails

Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point are two of the most popular hiking trails in this area. If you plan to hike in Grand Teton, please pack the ten essentials and take a hiking map with you.

Jenny Lake Trails are some of the most popular trails in all of Grand Teton National Park!

Discovery Trail

The Discovery Trail is a paved, 0.35m/0.56km trail, with wheelchair access to Jenny Lake.

Hidden Falls

Hidden Falls is accessible via the Jenny Lake Loop Trail (4.8 miles Roundtrip) or by taking the shuttle boat to shorten the hike (1-mile Roundtrip).

The trail is dirt with sections of rock steps and exposed obstacles, such as roots and rocks.

Inspiration Point

Inspiration Point is accessible via the Jenny Lake Loop Trail (5.8 miles RT) or by taking the shuttle boat to shorten the hike (2 miles RT).

The trail has 500 ft (152.4 m) of elevation gain. The trail is dirt with several sections of rock stairs and exposed roots. The trail crosses exposed rock and features several steep switchbacks.

Boat Rentals

Canoes and Kayaks are available for rent from the Jenny Lake Boating Company.

Find out more here.

Jenny Lake Scenic Drive

The scenic drive is gorgeous! The drive goes by the Jenny Lake Lodge and through a beautiful forest. The main attraction of the scenic drive is a gorgeous scenic overlook.

Wildlife

Grizzly bears and black bears are frequent visitors to this part of the park. Make sure you are always Bear Aware and know what is happening around you.

Always maintain a distance of at least 100yds/91m from bears and 25yds/23m from other wildlife.

Jenny Lake Ranger Station

Jenny Lake Ranger Station was originally the homestead cabin of Lee Manges. The building was built by Lee Manges in 1925. It was turned into the park's first ranger station and museum in 1930.

The Jenny Lake Ranger Station is home to the Jenny Lake Climbing Rangers. If you are planning to climb, overnight camp, or head out on a strenuous adventure you will want to check into the ranger station first.

A permit is required for all overnight stays in the Grand Teton backcountry. All permits for climbing must be picked up from the Jenny Lake Ranger Station during the summer.

A boating permit is required for all motorized or non-motorized used in Grand Teton. The Jenny Lake Ranger Station is cash only.

The Ranger Station is late spring through early fall.

Don't forget to pack

Insect repellent is always a great idea outdoors, especially around any body of water.

We use Permethrin Spray on our clothes before our park trips. Please read my article on preventing biting insects while enjoying the outdoors.

Sunscreen - I buy environmentally friendly sunscreen whenever possible because you inevitably pull it out at the beach.

Bring your water bottle and plenty of water with you. Plastic water bottles are not sold in the park.

Sunglasses - I always bring sunglasses with me. I personally love Goodr sunglasses because they are lightweight, durable, and have awesome National Park Designs from several National Parks like Joshua Tree, Yellowstone, Hawaii Volcanoes, Acadia, Denali, and more!

Click here to get your National Parks Edition of Goodr Sunglasses!

Binoculars/Spotting Scope - These will help spot birds and wildlife and make them easier to identify. We tend to see waterfowl in the distance, and they are always just a bit too far to identify them without binoculars.

Camera and Lenses - You will want to have a zoom lens for wildlife, a wide-angle lens to get the Teton range and lake in the photo, and a tripod.

Dress in layers - It can be really windy on the lake and super cold. Dressing in layers will make your lake experience so much better.

How did Jenny Lake get its name?

The name Jenny Lake dates back to the Hayden Expedition of 1872 when Jenny Leigh, Shoshone Indian wife of Richard "Beaver Dick" Leigh, assisted the expedition.

Closest Campgrounds

Jenny Lake Campground - Jenny Lake Campground does not allow trailers, campers, or generators. The site is for tents only. Vehicles cannot be over 8-feet high or 14 feet long.

Things to know

The road from Moose to Jenny Lake is closed in the winter.

National Park Service Website - https://www.nps.gov/grte/index.htm

Grand Teton National Park Lodging Options

Lodging in Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park has several National Park lodges, including Signal Mountain Lodge, Jenny Lake Lodge, Jackson Lake Lodge, Headwaters at Flagg Ranch, Triangle X Dude Ranch, and Colter Bay Village Cabins.

Signal Mountain Lodge

🏨Ready to Book the Signal Mountain Lodge -> Click Here

Why Book here? How about rooms with jaw-dropping EPIC Views of Jackson Lake in the foreground and the Tetons in the background! There is nothing quite like sitting on the deck with a cup of coffee watching sunrise. The Signal Mountain Lodge is open from Early May to mid - October.

Jenny Lake Lodge

🏨Ready to Book the Jenny Lake Lodge -> Click Here

Why stay here? This is by far, the closest accomodations to Jenny Lake and all of its wonders! Now you can get to the parking lot early and beat the insane crowds trying to get to this piece of heaven. The cabins are secluded and located east of Jenny Lake, this resort is a high-class destination for the well-pampered traveler. The dining room offers a prix fixe menu with a local and international flair. Open Early June to Early October.

Jackson Lake Lodge

🏨Ready to Book the Jackson Lake Lodge -> Click Here

Why stay here? The main lodge area is absolutely EPIC with sweeping panoramic views of the Teton Range and Signal Mountain from the full wall of windows! Don't forget to hang out by the fireplace and stop in a restaurant to enjoy the full lodge experience.

With spectacular dining in the world-renowned Mural Room, shopping opportunities in its three gift shops, guided activities, and a comprehensive conference facility. Its easy to see why this lodge draws thousands of guests from May through October each year.

Headwaters at Flagg Ranch

🏨Ready to Book the Headwaters at Flagg Ranch -> Click Here

Season - Early June to Late September

Why stay here? Location, Location, Location! The Headwaters Lodge at Flagg Ranch is actually located on the Rockefeller Memorial Parkway just South of Grand Teton National Park, and just North of Yellowstone National Park. The cabins are very nice and makes it easy to explore both parks in one convient location.

Colter Bay Village Cabins

🏨Ready to Book the Colter Bay Village Cabins -> Click Here

Why stay here? these cabins are so cute and give the log cabin feel! They also provide easy access to the Colter Bay Marina and village. The historic cabins are over 90 years old and feel like you are stepping back in time but still have modern amenities. Open from Late May to Late September.

Lodging near Grand Teton National Park

Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole

🏨Ready to Book the -> Click Here

Do you want to stay in a hotel with 5-star old luxury charm, phenomonal spa treatments, concierge, and delicious dining? Consider a stay at Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole and take advantage of the nightclub, and a terrace. Yoga classes are offered at the health club. Free in-room Wi-Fi is available to all guests, along with a hair salon and an arcade/game room.

Fireside Resort

🏨Ready to Book the Fireside Resort -> Click Here

Why Stay here? Super cute small cabins right off the Moose-Wilson Road! Cabins feature a spa tub, coffee/tea in a common area, and concierge services. Free Wi-Fi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Additionally, laundry facilities, tour/ticket assistance, and a garden are onsite. All 20 cabins boast fireplaces and offer free Wi-Fi and kitchens. Patios and living rooms are standard, as are flat-screen TVs with cable channels.

Click on the map below to see additional vacation rentals and lodging options near the park.

Additional Grand Teton National Park Information & Resources

Grand Teton National Park Guided Tours

Tetons and Snake River Scenic Float Trip in Jackson Hole
⭐️ Rating: 4.8 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 3 hours | 🛶Check Rates and Availability

This would be, without a doubt, the tour I would choose! Take a relaxing rafting trip from Jackson Hole, drift down a scenic section of Wyoming's wildlife-laden Snake River, where moose, deer, river otters, and eagles can be seen from your raft. Be sure to bring your camera to photograph any wildlife that appears on the banks, and also capture the stunning landscape extending out from the Tetons.

Grand Teton Wildlife Safari in an enclosed or Open-Air Vehicle
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 4 hours | 🚌Check Rates and Availability

Join a local naturalist and guide for a ride in an open-air safari vehicle (seasonal) on dirt roads and on paved highways within Grand Teton National Park, where you scour the landscape at dawn or dusk for wolves, moose and elk. Look for eagles soaring overhead or deer walking through the woods, and there's even a chance that you can spot a bear roaming near the road. The guides also discusses the areas ecology, history, geology, and culture, and also stops so that you can take photos.

Grand Teton Half-Day Tour
⭐️ Rating: 4.8 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 4 hours | 🚌Check Rates and Availability

Explore the highlights of Grand Teton National Park from either Jackson or Teton Village. Travel along the Gros Ventre River to the Mormon Row Historic District, Moose Junction, and other places where wildlife roam. Use the provided spotting scope and field glasses to get a close look at the animals like moose, elk, and eagles.

Grand Teton National Park Entrance Fee

Park entrance fees are separate from camping and lodging fees.

Park Entrance Pass - $35.00 Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)

Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle - $30.00 Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)

Per-Person Entrance Pass - $20.00 Visitors 16 years or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.

Annual Park Entrance Pass - $70.00, Admits pass holder and all passengers in a non-commercial vehicle. Valid for one year from the month of purchase.

$25.00 for Commercial Sedan with 1-6 seats and non-commercial groups (16+ persons)

$125.00 for Commercial Van with 7-15 seats

$200.00 for Commercial Mini-Bus with 16-25 seats

$300.00 for Commercial Motor Coach with 26+ seats

Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.

$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.

2024 America The Beautiful National Park Pass

Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.

National Park Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.