Hike Jenny Lake Trails in Grand Teton, Wyoming
Located just 10 miles from Yellowstone, Grand Tenton National Park offers many outstanding sites and experiences that are nothing short of spectacular. The ancient mountains of Grand Teton contain some of the oldest rocks of any National Park, dating to nearly 2.7 billion years ago. The park is named after its tallest Mountain Grand Teton which translates to “large nipple” in French.
Grand Teton National Park covers about 310,000 acres of beautiful meadows, breathtaking mountain ranges, amazing hiking trails and serene lakes. One area that lets you experience it all is Jenny Lake. This is one of most popular– if not the most popular — locations in the park. Located at Jenny Lake is the wonderful Hidden Falls Trail. If you do any hike at Grand Teton National Park, this is the one.
The Hidden Falls hike runs through Jenny Lake. You have the option of taking the Jenny Lake Trail around Jenny Lake, kayaking, or taking the shuttle boat across the lake to the Cascade Canyon Trailhead. The boat cuts off about 2 miles (each way) of walking. Shuttles run every 10-15 minutes throughout the day. An adult roundtrip ticket costs $20 or $12 one way. A child (2-11 years) costs $12 roundtrip or $10 one way. Because we explored with kids we hopped on the shuttle and began our adventure.
After the boat docks and you depart, the hike begins. A walk along the dirt path leads to the staircase to heaven (we made that up). Very early on in the hike you can hear water rushing down the mountain with fresh mountain air recharging your every step as you charge ahead. The pathways are fairly clear and not overcrowded (even though the parking lot would say otherwise).
A little over a mile into the hike you’ll reach a short, hidden trail on your left. From the trail you can see an opening through a gap in the trees … that is where Hidden Falls resides. Once you enter the viewing area you’ll see the impressive waterfall that sits at the mouth of Cascade Canyon. The waterfall drops one hundred feet as it tumbles down the mountain before smoothing out into the creek below.
The viewing area at Hidden Falls is very spacious and shaded. There are many areas near the waterfall or up on the hillside where you can regroup before you take on your Jenny Lake Challenge.
If you’re ready to get back after discovering Hidden Falls then head back down the mountain. If you want to take on the Cheaterie Challenge at Jenny Lake then make a left back at the trail and proceed to Inspiration Point. This is where the fun really begins. The trails will get rocky, you will climb large rocks and scale mountain sides. But at the top you’ll see the chunkiest chipmunks you’ll ever see and views that are social media worthy. Now, while all of this seems treacherous, it’s actually not. Our four year old hiked the mountain like a boss which made the hike that much more enjoyable … Although we did help him when things got a little tight (as you’ll see).
On your way up to the top you’ll discover several open areas with great views, but continue up to the top. Once you get to the rocky ledge, continue along the narrow path to a large stone doorway. Once you’ve passed the stones you’ve made it to the top. Here you’ll have a birds-eye view of what feels like the entire country. You’ll also discover the chipmunk tree with plenty of chipmunks running around. Because people feed them they are not afraid of you. In fact, if you put your bag down and there is food in it, they may just steal everything you have … Hey, chubby chipmunks can be cheaters, too. They’ll also eat out of your hand if you want to get creative with picture taking. After you’ve had your fix, head back down and continue on the trail back towards the boat dock.
Overall, the hike was one of the most memorable and enjoyable hikes that we’ve ever been on. The entire experience from sites, trails and chipmunks make this hike one of our favorites to date. A bit of a heads-up if you plan on taking the boat. Depending on time of day, when you get back to the back dock after your hike there may be a long line, as everyone else is coming off the mountain, too. The shuttle boats come in one at a time so it’s not the fastest process (but it’s not that slow either). So just be prepared to stand in line after you’re tired from hiking. Mentally preparing for that might make it easier. Plus you can use the time to talk about amazing cheat meals that you just earned.
Enjoy the hike. Have fun. Be safe. Cheaters always win.
Cost of Adventure
- Per vehicle: $35 (for 7 days)
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Total distance: 2.3 miles
- Calories burned: 300 – 500 calories
- Time suggested: 3-4 hours
- Family friendly: YES
- Park size: 310,00 acres
Challenge Yourself
Once you’ve discovered and take in the beauty of Hidden Falls, take on the challenge of conquering Inspiration Point. The trek to get there is a little rocky but every cheater needs to live on the edge every once in awhile. Take on the challenge and experience some great picture taking and memories that will last forever.
Find Great Photo Ops
National Parks present incredible opportunities to take once-in-a-lifetime phots that you’ll show people for the rest of your life. Grand Teton National Park is no different. The amazing mountain views, colors of the sky and deep-blue water, the hikes and all the treasures that hide within the park give you amazing photo ops at every turn.
Complete the Scavenger Hunt
Completing the scavenger hunt at Jenny Lake should be a breeze as long as you take on the Cheater’s Challenge at Inspiration Point. With all the sites to see and exploring to do you’ll complete the scavenger hunt faster than you can say strawberry rhubarb pie … or will you?
